Understanding the Bloom Greens Formula
Bloom Nutrition's Greens & Superfoods powder contains various ingredients within proprietary blends, including a Fiber Blend, Pre- and Probiotic Blend, and Digestive Enzyme Blend. These blends are intended to support digestive health and reduce bloating.
- Fiber Blend: Includes chicory root, organic flaxseed, and apple fruit powder, providing 2 grams of fiber per scoop.
- Pre- and Probiotic Blend: Contains prebiotic blue agave inulin and three probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: Features enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase to assist in food breakdown.
The Problem with Proprietary Blends and Dosing
A major concern for nutritionists is Bloom's use of proprietary blends, which means the specific amount of each ingredient within the blend is not disclosed, only the total blend weight. This lack of transparency makes it hard to evaluate efficacy. For example, the probiotic blend does not list Colony Forming Units (CFUs), a key measure for probiotic effectiveness. Experts also suggest that the dosages of many ingredients are likely too low to have a significant impact. This practice is sometimes called “fairy dusting”.
Potential Side Effects and Individual Sensitivity
Individual responses to greens powders like Bloom vary, and while some users report reduced bloating, others experience increased digestive issues. This can be due to unique gut microbiomes. Reported side effects include increased bloating from prebiotics and fiber, gastrointestinal distress as the digestive system adjusts, and sensitivities to sweeteners like stevia leaf extract.
Lifestyle Factors vs. Supplement Effects
Supplements should support a healthy lifestyle, not replace it. Bloating is influenced by diet, hydration, stress, and activity. Lasting relief often comes from a holistic approach, including a whole-foods diet, exercise, stress management, and consulting a healthcare professional to rule out underlying conditions like IBS.
A Comparison of Greens Powders
| Feature | Bloom Greens & Superfoods | Live it Up Super Greens | Green Vibrance | Amazing Grass | Primal Greens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per Serving | ~$1.06 (subscription) | ~$1.33 (subscription) | ~$1.45 (one-time) | ~$0.90 (one-time) | ~$1.58 (one-time) |
| Organic Content | Not fully organic, uses some organic ingredients | Contains organic vegetables | Less than half of ingredients are organic | Certified organic by CCOF | Mix of ingredients, some organic |
| Ingredients | 30+ in proprietary blends | 20+ with transparent blends | 45+ with strong probiotic count | 25+ in proprietary blends | 50+ in proprietary blends |
| Digestive Enzymes | Yes (in proprietary blend) | Yes (with 3 enzymes listed) | Yes (with 6 enzymes listed) | No (less effective for gut health) | Yes (in proprietary blend) |
| Probiotic Info | CFU count not disclosed | 5 billion CFUs disclosed | 25 billion CFUs disclosed | 1 billion CFUs disclosed | 3.5 billion CFUs disclosed |
Conclusion: So, does Bloom actually work for bloating?
Whether Bloom actually works for bloating varies by individual. Some may find relief from the blend of digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. However, many experts and users doubt its effectiveness due to low ingredient dosages and proprietary blends. Its social media popularity doesn't guarantee scientific efficacy for everyone. Consider diet and lifestyle first, have realistic supplement expectations, and consult a healthcare professional. Exploring alternatives with transparent labeling may be beneficial. Sustainable gut health is achieved through long-term habits, not a single product.
The Dangers of Contaminated Supplements
Greens powders can potentially be contaminated with heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic absorbed from soil. While Bloom states third-party testing and GMP certification, contamination is a known issue in the unregulated supplement industry. Choosing brands with transparent, third-party heavy metal testing is advised. Read more about supplement safety here.