The question of how old you should be to use Bloom supplements hinges entirely on which product you are considering. Bloom Nutrition provides clear age guidelines for its adult and children's formulas, an important distinction given the different nutritional needs of growing bodies and adults. While the popular greens powder is widely marketed on social media, consumers must be aware of these age recommendations to ensure proper and safe use.
Adult Bloom Greens Are Not for Minors
Bloom Nutrition's core Greens & Superfoods product is formulated with adults in mind and is not suitable for children or teenagers. According to the company's official FAQ page, their products are recommended for those 18 years of age and older. This guideline is reinforced by product listings on various retailer sites, which often contain warnings advising against use by those under 18.
There are several reasons for this restriction:
- Potency of Ingredients: Adult formulas often contain higher concentrations of specific herbs, adaptogens, and probiotics. For example, Bloom's Greens contain ingredients like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola root powders, which are adaptogens that have not been extensively studied for their effects on adolescents. A developing body has different needs and might not process these compounds in the same way as an adult's body.
- Digestive Differences: Some ingredients, particularly certain fibers and digestive enzymes in concentrated forms, can be hard on a teenager's or child's still-developing digestive system. An excess of certain components can cause gas, bloating, and other GI discomfort.
- Lack of Regulation: The supplement industry is not strictly regulated by the FDA in the same manner as pharmaceuticals. As a result, companies must establish their own safety guidelines, and Bloom's 18+ recommendation for its adult products serves as a necessary safety precaution.
Bloom Offers a Dedicated Kids' Formula
For younger individuals, Bloom Nutrition created a specific product line: Bloom Kids' Greens & Superfoods. This formula is explicitly designed for children aged 4 and up and is crafted to support the unique needs of a growing body.
Key Differences in Formulation
The Kids' formula is specifically tailored for a younger audience, with significant differences from the adult version.
- Simplified Ingredients: The Kids' Greens feature a milder blend of over 20 fruits and vegetables, and avoids the more potent adaptogens and enzyme blends found in the adult version.
- Essential Nutrients: In addition to fruit and veggie powders, the kids' product is fortified with essential multivitamins and minerals such as Vitamins A, B, C, D, and Zinc to aid in healthy development and immunity.
- Taste and Texture: The kids' version is offered in kid-friendly flavors, like Tropical Punch and Strawberry Apple, and formulated to be appealing to a child's palate to make taking vitamins easier.
Adult vs. Kids' Bloom: A Comparison Table
| Feature | Bloom Adult Greens & Superfoods | Bloom Kids' Greens & Superfoods |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Age | 18+ years | 4+ years |
| Ingredients | 30+ ingredients, including adaptogens, digestive enzyme blends, probiotics, fiber, fruits, and vegetables | 20+ fruits and veggies, multivitamins, and prebiotics & probiotics |
| Focus | Supports gut health, bloating, energy levels, and overall wellness in adults | Supports healthy growth, digestion, and immunity in children |
| Adaptogens | Includes adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola | No adaptogens are included |
| Flavoring | Available in multiple flavors, some sweetened with Stevia | Kid-friendly flavors like Tropical Punch and Strawberry Apple, with no added sugar |
| Warnings | Not for use if pregnant, nursing, or under 18 | Consult a healthcare provider if your child has a medical condition or is on medication |
The Importance of Professional Medical Advice
Regardless of age, consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement is essential. This is particularly true for children and teenagers, where specific nutritional needs vary based on growth stage, diet, and overall health. A doctor or registered dietitian can help determine if a greens powder is necessary and whether it might interact with any medications or underlying health conditions.
Moreover, supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet. A whole foods approach rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients is always the cornerstone of good health, for both adults and children alike. Supplements like Bloom are intended to complement, not replace, a balanced diet.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While greens powders are generally considered safe for the appropriate age group, there can be risks. Some users of Bloom's adult formula have reported experiencing increased bloating, possibly due to the stevia leaf extract or other ingredients. For children, the risks are less known, which is why sticking to the specifically formulated Kids' product and consulting a doctor is the safest approach. There are also concerns within the unregulated supplement industry about potential contaminants, reinforcing the need for caution.
Conclusion
To determine how old you should be to use Bloom, it's necessary to identify the specific product. For Bloom Greens & Superfoods, the age recommendation is strictly 18+, while the Bloom Kids' line is appropriate for children 4 and up. These distinct age guidelines are based on different nutritional formulations and safety considerations for adults and children. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially for minors, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual health needs. The best practice remains prioritizing a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods, with supplements serving as a complementary aid rather than a replacement.
Visit the official Bloom Nutrition website for further product information.
