Defining 'Clean' in the Supplement Industry
Before assessing Ancient Nutrition, it's vital to understand what "clean" means in the context of dietary supplements. As the term is not regulated, its interpretation can vary widely among consumers. Generally, a clean supplement brand is characterized by:
- Transparent Ingredients: Full disclosure of all components, avoiding proprietary blends.
- Recognizable Sourcing: Ingredients from natural, whole-food, or trusted, traceable sources.
- Minimal Processing: Avoiding unnecessary synthetic or artificial additives.
- Free from Synthetics: No artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
- Rigorous Testing: Independent third-party verification for purity and potency.
- Sustainable Practices: Commitment to ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing and manufacturing.
Ancient Nutrition's Purity and Quality Commitments
On the surface, Ancient Nutrition aligns well with many facets of the "clean" brand definition. Founded by Dr. Josh Axe and Jordan Rubin in 2016, the brand emphasizes ancient health traditions and modern nutritional science. Their public-facing commitments and brand messaging paint a compelling picture of purity.
High-Quality Sourcing
Ancient Nutrition sources many of its key ingredients from its own certified regenerative farms and other sustainable U.S. sources. This allows for a "seed-to-bottle" manufacturing process for some products, which ensures control over quality and minimizes external contamination. For example, their collagen products use ingredients from grass-fed bovine, cage-free chicken, and sustainably sourced fish.
Exclusion of Artificial Ingredients
A key pillar of Ancient Nutrition's approach is avoiding synthetic additives. The brand has been consistently praised by reviewers and customers for not including artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors in its formulas. This commitment meets a foundational standard for many consumers seeking clean products.
Certifications and Environmentalism
To bolster its quality claims, the company holds multiple certifications, including being a Certified B Corporation and a CarbonNeutral company. They also donate a percentage of revenue to their R.A.N.C.H. Project, which supports regenerative agriculture. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility that goes beyond basic ingredient lists.
The Arguments Against Ancient Nutrition's 'Clean' Status
Despite the positive aspects, a closer look reveals several areas of concern that might prevent discerning consumers from labeling Ancient Nutrition as unequivocally "clean."
Proprietary Blends and Transparency
For many of its products, particularly collagen, Ancient Nutrition uses a "proprietary blend" for its multi-collagen complex. While the company provides a list of the amino acids present, it does not disclose the specific quantity of each ingredient within the blend. This lack of transparency can be a deal-breaker for consumers who want to know the precise dose of every component.
Third-Party Testing Issues
While Ancient Nutrition claims to perform third-party testing for purity and heavy metals, the transparency surrounding these tests is lacking. A review by Garage Gym Reviews, which conducted its own independent testing, found that Ancient Nutrition's "typical" Certificate of Analysis (COA) lacked critical details like lot numbers and testing dates. This limited information makes it difficult for consumers to independently verify the test results for their specific product batch.
Lawsuit and Claims Validation
A class-action lawsuit filed in 2023 alleged that Ancient Nutrition falsely advertised its "Brain Boost" product, claiming it was clinically studied and effective when the ingredients were not scientifically proven to support cognitive function as advertised. While the lawsuit was specific to one product, it raises questions about the company's marketing practices and the substantiation of its claims.
Presence of Natural Flavors and Thickeners
Some Ancient Nutrition products contain ingredients like "natural flavors," xanthan gum, and stevia. While these are generally considered safe, some consumers who follow a strict clean-eating diet prefer to avoid them. For this segment of the market, the inclusion of these additives might be viewed as a deviation from a truly pristine, whole-food standard.
Comparison: Ancient Nutrition vs. Competitors
To better contextualize Ancient Nutrition's position, let's compare it against another brand, such as Transparent Labs, which is often cited for its high level of transparency.
| Feature | Ancient Nutrition | Transparent Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Sourcing | Utilizes regenerative farms and sustainable sources. | High-quality, grass-fed bovine source. |
| Ingredient Transparency | Uses some proprietary blends, meaning specific ingredient amounts aren't fully disclosed. | Lists the exact amount of each ingredient, providing superior transparency. |
| Third-Party Testing | Claims to test, but documentation lacks key details like lot numbers. | Informed Choice certified, a reputable third-party certification program. |
| Additives | Excludes artificial ingredients but uses "natural flavors," xanthan gum, and stevia in some products. | Explicitly avoids artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. |
| Additional Ingredients | Often includes additional functional ingredients like probiotics and Vitamin C. | Focuses solely on high-purity collagen with no added functional ingredients. |
| Overall 'Clean' Perception | Mixed, with strong marketing but some transparency gaps and third-party testing concerns. | Generally very high, due to superior ingredient transparency and robust testing verification. |
Conclusion: A Qualified 'Clean' for Ancient Nutrition
Ultimately, whether Ancient Nutrition is a "clean" brand is not a simple yes or no answer. The company excels in many areas, such as using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and avoiding many common artificial additives. Its commitment to sustainability through regenerative agriculture and its B Corp status further enhance its clean credentials.
However, for consumers who prioritize absolute ingredient transparency and robust, independently verifiable third-party testing, Ancient Nutrition falls short. The use of proprietary blends and the limited detail on its Certificates of Analysis prevent it from reaching the highest standards of transparency set by competitors. Additionally, the past legal challenges concerning misleading claims, though specific to one product, may give some consumers pause.
In summary, Ancient Nutrition is a solid choice for many, offering superior quality compared to many mainstream supplement brands. But for those who define "clean" by absolute transparency and verifiable testing data for every ingredient, it may not be the perfect fit. It is up to each individual to weigh the brand's positive attributes against its potential shortcomings to determine if it meets their personal definition of a clean brand. For more in-depth reviews on supplement brands, you can consult independent review sites like The Nutrition Insider.
