Skip to content

What are the side effects of taking Bloom? Understanding Nutrition's Risks

3 min read

The dietary supplement industry is largely unregulated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before products hit the market. This lack of oversight makes it crucial to understand what are the side effects of taking Bloom? before adding it to your routine, as user experiences and expert reviews reveal potential risks that are not widely advertised.

Quick Summary

Bloom Nutrition, particularly its greens powder, has been associated with side effects including increased bloating, digestive upset, and headaches in some individuals. Certain ingredients within its proprietary blends, such as chicory root, maltodextrin, and sweeteners like sucralose, can be potential irritants. Lack of transparent dosing makes it difficult to assess ingredient potency and safety for everyone.

Key Points

  • Increased Bloating and Gas: Many users report worsened bloating and gas, which may be triggered by ingredients like chicory root, especially in sensitive individuals or those with IBS.

  • Digestive Upsets: Side effects like diarrhea, constipation, and general stomach discomfort can occur due to Bloom's fiber content, digestive enzymes, or potential irritants.

  • Headaches and Other Reactions: Ingredients like sucralose (in other Bloom products) have been linked to migraines, while herbal extracts can interact with medications.

  • Lack of Transparency: Bloom's use of proprietary blends prevents consumers from knowing the exact amount of each ingredient, making it difficult to gauge efficacy and potential risks.

  • Who Should Be Cautious: Pregnant/breastfeeding women, individuals with kidney or chronic digestive issues, and those taking other medications should consult a doctor before use.

  • No Substitute for Whole Foods: Greens powders, including Bloom, are not a replacement for a balanced, whole-food diet but should serve as a supplement, if at all.

In This Article

Bloom Nutrition has gained popularity through social media marketing, promoting its greens powder for benefits like improved digestion and reduced bloating. Despite many positive user experiences, some individuals report adverse effects. Examining these reported issues and the ingredients within Bloom's proprietary blends is important for understanding the potential risks.

Common Digestive Side Effects

Despite being marketed to improve digestion, some users experience increased digestive discomfort after taking Bloom Greens.

  • Increased Bloating and Gas: The fiber content, such as chicory root fructo-oligosaccharides (a prebiotic fiber), can cause bloating and gas, especially when first introduced or in individuals sensitive to FODMAPs or with IBS.
  • Diarrhea and Constipation: Digestive changes like loose stools or constipation have been reported. Factors may include fiber, artificial sweeteners, or changes in gut flora.
  • Stomach Upset and Pain: Sensitive individuals might experience stomach upset or pain from the blend of digestive enzymes and other components.

Potential Irritants in the Ingredient Blends

Bloom's use of proprietary blends, which don't disclose the specific amounts of each ingredient, complicates identifying which component might cause a reaction.

  • Maltodextrin: This ingredient in the digestive enzyme blend may cause gut inflammation.
  • Chicory Root: As a fiber source, chicory root can be a significant irritant for some, leading to gas and bloating.
  • Flavors: Natural flavors and citric acid have been mentioned as potential sources of inflammation.
  • Sweeteners: Stevia, used in Bloom Greens, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal discomfort like gas or bloating.

Headaches and Other Adverse Reactions

Beyond digestive issues, other side effects can occur.

  • Headaches and Migraines: Some users report headaches or migraines, particularly with other Bloom products containing artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Sensitivity to any ingredient can lead to head pain.
  • Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, allergic reactions can happen. Symptoms require immediate medical attention.
  • Interaction with Medications: Certain ingredients, including herbal extracts and adaptogens like American Ginseng and Rhodiola, could interact with prescription drugs. Consulting a doctor is crucial.

Ingredient Transparency vs. Efficacy

The use of proprietary blends without disclosing individual ingredient dosages is a common concern with greens powders like Bloom. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to assess if ingredient amounts are effective or safe for them. For example, the precise quantity of probiotics is not provided, making it impossible to determine their true impact.

A Comparison of Bloom's Claims vs. Reported Risks

Feature Bloom's Marketing Claims Reported Risks & Considerations
Digestion & Bloating Relieves bloat, supports digestion. Can cause or worsen bloating and gas, especially in sensitive individuals. Ingredients like chicory root and maltodextrin can irritate the gut.
Ingredients 30+ "good-for-you" ingredients, probiotics, superfoods. Proprietary blends hide specific dosages, preventing assessment of effectiveness or potential for side effects. Contains potential irritants like chicory root and maltodextrin.
Energy Promotes energy levels. The effects may be subtle or inconsistent due to unknown dosages of adaptogens and other blends. A balanced diet is still more effective for consistent energy.
Safety Third-party tested, manufactured in GMP facility. Still a risk for individuals with pre-existing conditions (IBS, kidney disease, etc.), those on medication, or during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Professional consultation is vital.

Who Should Exercise Caution with Bloom?

Individuals in certain groups should consult a healthcare professional before using Bloom Nutrition:

  • Chronic Digestive Issues: Those with conditions like IBS or Crohn's may find their symptoms aggravated by certain ingredients.
  • Pregnant or Breastfeeding: The safety of many ingredients during pregnancy or lactation is not established.
  • Kidney Disease: The National Kidney Foundation advises caution with herbal supplements, some of which are in Bloom, for individuals with kidney disease.
  • On Medications: Herbal components can interact with prescription drugs.
  • Under 18: The product is intended for adults.

Conclusion: Navigating the Risks of Bloom

While Bloom Nutrition is popular for its perceived nutritional benefits, potential side effects such as digestive issues and headaches are reported by users. The lack of detailed ingredient dosages due to proprietary blends raises concerns about both efficacy and safety. Individuals with digestive sensitivities or other health conditions should be particularly cautious. A balanced diet of whole foods remains the best approach for optimal nutrition. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before adding a supplement like Bloom to your routine to ensure it is appropriate and safe for your health needs.

Understanding Dietary Supplements: National Kidney Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many individuals, Bloom Nutrition can cause or worsen bloating, gas, and other digestive issues. While it contains fiber and probiotics to aid digestion, some ingredients like chicory root can be irritating for sensitive stomachs or those with conditions like IBS.

Common side effects reported by users include digestive issues like increased bloating, gas, stomach upset, and changes in bowel movements. Some may also experience headaches or, rarely, allergic reactions to specific ingredients.

Yes, Bloom Greens may cause diarrhea in some people. This can be a result of the high fiber content, sudden changes in the gut microbiome due to probiotics and prebiotics, or individual sensitivity to certain ingredients or sweeteners.

Individuals with kidney issues should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before taking Bloom. The National Kidney Foundation advises that many herbal supplements, including some ingredients found in Bloom, can be risky for those with kidney disease.

Bloom, like many supplement companies, uses proprietary blends, which do not disclose the precise quantity of each ingredient. This practice is often criticized by dietitians because it prevents consumers from knowing if the dosage is effective, therapeutic, or potentially harmful.

If you have IBS or other chronic digestive issues, you should proceed with extreme caution and consult your doctor before using Bloom. The fiber blends and other components can be difficult for the GI system to digest and may trigger or worsen your symptoms.

For some individuals, certain ingredients in Bloom, particularly artificial sweeteners like sucralose found in other Bloom products, have been linked to headaches and migraines. While the greens powder uses stevia, individual sensitivities can still lead to similar reactions.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.