What Is Proprietary Blend?
A mixture of dietary ingredients listed on a supplement label under a single name, where the total weight of the blend is disclosed but the individual amounts of each ingredient within the blend are not.
Why It Matters for Supplement Brands
Proprietary blends are one of the most contentious issues in the supplement industry. While legal under current labelling regulations, they make it impossible for consumers, practitioners, or regulators to determine whether individual ingredients are present at clinically effective doses — which directly impacts substantiation.
How It Works
Under 21 CFR 101.36, supplement labels can list a proprietary blend by:
1. **Blend name**: A name for the mixture (e.g., 'Neuro Focus Matrix'). 2. **Total weight**: The combined weight of all ingredients in the blend must be stated. 3. **Ingredient listing**: Individual ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight — but their individual amounts are not required.
Example label: Neuro Focus Matrix — 800 mg L-Tyrosine, Alpha-GPC, Lion's Mane Extract, Huperzine A
From this label, a consumer knows the total blend is 800 mg and that L-Tyrosine is the largest component by weight — but can't determine whether any individual ingredient is present at a clinically effective dose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Using proprietary blends to hide underdosed ingredients — this erodes trust with educated consumers
- ✗Making specific efficacy claims for individual ingredients within a blend that may not be present at clinical doses
- ✗Not listing ingredients in descending order by weight within the blend
- ✗Assuming proprietary blends protect trade secrets — a basic assay can reveal the actual amounts
Related Terms
See It in Action
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