Let’s cut the fluff: most supplements on the market are underdosed, overhyped, and hiding behind the shady tactic of proprietary blends. If you’ve ever picked up a pre-workout, fat burner, or recovery formula and seen a fancy-sounding “complex” with a long list of ingredients—but no actual dosages—you’ve been targeted by a marketing scam disguised as science.

And that’s a problem.

Because you’re not here to guess. You’re here to train harder, recover faster, and perform at your highest level—and that requires knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body.

This guide will show you how to spot the BS, understand the science, and choose supplements that are clinically dosed, transparently labeled, and actually effective. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting to take your health seriously, this is the intel you need to stop wasting money and start fueling your body with what really works.

Let’s break it down.

What Are Proprietary Blends in Supplements?

Understanding the Concept of Proprietary Blends

The textbook definition of proprietary relates to ownership. In supplements, this applies to the exclusive ownership of a specific formula or mixture of ingredients—commonly referred to as a proprietary blend.

When proprietary blends are used, supplement companies list the total weight of all ingredients in the blend, but do not disclose how much of each ingredient is present. This lack of transparency creates a major concern for consumers regarding efficacy, safety, and value.

Why Supplement Companies Use Proprietary Blends

There are a few main reasons why proprietary blends in supplements are common:

• To protect formulas from competitors who might copy ingredient ratios.

• To mislead consumers, hiding the fact that the formula contains only tiny amounts of expensive active ingredients and is mostly composed of cheap fillers.

• To reduce costs, using minimal quantities of the most beneficial ingredients while still advertising them.

• To create hype, using buzzwords and claims like “new and improved” or “advanced formula” to generate excitement and drive sales.

FDA Regulations on Proprietary Blends

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), supplement manufacturers must list all ingredients and the total weight of proprietary blends. However, they are not required to disclose individual ingredient amounts within those blends (FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide, 2015).

That means a company can technically include just a sprinkle of an ingredient—nowhere near the effective dose—and still legally list it on the label.

Example: FNX Fit’s RECHARGE Pre-Workout

Let’s look at FNX Fit’s RECHARGE pre-workout, which contains three different proprietary blends:

Proprietary Blend 1: FNX Pump And Shred Complex (8,100 mg)

• L-Citrulline

• Beta-Alanine

• Agmatine Sulfate

• Betaine HCL

• Acetyl L-Carnitine HCL

• Arginine

• Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

• Vitacholine

• Higenamine HCL

• Beet Juice Powder

Proprietary Blend 2: Nature’s Energy Surge Complex (450 mg)

• Green Tea Extract

• L-Dopa (Mucuna Pruriens)

• L-Theanine

• Yerba Mate Extract

• Guarana Extract

Proprietary Blend 3: PeakO2™ (250 mg)

• Cordyceps militaris

• Ganoderma lucidum

• Pleurotus eryngii

• Lentinula edodes

• Hericium erinaceus

• Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)

As you can see, none of the individual ingredient amounts are disclosed. This raises immediate questions:

• How do you trust a company that doesn’t tell you what’s actually in the product?

• How do these ingredients interact in the body?

• Are they clinically dosed?

• Is there evidence supporting their use?

• Are you really getting your money’s worth?

 

Swolverine Greens+Reds: A Transparent, Powerful Superfood Supplement With No Proprietary Blends

In a supplement space flooded with mysterious “superfood complexes” and underdosed ingredient lists hidden behind proprietary blends, Swolverine Greens+Reds stands out for one simple reason: complete transparency.

This isn’t just another greens powder filled with grass clippings and fairy dusted antioxidants. It’s a potent, clinically inspired formula of nutrient-dense superfoods, adaptogens, antioxidants, mushrooms, and metabolic support compounds—each one clearly listed with its exact dose. No blends. No fluff. Just results you can trust.

Here’s a breakdown of exactly what you get in every scoop of Swolverine Greens+Reds—and why each ingredient matters.

Organic Wheat Grass – 2500 mg

Wheatgrass is a nutrient powerhouse loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, calcium, and manganese. These essential nutrients support immune function and help reduce oxidative stress. Studies also link wheatgrass with improvements in chronic inflammation and lipid metabolism.

Organic Spirulina – 2500 mg

Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on earth, consisting of over 70% protein and loaded with B vitamins, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Spirulina has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve gut health, support healthy cholesterol levels, and modulate immune function.

Organic Chlorella – 2000 mg

This freshwater algae boasts the highest chlorophyll concentration in the plant kingdom. Rich in omega-3s, carotenoids, lutein, and powerful detoxifying compounds, chlorella supports heavy metal detoxification, aerobic capacity, antioxidant activity, and liver function.

Organic Beet Root – 1000 mg

Beets are rich in nitrates, which have been shown to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhance athletic performance. Beetroot also supports mitochondrial function and has been associated with reduced oxygen cost during endurance exercise.

Organic Chia Seeds – 1000 mg

Chia seeds are packed with omega-3s, fiber, protein, magnesium, and phosphorus. They’ve been shown to improve hydration, regulate blood sugar, reduce cardiovascular risk, and lower inflammation—making them a key addition for endurance athletes and metabolic health.

Bilberry – 500 mg

Bilberries are high in anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular benefits. Clinical studies suggest bilberries can help improve vision, stabilize blood glucose, and reduce inflammation across multiple systems.

Blueberry – 500 mg

Blueberries are one of the most researched berries when it comes to antioxidant power. They support cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and healthy cholesterol levels thanks to their high levels of vitamin C, K, manganese, and polyphenols.

Pomegranate – 500 mg

Pomegranates are rich in punicalagins—potent polyphenols with three times the antioxidant power of green tea. Known for their anti-inflammatory effects, pomegranates support heart health, improve blood flow, and protect against oxidative damage.

Organic Turmeric – 500 mg

Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, is one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories available. This adaptogenic spice has been shown to reduce muscle soreness, enhance recovery, improve memory, and support overall joint and metabolic health.

Organic Matcha – 500 mg

Matcha green tea is high in catechins—antioxidants that support thermogenesis, brain function, and energy metabolism. Matcha may also help with weight loss, cognitive alertness, and hormonal balance due to its rich polyphenol content.

Organic Astragalus – 500 mg

A staple in traditional medicine, astragalus contains flavonoids and saponins that help support the immune system, increase energy levels, and reduce signs of aging. It’s also been shown to have liver-protective and adaptogenic benefits.

Reishi Mushroom – 500 mg

Reishi is one of the most powerful medicinal mushrooms, containing over 400 bioactive compounds. Studies show it may enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, promote longevity, and support sleep and stress balance.

Organic Goji – 350 mg

Goji berries support eye health, immune balance, and glucose metabolism. Rich in antioxidants and traditionally used in Chinese medicine, goji has been shown to protect against oxidative stress and enhance overall well-being.

Acai – 350 mg

Acai berries are loaded with anthocyanins, which give them strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Studies link acai with improved brain function, reduced oxidative damage, and blood sugar support.

Organic Black Pepper – 50 mg

Black pepper isn’t just a spice—it’s a bioavailability enhancer. It increases the absorption of curcumin from turmeric by up to 2,000%, helping you actually absorb and utilize the anti-inflammatory benefits.

MCT Oil – 50 mg

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) support cognitive performance, fat metabolism, and energy levels. They’ve also been linked to improved body composition and ketone production, making them an ideal addition to support metabolic health.

No Proprietary Blends. Ever.

Unlike other greens powders that hide low-dose ingredients under flashy labels, Swolverine Greens+Reds lists everything clearly. You know exactly what you're getting—and how much of it—so you can trust the results.

There’s no guesswork. No artificial flavors. No fillers. Just science-backed, nutrient-dense ingredients to help you optimize your energy, digestion, immune system, and performance—every single day.

Why It Matters

When you choose a greens and reds supplement, you’re investing in your long-term health. And that means you deserve a formula that’s:

• Transparent and fully labeled

• Dosed to match clinical research

• Free from proprietary blends

• Backed by real science

• Crafted for athletes, professionals, and everyday health-conscious humans

Swolverine Greens+Reds is more than just a daily greens powder. It’s your daily performance edge.

Why You Should Avoid Proprietary Blends in Supplements

1. The Ingredients Are Not Always Proven

Ever notice the asterisk (*) next to bold marketing claims? That’s because the FDA doesn’t verify or approve claims made by supplement companies unless backed by rigorous clinical research. Most companies use hype marketing to promote new or “exclusive” ingredients that sound impressive but lack evidence.

A supplement might list ten trendy ingredients, but unless they’re clinically dosed, they’re unlikely to deliver the performance outcomes promised. Always research the ingredient and the amount required for effectiveness before trusting the label.

The FDA treats supplements more like food than drugs, which means they are not held to the same standard as pharmaceuticals when it comes to proving efficacy (FDA, 2023).

2. The Mechanism of Action Is Unknown

If the specific dosages aren’t listed, there’s no way to determine how the ingredients work in the body. Some ingredients in proprietary blends are chemically modified, classifying them as synthetic rather than herbal, which further complicates their biochemical effects.

Without knowing the exact doses, you cannot understand how the supplement will affect your performance or health.

3. Proprietary Blends Are Not Clinically Dosed

For example, PeakO2 in FNX RECHARGE is dosed at only 250 mg. Yet in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, participants required 1.3 grams daily for minimal benefit to high-intensity aerobic and anaerobic exercise (Hudson et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2017).

That means RECHARGE delivers only 0.25 g, less than 20% of the studied dose. You’d need to take at least five servings to match the amount used in the study—and even then, the result was minimal benefit.

Similarly, the FNX Pump and Shred Complex contains just 8,100 mg total, while clinical doses for single ingredients like Beta-Alanine, Citrulline, and Arginine typically range from 3–6 grams each. You simply aren’t getting what you need.

4. You Can’t Accurately Track Your Progress

Supplements with proprietary blends make it impossible to track what you're ingesting. If you don’t know what you’re taking or how much, you can’t connect your progress (or lack of it) to your supplement routine.

5. You Can’t Trust Companies That Use Proprietary Blends

Let’s be honest—why would a brand hide the dosages of their ingredients unless they had something to hide? When you realize that the ingredients you’re paying for are present in trace amounts, you probably wouldn’t make the purchase.

As a supplement company owner, I’ve seen firsthand how little of the “key” ingredients actually go into proprietary blends. It’s disappointing, and that’s exactly why Swolverine products do not use proprietary blends. Every ingredient we use is clinically dosed, transparently labeled, and backed by peer-reviewed research.

 

How To Choose the Best Supplements to Fuel Your Performance

Why Supplement Transparency Should Be Non-Negotiable

The supplement industry is booming—with a projected global market size expected to reach over $230 billion by 2027. But with rapid growth comes minimal regulation. This means that not all supplements are created equal, and many brands cut corners to maximize profit at the expense of your performance and health.

One of the most deceptive practices? Proprietary blends in supplements. These are ingredient mixes that hide the exact dosage of each component behind a collective weight, making it nearly impossible to know what you're actually consuming.

If you care about results, safety, and getting your money’s worth, here’s how to choose better supplements—and why you should avoid proprietary blends altogether.

Full Transparency: Know What You're Putting Into Your Body

Transparency is everything.

If a brand can’t tell you exactly what’s in its formula, that should be a massive red flag. You have a right to know what you're putting into your body—especially when it comes to performance nutrition. Companies that are confident in their product will always show individual ingredient amounts, not just a list of names and a flashy total milligram count.

Full transparency means:

• Each ingredient is listed by name

• Each ingredient is dosed based on clinical research

• No "blend" or “matrix” terminology is used to hide data

• You can cross-reference label claims with published clinical studies

At Swolverine, we believe in 100% transparency—no proprietary blends, no hidden doses, no BS. Our labels show you exactly what you’re getting in every scoop, capsule, or serving.

Clinically Dosed for Real Performance

Let’s get one thing straight: ingredient inclusion does not equal effectiveness.

You can include creatine, beta-alanine, or citrulline in your pre-workout, but unless they’re dosed at clinically proven levels, they won’t work.

What Is a Clinical Dose?

A clinical dose is the amount of a specific ingredient shown in peer-reviewed research to deliver the intended physiological benefit. For example:

• Beta-Alanine: 3.2–6.4g per day improves muscular endurance

• Citrulline Malate: 6–8g shown to improve nitric oxide production and blood flow

• Creatine Monohydrate: 5g daily for strength and power improvements

• PeakO2: 1.3g daily for improved oxygen utilization and endurance

Now compare that to what’s typically found in proprietary blends in supplements, where the total weight of the entire formula might be 5–6g total—meaning you’re only getting a fraction of the clinically effective dose, if any.

At Swolverine, our products are formulated to match or exceed the doses used in clinical trials—so you actually get what you’re paying for.

Clinically Proven Ingredients, Backed by Science

Don’t get fooled by marketing hype or influencer endorsements. The best supplements are built on science, not sales tactics.

The supplement space is full of made-up blends, exotic-sounding botanicals, and mysterious “energy complexes” that sound impressive—but have little to no research behind them. These tactics are used to distract you from the real issue: underdosed formulas that don’t deliver results.

A clinically proven product will:

• Include ingredients studied in human trials, not just animal or cell-based studies

• Reference studies published in peer-reviewed journals (like JISSN, Nutrients, Frontiers in Nutrition)

• Dose ingredients at levels used in those trials

• Deliver repeatable results based on scientific method—not anecdotal feedback

We don’t use trendy, untested compounds for attention. Every ingredient in Swolverine products has a purpose—and a study to support it.

The Problem with Proprietary Blends in Supplements

A proprietary blend is a loophole.

It allows companies to hide the actual amounts of each ingredient under the guise of protecting their “secret formula.” But let’s be honest—no one is reinventing the wheel in performance nutrition. Proven ingredients and dosing protocols are widely known. Hiding behind proprietary blends is about profit, not protection.

What proprietary blends really mean:

• You don’t know what you’re getting

• You can’t verify if it’s clinically dosed

• You may be ingesting mostly fillers

• You can’t track your results accurately

• You can’t assess ingredient interactions or side effects

• You may waste money on ineffective products

Transparency = Trust. If a company won’t tell you what’s in your supplement, they’re telling you everything you need to know.

The Risks of Underdosed Supplements

When you take a product filled with proprietary blends, you could be:

• Getting too little of the ingredient needed to be effective

• Getting too much of an ingredient that causes side effects

• Missing out on the synergy between ingredients that only occurs at proper dosages

• Spending money on products that yield zero noticeable benefit

Worse, some proprietary blends are intentionally spiked with caffeine or other stimulants to make you feel like the product is working—even though it’s doing nothing to support long-term strength, endurance, or recovery.

You Deserve Better

You train hard. You eat with intention. You prioritize recovery. So why settle for mystery supplements that may or may not help you improve?

Here's what to look for in a high-quality supplement brand:

• No proprietary blends—every ingredient and dosage clearly listed

• Third-party tested for purity and potency

• Clinically dosed and backed by real research

• Transparent about sourcing, manufacturing, and science

• Positive customer feedback based on real results—not hype

Bottom Line: Don’t Be Most People

Most people don’t read the label. Most people don’t question the flashy promises. Most people don’t dig deeper to understand what really makes a supplement effective.

Don’t be most people.

You wouldn’t take shortcuts in your training, your recovery, or your mental health—don’t cut corners with your supplements. You deserve products that are:

✅ Transparent
✅ Clinically dosed
✅ Backed by science
✅ Built to help you perform better

Your health and performance matter. How you do anything is how you do everything.

Take the time. Do the research. Choose smarter.