The Truth About Supplements: What the Labels Don’t Tell You
Supplements are everywhere—protein powders, fat burners, pre-workouts, greens powders. In the U.S. alone, the supplement industry brings in over $40 billion a year. But here's the uncomfortable truth:
Most of these products aren’t as regulated or tested as you think.
⚠️ Supplements Are Not FDA-Approved Like Medications
Let’s clear something up:
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they hit the market.
In fact, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), supplement companies are responsible for ensuring their own product safety and labeling—without prior FDA review.
📊 By the numbers:
There are over 85,000 dietary supplements on the U.S. market.
The FDA estimates 1,000+ new supplements enter the market every year.
Only a small fraction are tested by the FDA after release—usually due to safety complaints.
So, that fat burner or “natural testosterone booster” you’re eyeing? It may never have been tested for purity, potency, or safety before landing on shelves.
🔍 What About Proprietary Blends?
Proprietary blends are how many companies hide actual ingredient amounts behind fancy names like "Performance Matrix" or "Thermo Blend."
This means:
You don’t know how much of each ingredient you're actually taking.
They may overdose cheap fillers (like caffeine) and underdeliver on expensive ones (like citrulline or ashwagandha).
It makes it harder to track what’s working—or causing side effects.
💣 Watch for proprietary blends that don’t list individual doses. If they’re not transparent, they’re not trustworthy.
✅ How to Choose Safer Supplements
Look for 3rd-party testing: NSF Certified, Informed Choice, or USP verified.
Check for full label transparency (no proprietary blends).
Research ingredient dosages using databases like Examine.com.
Use food first—supplements should supplement, not replace, a balanced diet.
🧠 Final Word
Supplements can play a role in health and fitness, but most don’t do what they claim—and many aren't properly tested. If you're spending money on pills and powders, make sure they’re safe, transparent, and truly necessary.
Your body deserves better than mystery blends and empty promises.
