Reading A Proprietary Blend Label
Most supplement labels look similar. Here's what to actually check, especially when a proprietary blend is involved.
1. A combined total isn't a dose
PureLung's label states 600mg total across seven ingredients. That tells you the ceiling, not how much of any single ingredient you're getting.
2. Order on the label is a clue, not a guarantee
Ingredients are typically listed in descending order by weight, so Green Tea Extract leading the list is a reasonable (though not certain) signal it's the largest component.
3. Standardized percentages help
"50% polyphenols" or "20% bacosides" tells you the concentration of an active compound within that specific extract — more useful than a bare ingredient name, even without an exact milligram figure.
4. Ask what the research actually studied
Published research is almost always on an isolated ingredient at a specific, disclosed dose — not on a proprietary blend hiding that number. That gap is the single biggest obstacle to reviewing any blend fairly.
5. Weigh the transparency gap honestly
A proprietary blend isn't automatically a red flag, but it does mean you can't verify whether you're getting a research-relevant dose of any one ingredient.
