Most supplement companies fall short on their ingredient list.
A handful of companies are as fed up as I am with proprietary blends and underdosed formulas, but they fall short by using "abbreviated" formulas.
An abbreviated formula is one that uses proper dosing of each ingredient included, but the formula only includes a few ingredients, leaving out many others that could elevate the product to a higher level of effectiveness.
Take, for example, a pre-workout formula that includes beta-alanine, creatine, caffeine, and tyrosine. On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with this. These are proven, effective ingredients that can certainly enhance performance.
However, this formula could be made a lot more effective through the addition of ingredients like citrulline malate, betaine, and BCAAs, to name just a few. So, why do companies choose not to create the most robust, comprehensive formula possible?
Simple: Adding more ingredients costs more money.
And let’s be clear: It’s not just the cost of adding a wider variety of ingredients. It’s also about the cost of using those ingredients in the proper doses. Many companies choose to cut corners by using what’s called a “proprietary blend.” This allows them to lump all their ingredients under one fancy-sounding name and hide the actual amounts of each ingredient.
Why would they do this? So they can sprinkle in just enough of the effective ingredients to list them on the label, without actually using the amounts proven in research to be effective. It’s a cost-saving measure, pure and simple.
Misleading Marketing Tactics
These practices are nothing short of shady.
Some supplement companies rely heavily on these abbreviated or proprietary formulas to make their products appear more potent or effective than they actually are. You might see claims of “advanced formulas” or “unique blends,” but the truth is, these are often just clever marketing tactics designed to make you think you’re getting something special when, in reality, you’re not.
Let’s look at the common practice of under-dosing.
Imagine you buy a pre-workout that lists beta-alanine—a critical ingredient for delaying muscle fatigue. But when you check the label, the dosage is far below the 3.2 grams per serving that research shows to be effective. The result? You’re not getting the full benefits.
The same goes for other key ingredients like creatine, citrulline malate, and even caffeine. A lot of companies count on the fact that you won’t know what the right dosage should be, and they hope you won’t bother checking.
Ingredient Under-Dosing: The Truth Behind the Labels
This is why ingredient transparency is crucial.
You need to be looking for brands that provide full disclosure of all the ingredients and their exact dosages. If a label lists a “proprietary blend” with no specific dosages, that’s a red flag. If the company isn’t willing to tell you how much of each ingredient is in the product, you have to ask yourself why.
Are they hiding something? Are they cutting costs by under-dosing the expensive, effective ingredients?
Be aware of these tactics and understand what to look for in a high-quality pre-workout supplement.
Start by educating yourself on the key ingredients proven to work, such as beta-alanine, citrulline malate, betaine, BCAAs, and others. Then, look for supplements that provide these ingredients in their full, clinically effective dosages.
The Need for Ingredient Transparency
This is where Pre JYM stands out from the rest.
With Pre JYM, I made sure every ingredient is included in the proper, research-backed dosage. We don’t use proprietary blends. Instead, we list every ingredient and its exact amount right there on the label. Pre JYM includes 13 ingredients that work in concert to prime your body for intense workouts, making it the most complete pre-workout supplement available.
Each ingredient serves a specific purpose: from enhancing endurance and muscle pumps to improving focus and strength, all without cutting corners.
Be a Smart Consumer
Ultimately, it’s up to you, the consumer, to be vigilant and make informed choices.
Don’t fall for deceptive marketing tactics. Educate yourself about the ingredients and dosages that should be in your pre-workout supplement. Look for brands that are transparent with their ingredient lists and dosages. Don’t settle for anything less than the best.
If you’re going to invest in your health and fitness, you deserve a product that’s actually going to deliver on its promises.
Remember, a great pre-workout supplement should not only boost your energy and performance but should also be built on integrity, with a formula you can trust.
