When shopping for probiotic and prebiotic supplements, understanding the label can help you make informed choices. Labels often include complicated terms, numbers, and ingredient lists that may be confusing at first glance. This article explains key elements often found on supplement labels, with Zorevexa Probiotic + Prebiotic as a practical example.
What Does "Proprietary Blend" Mean?
Zorevexa Probiotic + Prebiotic contains a "Proprietary Blend of Probiotic Bacteria," which includes several strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, among others. The term "proprietary blend" refers to a mixture of ingredients grouped together where the exact amount of each ingredient is not disclosed. Instead, only the total combined amount of the blend is typically provided.
This means you cannot tell how much of each individual probiotic strain is present in the supplement. The company protects this information as part of its formulation. While some consumers prefer knowing exact amounts, proprietary blends are common in the supplement industry.
Understanding the 40 Billion Figure
This product’s name includes "40 Billion," which likely refers to the total colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotic bacteria. CFUs indicate the number of viable bacteria that can potentially provide a benefit. However, the label does not specify if this count is per capsule, per serving, or for the entire package.
Since the pack size is not stated on the label, it is important to consider how the serving size is defined on the supplement facts panel to understand how much you consume at one time.
Reading "Per Serving" Information
Labels usually describe a serving size which is the amount recommended for consumption at one time. The ingredients and their quantities are often listed as "per serving." This means when you take a serving as directed, you receive those amounts.
On this product, you will see components such as MAKTREK® (Bi-Pass Technology), marine polysaccharide complex, fructooligosaccharide (a prebiotic fiber), vegetable capsules, rice maltodextrin, and L-leucine listed in addition to the probiotic strains.
Each of these contributes to the overall formulation but their individual quantities are not disclosed if part of the proprietary blend.
Additional Label Features
- MAKTREK® (Bi-Pass Technology) is a trademarked technology that may relate to protecting probiotic bacteria as they pass through the digestive tract.
- Fructooligosaccharide is a prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health by providing nourishment for probiotic bacteria.
- Hypromellose is used as a vegetable-based capsule material, suitable for those avoiding animal-based capsules.
Why is This Important?
Understanding the label helps you know what you are consuming and aids in comparing products. It also helps set expectations since proprietary blends mean you cannot see exact amounts of each ingredient, which may or may not affect your choice.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional when considering supplements, especially if you have health concerns or take other medications.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.