Proprietary Blend
If you have been following the news about Hydroxycut, a weight loss product linked to liver damage and other side effects, you have probably seen the phrase “proprietary blend” many times. Proprietary blends are common ingredients in dietary supplements and other products. But what exactly does term mean, and how is it related to the Hydroxycut recall?
This article will review some basic information about proprietary blends. If you have further questions about the law, including legal options for victims of defective supplements, the Hydroxycut lawsuit lawyers at can help. Call our offices at your convenience.
Uses and Abuses of Proprietary Blends
A proprietary blend is a formula or recipe that a company needs to protect from competitors. For example, Hydroxycut used the proprietary blend SuperCitrimax, a combination of botanical ingredients meant to work as stimulants. Because SuperCitrimax was a key part of Hydroxycut’s recipe, its manufacturer needed to keep its exact formula a trade secret.
However, secrets that help businesses can also be dangerous to consumers. While manufacturers are legally required to publish the ingredients in consumable products, this is not always enough information for consumers to make healthy choices. The problem is that an information label will only list the components of a proprietary blend; it will generally not state exactly how much of each ingredient is used.
This can be harmful in two basic ways. First, people using the product may be taking more of a certain substance than they realize. For example, some of the cardiovascular side effects of Hydroxycut may be linked to caffeine overdoses. The second problem is that people may actually be receiving far less of a certain ingredient than they realize. This can be frustrating for people who are paying for a certain, supposedly helpful ingredient.
If you have been harmed by any ingredient of Hydroxycut, our proprietary formula attorneys can help you decide what steps to take next.
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The Hydroxycut injury lawyers at take pride in our fight for consumer rights. To discuss what we can do for you, contact us at your convenience.