Most people assume dietary supplements are regulated the same way food or medications are.
They aren’t.
In the United States, supplements fall under a very different regulatory framework—one that allows hidden blends, underdosed ingredients, and vague labeling, all while remaining completely legal.
That doesn’t mean all supplements are bad.
But it does mean consumers need to be far more informed than they realize.
How Supplements Are Regulated (and Why It Matters)
Dietary supplements are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). Under this law:
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Manufacturers do not need FDA approval before selling a supplement
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Companies are responsible for ensuring safety and accuracy themselves
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The FDA typically steps in after a product is on the market, not before
Source:
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements
This creates a gap where products can be legally sold even if they’re:
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Underdosed
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Using proprietary blends
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Missing clinically effective amounts
The Problem With Proprietary Blends
One of the biggest issues in the supplement industry is the use of proprietary blends.
A proprietary blend allows companies to list ingredients without disclosing how much of each ingredient is included. This means:
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You don’t know if an ingredient is present in a meaningful dose
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Clinical research becomes irrelevant if the dose doesn’t match studies
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Cheaper ingredients can be prioritized over effective ones
Research-backed ingredients only work when taken in clinically studied amounts.
Note: Based Vitality is currently transitioning the PSC product line to transparent labeling. As we work through existing inventory, updated labels will be introduced across these products. In the meantime, our new Core Four Based Vitality line features clinically dosed formulas with fully transparent labeling, and each product is tested to confirm you’re receiving the accurate ingredients and quantities listed on the label.
Source:
National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/DietarySupplements-Consumer/
Underdosing Is Legal — But Misleading
Studies have repeatedly shown that many supplements contain less than the amount shown to be effective in research.
A 2017 analysis published in JAMA found widespread inconsistencies between supplement labels and actual ingredient content, particularly in performance and cognitive products.
Source:
JAMA Network
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2643761
This means a supplement can:
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List a researched ingredient
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Include it at a fraction of the effective dose
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Still be sold legally
Why Transparency Matters
If a supplement doesn’t disclose exact ingredient amounts, you can’t:
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Compare it to clinical research
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Know if you’re getting an effective dose
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Understand how it fits into your routine
Transparency isn’t about marketing — it’s about informed decision-making.
Why We Built 'The Core Four' at Based Vitality
At Based Vitality, we built The Core Four around one principle:
If an ingredient is included, it should be there for a reason — and at a dose that actually works.
That means:
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Fully disclosed ingredient labels
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Clinically dosed formulas
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No proprietary blends
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Natural ingredients supported by research
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GMP-certified manufacturing
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Heavy metal testing for quality assurance
We believe supplements should support your system, not leave you guessing.
What to Look for When Choosing Supplements
Before purchasing any supplement, ask:
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Are the ingredient amounts fully disclosed?
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Do the doses match clinical research?
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Is the product third-party tested or GMP certified?
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Can I trace the ingredients to real studies?
If you can’t answer those questions, it’s worth reconsidering.
The Bottom Line
Your supplements shouldn’t feel like a gamble.
Education, transparency, and clinically backed dosing matter — especially in an industry where cutting corners is still legal.
That’s the standard we hold ourselves to at Based Vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are supplements really allowed to use proprietary blends?
A: Yes. Under current U.S. regulations, companies are legally allowed to use proprietary blends, which list ingredients without disclosing individual dosages. This is permitted under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), even though it limits transparency for consumers.
Q: Does a proprietary blend mean a supplement is ineffective?
A: Not always, but it makes it difficult to evaluate effectiveness. Without knowing ingredient dosages, consumers can’t compare the formula to clinical research or determine whether ingredients are present in meaningful amounts.
Q: What does “clinically dosed” actually mean?
A: “Clinically dosed” means the ingredient amounts align with levels shown to be effective in peer-reviewed research. If an ingredient is included below its researched dose, it may not deliver the intended benefit.
Q: Are underdosing supplements illegal?
A: No. Underdosing is legal as long as ingredients are listed and the product meets basic labeling requirements. However, legal does not always mean effective or transparent.