Frequently Asked Questions
About Proco Scanner
What does Proco Scanner do?
Proco Scanner reads any supplement label and returns research-based information about each ingredient. The app identifies the ingredients via OCR, looks them up against the published research, and shows you:
- The form of each ingredient (e.g. magnesium glycinate vs magnesium oxide)
- The dose ranges studied in clinical trials
- Known interactions with medications
- Where the underlying research is strong and where it's weak
- Citations to the primary research
It does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatment, or replace consultation with a healthcare professional. It surfaces what the research describes so you can make informed decisions.
When will Scanner be available?
Proco Scanner is in late-stage development for iOS. We're submitting to TestFlight ahead of App Store launch. Join the waitlist and we'll email you when access opens.
Will Scanner work for prescription medications too?
No. Scanner is designed for over-the-counter supplements and vitamins. Prescription medications require pharmacist or clinician guidance and are outside Scanner's scope.
Will Scanner be on Android?
iOS first. Android is on the roadmap after we've established the product on iOS. Join the waitlist either way — we'll let you know when Android opens.
What does it cost?
Pricing isn't finalised. Proco Scanner will have a free tier and a paid tier. The free tier will include scanning and basic ingredient information; the paid tier will include deeper research summaries and personalisation features. We'll publish pricing before launch.
We do not run affiliate marketing or take supplement-industry funding. The paid tier is our business model.
About the research approach
How are the research summaries sourced?
Every ingredient summary is built from peer-reviewed primary research — randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and where appropriate, cohort studies. We prefer Cochrane reviews, journal-published systematic reviews, and large well-designed trials.
When the underlying evidence is weak or contested, we say so explicitly. When it's strong, we say that too.
Why does Scanner say "research shows" instead of "this works"?
Because that's what the research actually supports. Saying "this works" implies a personalised prescription. Saying "research shows X" describes what trials measured — which is the honest version of the claim. The distinction matters for both editorial accuracy and regulatory compliance (EU Medical Devices Regulation, Health Claims Regulation, Irish ASAI Code).
If you want our full editorial reasoning, see our About page and the Research hub.
What if the research conflicts?
We acknowledge contested findings rather than picking a side. Several nutrition and supplement areas have genuinely mixed evidence (vitamin D for cardiovascular outcomes, omega-3 outside specific populations, most adaptogens). For these, we describe the conflicting findings and let you form your own view.
Why doesn't Scanner recommend specific brands?
Independence. We don't endorse specific products in editorial coverage. Scanner shows you what the research describes for the ingredients in your supplement; the brand choice is yours.
Privacy and data
What does Scanner do with my scan data?
Scan images are processed to identify ingredients, then either deleted or retained only for your account history at your option. We don't sell user data, don't use scan history for advertising, and don't share data with supplement companies.
Full privacy policy: procohq.com/privacy.
Does Scanner need an account?
Yes. Account-based use enables scan history, the ability to delete your data on request, and personalisation features. Account creation requires email; we don't require additional personal data.
Where is data stored?
Scan data is stored on Supabase infrastructure within EU/US data centres depending on your account region. We're GDPR-compliant by design. You can request data export or full deletion at any time via your account settings.
About Proco the company
Where is Proco based?
Dublin, Ireland. We're a small founding team with Johnny Meagher (Founder & CEO) and Marina Neves (Co-founder & COO).
Is this a venture-backed startup?
Proco is currently bootstrapped. We're not actively raising. Our business model is a paid Scanner subscription, not advertising or data monetisation.
Are you accepting investment inquiries?
We're not actively raising but we do read inbound from investors aligned with the healthtech and information-quality positioning. Email hello@procohq.com (subject: INVESTOR) and we'll respond when we can.
About the website content
Who writes the content?
Proco's editorial team — primarily Marina with research contributions from Johnny. We work with sleep researchers, longevity scientists, and nutrition specialists as advisors on specific content areas.
How often is the content updated?
Pages are reviewed quarterly for evolving research. The "Last reviewed" date at the top of each page reflects the most recent review. Pages where the underlying research has changed materially are revised.
Can I suggest a topic or flag an error?
Yes, please. Email hello@procohq.com (subject: EDITORIAL) with the page, the issue, and any supporting research. We take fact-check requests seriously and credit contributors who improve our content.
Why isn't there content on [topic]?
We're building the editorial coverage in waves. Sleep, longevity, performance, nutrition, AI in health, methodology, and the wellness industry landscape are the current hubs. Specific topics within each are added on a rolling basis. If you have a request, see above.
Compliance and editorial standards
What are your editorial standards?
We follow internal Content Compliance Standards that distinguish information from advice, require citation-density for every health claim, mandate vulnerable-population warnings where relevant, and align with EU regulatory frameworks. Marina runs a 4-step pre-publication checklist on every piece. Content that fails any step doesn't ship until rewritten.
Are you a medical service?
No. Proco is a healthtech information company. We don't provide medical care, prescription, or clinical recommendations. For health decisions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
How do you handle drug interactions?
For supplements with known clinically significant drug interactions, our content includes explicit warning sections. Common examples: vitamin K and warfarin, St. John's wort and several medication classes, magnesium and specific antibiotics. If a supplement could interact with a medication you take, we'll say so — but the decision belongs with your prescribing clinician.
Do you work with pharmaceutical companies?
No. We do not accept funding from supplement, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology companies for editorial content. This is a deliberate choice that limits revenue options but is essential to the editorial position we hold.
Get in touch
For anything not answered above:
- General: hello@procohq.com
- Press: hello@procohq.com (subject: PRESS)
- Editorial: hello@procohq.com (subject: EDITORIAL)
- Privacy / data requests: hello@procohq.com (subject: PRIVACY)
- Scanner waitlist: request access
We respond to most inquiries within 2 business days.