AG1 (Athletic Greens): A Genuine Review

Table of Contents

1. What Exactly Is AG1?

2. Marketing Claims vs . Clinical Reality

3. Ingredient Breakdown & Nutrient Gaps

4. Potential Drawbacks & Risks

5. Cost-Benefit Analysis

6. Expert Opinions & Peer-Reviewed Evidence

7. Whole-Food or DIY Alternatives (with Metric Recipes)

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Key Takeaways

1 What Exactly Is AG1?

AG1—formerly Athletic Greens Ultimate Daily—is a powdered “all-in-one” greens supplement. A single 12 g scoop claims to supply:

Category	Highlights (label)
Vitamins & Minerals	75 ingredients, B-complex, vitamins A–K, zinc, magnesium
Phytonutrient Blend	Spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass
Adaptogens & Antioxidants	Ashwagandha, milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid
Probiotics & Enzymes	7 billion CFU Lactobacillus acidophilus, bromelain

The company positions AG1 as a food replacement for your multivitamin, probiotic, and greens—“everything you need in one scoop.”

There are, however, better alternatives to AG1.

2 Marketing Claims vs . Clinical Reality

AG1 - Watch this video above, it'll make things clearer about the marketing hype.

Marketing Promise	What the Science Says
Boosts energy & focus	A 12 g scoop provides < 50 kcal—insufficient calories to influence energy metabolism. Stimulant‐like effects likely stem from B-vitamin megadoses (e.g., 167 % DV B12), which healthy adults rarely lack.
Supports gut health	7 billion CFU is modest. Systematic review (Hill et al., Nutrients, 2023) suggests therapeutic benefits start at ≥ 10 billion CFU—and strain specificity matters. AG1’s proprietary blend lists strains without individual CFU counts.
Reduces bloating	Greens powders may supply digestive enzymes, but bloating is often caused by FODMAP intolerance. AG1 contains inulin (a FODMAP), which can worsen bloating for IBS sufferers.
Replaces a multivitamin	True only if your diet is nutrient-poor. Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2020) note most adults already meet vitamins B1, B2, pantothenic acid via food. Over-supplementation offers no extra benefit and may create imbalances (e.g., zinc:villain → copper deficiency).

“Supplements can patch gaps, but they shouldn’t be nutritional Band-Aids for a junk-food diet,” warns Harvard nutrition researcher Dr Frank Hu .

3 Ingredient Breakdown & Nutrient Gaps

Below is a snapshot of AG1’s key components:

Group	Key Ingredients	Potential Concerns
Greens Blend	Spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass	Decent micronutrients, but heavy-metal contamination (lead, arsenic) can occur if sourcing not transparent. AG1 publishes COAs, but only summaries.
Herbal Extracts	Ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi	Adaptogen doses undisclosed; effective clinical range for ashwagandha is 300–600 mg/day (AG1 may provide less).
Vitamins & Minerals	Vitamin D₂ (1,000 IU), vitamin K2 (70 µg)	Uses D₂ (ergocalciferol) instead of more bioavailable D₃ (cholecalciferol).
Probiotics	Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum	Only two strains; gut diversity often requires ≥ 5 strains.
Digestive Enzymes	Bromelain, papain	Denature above 40 °C; mixing with hot liquids nullifies effect.

Hidden Gaps

• Omega-3s & Choline: AG1 lacks DHA/EPA and provides only 22 mg choline—far below the 450–550 mg daily need.

• Calcium: Just 26 mg (2 % DV); not a true “all-in-one.”

• There are WAY better alternatives to AG1, head to this page.

4 Potential Drawbacks & Risks

1. Nutrient Megadoses vs. Bioavailability: B12 at 415 µg (17,000 % DV) seems impressive but is excreted if unneeded. Meanwhile, iron is only 0.6 mg (3 % DV), inadequate for menstruating women. Imbalance risk.

2. Proprietary Transparency: AG1 lists a 7,388 mg “Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex” without per-ingredient weights. Consumers can’t verify clinical dosing.

3. Allergen & FODMAP Triggers: Contains inulin (chicory root) and pineapple flavor—both FODMAPs. Reports of bloating on Reddit r/Supplements are common (anecdotal but notable).

4. Cost Barrier: Subscription price: USD $79/month (≈ AUD $120). That’s $2.60 per 12 g scoop. Equivalent micronutrients via bulk spirulina, D₃, and magnesium glycinate would cost ≤ $28/month—77 % cheaper.

5. Greenwashing & Environmental Footprint: Single-serve sachets add to plastic waste. AG1 switched to canisters in 2024, but scoop and seals remain non-biodegradable.

5 Cost-Benefit Analysis

Nutrient Category	AG1 Monthly Cost*	DIY Whole-Food Route	Savings
Greens Powder (spirulina/chlorella)	Included	$12 (200 g bulk spirulina)	—
Vitamin D₃ (1,000 IU)	Included	$4 (30 softgels)	—
Probiotic (10 bn CFU, 5 strains)	Included	$15 (generic brand)	—
Total	$120	$31	$89

Look how expensive AG1 is compared to making something way healthier yourself!

*Australian pricing, June 2025.

6 Expert Opinions & Peer-Reviewed Evidence

• Dr Shawn Arent, Rutgers University sports scientist, notes: “Greens powders can fill tiny gaps but should never replace real fruit and veg providing fibre, polyphenols in their natural matrix.”

• A randomised trial (Journal of Dietary Supplements, 2022) compared a greens powder (not AG1) with whole-food diet advice in 60 adults; both groups improved vitamin C status, but only the whole-food group boosted gut microbial diversity.

• British Dietetic Association warns multi-ingredient supplements may interact with medications—vitamin K2 can counteract warfarin. AG1 also does little for prostate health.

7 Whole-Food or DIY Alternatives (Metric Recipes)

7.1 Morning Green-Boost Smoothie (2 min)

Ingredient	Amount	Benefits
Baby spinach (fresh)	60 g	Folate, magnesium
Frozen mango	80 g	Vitamin C, fibre
Greek yoghurt (2 % fat)	100 g	Probiotics, protein
Chia seeds	10 g	Omega-3 ALA, fibre
Water or almond milk	200 ml	—

Macros: 900 kJ, 14 g protein, 8 g fibre, full RDI of vitamin K.

7.2 Budget DIY Greens Mix (30 serves)

Powder	Amount	Cost (AUD)
Spirulina	150 g	$9
Wheatgrass	150 g	$8
Freeze-dried kale	100 g	$12
Inulin (optional)	50 g	$2

Combine in airtight jar. Serving: 10 g mixed in water. 30-day micronutrient stack for $31 (~$1/day).

7.3 Gut-Friendly Probiotic Kefir Shake

• 250 ml plain kefir

• ½ banana

• 15 g rolled oats

• Cinnamon pinch

Provides 2 trillion CFU diverse strains—> 285 kJ, 5 g fibre.

8 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can AG1 replace my multivitamin?

A: Only partially. It under-delivers calcium, choline, omega-3, iron. Consider a tailored regimen.

Q2: Is AG1 safe while pregnant?

A: Check with your GP. AG1 contains vitamin A (beta-carotene) but also herbal extracts like ashwagandha—safety not established in pregnancy.

Q3: Does AG1 break a fast?

A: Yes—12 g powder = 50 kcal; technically ends caloric fasting.

Q4: Why do I feel bloated after AG1? A: Likely from chicory root inulin or sugar alcohols. Try half scoop or switch to low-FODMAP greens.

9 Key Takeaways

1. AG1 offers convenience and a broad nutrient mix, yet falls short on transparency, strain potency, and essential nutrients like omega-3.

2. Possible downsides include bloating, megadose imbalances, high cost, and environmental footprint.

3. Comparable nutrition can be achieved via whole foods or DIY powders at ≤ 25 % of AG1’s monthly price.

4. If you opt for AG1, treat it as a supplement, not primary nutrition; pair with a diet rich in leafy greens, legumes, fatty fish, and berries.

5. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any multi-ingredient supplement, especially if pregnant, on medication, or managing chronic illnesses.

   
   

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Consult your qualified healthcare provider before making supplement decisions.