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Can you take AG1 before bed? Everything You Need to Know for Your Nutrition Diet

6 min read

While AG1 is often promoted as a morning routine habit, designed to kickstart your day with a boost of nutrients, its versatility allows for consumption at any time. The question of 'Can you take AG1 before bed?' is a common one, as people seek to align their nutritional intake with their personal routines. Understanding how its ingredients may affect your evening and sleep is key to making the right choice for your body.

Quick Summary

AG1 can technically be consumed before bed, as consistency is more important than timing for foundational nutrition. However, its ingredients, including B vitamins, adaptogens, and small amounts of caffeine, may provide an energy boost that could interfere with sleep. Digestive sensitivity is another factor to consider, as some experience bloating or upset stomachs initially. For dedicated nighttime support, AGZ is offered as a separate product specifically formulated for rest and recovery.

Key Points

  • Timing Flexibility: AG1 can be taken at any time of day, but morning on an empty stomach is recommended for optimal absorption.

  • Potential Sleep Disruption: Ingredients like B vitamins, certain adaptogens (rhodiola), and trace caffeine from matcha and cocoa may provide an energy boost that interferes with sleep.

  • Individual Digestive Response: Some individuals experience digestive upset, bloating, or gas when they first start AG1, which could be more bothersome at night.

  • Consider the Nighttime Alternative (AGZ): For those seeking a supplement specifically for restful sleep, Athletic Greens offers AGZ, a separate product formulated with calming ingredients.

  • Consistency is Paramount: If an evening routine is more realistic for you, the long-term benefits of consistent daily intake are generally considered more important than the exact timing.

  • Listen to Your Body: The effects are individual, so pay attention to how taking AG1 at night impacts your energy levels and sleep quality.

In This Article

The Manufacturer's Stance on Timing

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is marketed as a daily health drink to be taken consistently as part of a foundational nutrition routine. The company often recommends consuming it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption, but they also clarify that the most important factor is consistency. This flexibility means that taking AG1 before bed is an option, but the user must consider the specific ingredients and how they might affect sleep and digestion.

AG1's Ingredients and Their Potential Nighttime Impact

AG1 contains a comprehensive blend of over 75 vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. While beneficial, some of these ingredients could potentially clash with an evening routine aimed at relaxation and sleep preparation.

  • B Vitamins: AG1 contains high doses of all eight B vitamins, which are crucial for energy metabolism and converting food into usable energy. For individuals not getting enough B vitamins from their diet, this could provide a noticeable energy lift. While this is a great benefit during the day, a significant energy boost before bed might be counterproductive to a restful night.
  • Adaptogens: The formula includes adaptogens like rhodiola and ashwagandha, which are intended to help the body manage stress. While ashwagandha is sometimes associated with promoting relaxation, rhodiola is more commonly linked to boosting energy and combating fatigue. The combined effect on an individual before bed can be unpredictable.
  • Matcha and Cocoa Extract: AG1 contains small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine from matcha leaf and cocoa bean extract. For individuals sensitive to caffeine, even a small amount consumed in the evening could disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Probiotics and Prebiotics: The formula includes probiotics and prebiotics, like inulin, to support gut health and digestion. For some, a new influx of probiotics can lead to mild digestive upset, bloating, or gas as the body adjusts, especially when first starting. These effects might be more noticeable at night and could interfere with comfort during sleep.

The Arguments for Taking AG1 Before Bed

While the potential for disrupted sleep is a valid concern, there are some reasons why a person might consider an evening dose of AG1, especially based on the components found in many greens powders.

  • Digestive Support: The digestive enzymes and probiotics in AG1 might assist with the breakdown of food and support a healthy gut microbiome, potentially helping to alleviate digestive discomfort after an evening meal.
  • Consistency is Key: If your morning routine is too hectic, taking AG1 before bed might be the only way to maintain the daily consistency that is so critical to seeing long-term benefits. The benefits of consistent nutrient intake compound over time, regardless of the exact timing.
  • Personalized Timing: Some people may not experience any stimulatory effects from the ingredients and could find an evening routine fits their lifestyle better. Paying attention to your body's response is the most reliable way to determine the ideal timing.

Comparing AG1 and the Nighttime Alternative: AGZ

It's important to recognize that Athletic Greens offers a separate product specifically designed for evening consumption and sleep support, called AGZ. This product is formulated with different ingredients to promote rest and recovery, rather than energy.

Feature AG1 (Daily Health Drink) AGZ (Nighttime Drink)
Primary Goal Foundational nutrition, energy, and daily wellness Supports restful, restorative sleep
Key Ingredients B vitamins, adaptogens (rhodiola, ashwagandha), probiotics, prebiotics, and superfoods Calming herbs (valerian, saffron), magnesium L-threonate, and adaptogens (ashwagandha)
Energy Boost? Possible, due to B vitamins and adaptogens like rhodiola Not designed to boost energy; melatonin-free and promotes relaxation
Best Time to Take Morning, on an empty stomach for optimal absorption Nightly, before bedtime
Contains Caffeine? Small amount from matcha and cocoa extract No caffeine
Potential Night Issue May disrupt sleep for some, and could cause digestive issues Designed to help wind down and rest

Deciding When to Take AG1

To figure out the best timing for you, consider these points:

  • Assess your sleep sensitivity: If you are sensitive to caffeine or other stimulating compounds, an evening dose of AG1 could negatively impact your sleep quality. If you find your sleep is disturbed, switch to a morning routine.
  • Monitor digestive effects: Start with a half dose to see how your digestive system reacts. If you experience bloating, gas, or stomach upset, taking it earlier in the day might be more comfortable.
  • Prioritize consistency: If your mornings are too chaotic to remember your supplement, an evening routine may be your best bet. The long-term benefits of consistent intake likely outweigh the sub-optimal timing, as long as it doesn't disrupt your sleep.
  • Consider AGZ for specific sleep needs: If your primary goal is to aid sleep or winding down, the AGZ product is the more targeted option and was specifically created for that purpose.

Best Practices for Your AG1 Routine

If you choose to incorporate AG1 into your routine, here are some tips:

  • Start small: When introducing any new supplement, beginning with a half scoop can help your body adjust to the ingredients, particularly the probiotics.
  • Mix with cold water: AG1 is designed to be mixed with cold water, and the brand advises against hot liquids, which could affect the integrity of some ingredients.
  • Listen to your body: The effects of AG1 are highly individual. Some people report increased energy, while others notice improved digestion. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust the timing accordingly.
  • Wait to eat (if taking in the morning): If you take AG1 in the morning, taking it on an empty stomach is recommended for optimal absorption. Waiting at least 10 minutes before eating is ideal.
  • Keep it refrigerated: After opening the pouch, AG1 should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness and potency of its ingredients, including the live probiotics.
  • Complement, don't replace: Remember that AG1 is a supplement, not a meal replacement. It helps to fill nutritional gaps, but a balanced diet of whole foods is still paramount for overall health. You can read more about nutrient density and whole foods from trusted health resources like the Healthline review of AG1.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the answer to 'Can you take AG1 before bed?' is yes, you can, but whether you should depends on your personal health goals and how your body reacts to its ingredients. While the manufacturer and many users recommend a morning dose to leverage its energy-boosting nutrients throughout the day, an evening dose is possible if consistency is the main priority. However, for those with digestive sensitivities or who are particularly affected by energy-boosting ingredients, a morning routine might be a better choice. If better sleep is the primary goal, AGZ is specifically formulated to address that need. As with any supplement, listening to your body's feedback and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to find the best routine for you.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, taking AG1 before bed could potentially affect your sleep. The supplement contains B vitamins and adaptogens like rhodiola, which are associated with energy production. Additionally, small amounts of caffeine from matcha and cocoa are present. These ingredients may be stimulating for some, potentially disrupting a restful night.

The manufacturer, Athletic Greens, typically recommends taking AG1 first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. However, consistency is the most crucial factor, so you can choose a time that best fits your daily routine.

Yes, AG1 contains small, naturally occurring amounts of caffeine from ingredients like matcha leaf powder and cocoa bean extract. For most people, this amount is not significant, but it could be a factor for those who are particularly sensitive to caffeine.

Some individuals may experience digestive side effects such as bloating, gas, or nausea when they first start taking AG1, due to the probiotics and prebiotics. These symptoms could be more noticeable at night. Starting with a smaller dose can help your body adjust.

AG1 is a foundational nutritional supplement for daily wellness, while AGZ is a separate nighttime supplement designed specifically to support restful sleep. AGZ contains calming ingredients like magnesium, saffron, and valerian, rather than the energy-supporting components found in AG1.

For optimal nutrient absorption, Athletic Greens recommends taking AG1 on an empty stomach. However, consuming it with food does not negate its efficacy, and some people find it more comfortable to take with a meal.

To help minimize digestive upset, it is recommended to start with a half scoop for the first week to allow your body to adjust to the probiotics and fiber. It's also helpful to stay well-hydrated throughout the day.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.