Do You Need to Drink AG1 on an Empty Stomach for Best Results?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, Athletic Greens, drinking AG1 first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is recommended for "optimal absorption," but they also state that consistency is the most important factor. This often leads to confusion for users debating the best time for their daily green drink. The truth is, the ideal timing depends on several factors, including your digestive sensitivity and lifestyle.

Quick Summary

AG1 is best taken on an empty stomach for optimal absorption of certain nutrients, but its efficacy is not compromised by consuming it with food. Consistency in taking the daily supplement is more critical than timing. Taking it with a meal can reduce potential stomach upset caused by ingredients like probiotics.

Key Points

Empty Stomach Recommendation: AG1's maker suggests taking it on an empty stomach for optimal nutrient and probiotic absorption.
Consistency is Key: The most important factor for AG1's benefits is consistent, daily consumption, not the precise timing.
With Food Benefits: Taking AG1 with a meal can reduce digestive upset and improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Individual Needs: Consider your own digestive sensitivity and health goals when deciding whether to take AG1 with or without food.
Flexibility: You can take AG1 at any time of day, and its efficacy is not compromised by taking it with food.

Is Empty Stomach Best for AG1 Absorption?

AG1 contains a blend of water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, prebiotics, probiotics, and other whole-food-sourced nutrients. The recommendation to take it on an empty stomach primarily relates to maximizing the absorption of certain nutrients without interference from other food components and supporting the delivery of probiotics to the gut.

The Case for an Empty Stomach

Taking AG1 with just water first thing in the morning can lead to several benefits:

Optimal Bioavailability: Without food in the stomach, certain nutrients may be more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. This direct pathway can be beneficial for kickstarting your nutrient intake for the day.
Probiotic Support: Consuming probiotics on an empty stomach is often advised to help the good bacteria reach the gut and colonize effectively without competition from other bacteria or acids from digested food. AG1 contains five clinically-studied probiotic strains, making this a relevant point.
Simplicity and Routine: For many people, incorporating AG1 into a morning routine is easiest. Drinking it first thing ensures you don't forget it later in the day, leading to better overall consistency.

The Case for Taking AG1 with Food

While the empty stomach approach has its merits, there are equally valid reasons to take AG1 alongside a meal or with a snack.

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption: AG1 contains fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, and K) that are best absorbed when consumed with some dietary fat. Having AG1 with breakfast, which often contains healthy fats, can enhance the absorption of these specific nutrients.
Mitigating Digestive Discomfort: Some users, particularly when first starting, report experiencing mild digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or stomach upset. Consuming AG1 with food can buffer the stomach and reduce these side effects, making the transition smoother.
Flexibility for Sensitive Stomachs: If you have a sensitive digestive system, a morning dose of a concentrated supplement on an empty stomach might be too harsh. Pairing it with a small meal can make it more tolerable.

Empty Stomach vs. With Food Comparison

To help you decide, here's a side-by-side comparison of the two methods:


Aspect	Empty Stomach (Morning)	With Food (Breakfast)
Nutrient Absorption	Pro: Potentially optimal for water-soluble vitamins and probiotics due to direct absorption. Con: Suboptimal for fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K).	Pro: Enhanced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins when consumed with a meal containing fats. Con: Digestion of other foods may slightly slow probiotic delivery.
Digestive Impact	Pro: May maximize effect of probiotics. Con: Higher risk of initial stomach upset, bloating, or gas for some individuals.	Pro: Minimizes potential digestive issues and is gentler on sensitive stomachs. Con: No significant disadvantages related to efficacy.
Convenience & Habit	Pro: Easy to remember as the first step in your morning routine, promoting consistency.	Pro: Allows for flexibility in timing, and is easy to remember if linked to a daily meal.
Suitability	Best for those with robust digestion and who prioritize maximum probiotic potency.	Ideal for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those who want to optimize absorption of all vitamins, including fat-soluble ones.

Making it Work for Your Routine

Ultimately, the most important aspect of taking AG1 is consistency. If you forget to take it first thing in the morning, that's okay. The benefits are cumulative over time with daily use. Athletic Greens' FAQ page confirms that eating afterward won't change the efficacy.

Here are a few strategies to integrate AG1 into your lifestyle effectively:

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If an empty stomach causes discomfort, switch to taking it with a meal and observe if the issue resolves. You can even experiment by starting with a half-scoop to let your system adjust.
Consider Your Goals: If your primary focus is on gut health, an empty stomach may provide a slight advantage for the probiotics. If overall nutrient absorption is the priority, especially for fat-soluble vitamins, taking it with a small, fat-containing meal (like avocado toast) might be preferable.
Timing Flexibility: AG1 can be taken at any time of the day. As long as you take it daily, you will reap the foundational nutritional benefits. For those who follow intermittent fasting, AG1 can be taken to break a fast as it has a very low-calorie count.

Conclusion

While the manufacturer recommends drinking AG1 on an empty stomach for “optimal absorption,” it is not a strict requirement for the product's effectiveness. For some, an empty stomach works perfectly, while for others, taking it with food reduces digestive discomfort and can even improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Consistency is the single most important factor for experiencing the benefits of AG1. Find the timing that works best for your body and your routine to ensure you stick with your daily habit. For more details on the ingredients and company's research, you can refer to the official AG1 FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking AG1 on an empty stomach may be ideal for the absorption of certain nutrients and the delivery of probiotics. However, it is not strictly required. The manufacturer states that consistency is more important than timing.

No, taking AG1 with food does not reduce its overall efficacy. The manufacturer confirms that eating afterwards won't change the effectiveness of the product.

If you experience bloating, gas, or stomach upset on an empty stomach, try taking AG1 with a light meal. The fiber and components in a meal can help buffer the stomach. You can also start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it.

Yes, you can mix AG1 with cold water, milk, smoothies, or juice. However, it's not recommended to mix it with hot or very acidic liquids, as this could affect the efficacy of some ingredients.

You do not need to wait any specific amount of time to eat after drinking AG1. It is designed to be taken first thing in the morning, but eating afterward will not change its effectiveness.

Yes, AG1 can be taken at any time of the day. While a morning routine is often suggested for consistency, the most important thing is to take it daily.

AG1 contains very low amounts of calories (40 per serving) and has minimal carbs, proteins, and natural sugars, so it is compatible with most intermittent fasting schedules.