Do you need to take vitamins if you take AG1?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, many Americans already get enough vitamins from their diet, and excess water-soluble vitamins are simply excreted. So, do you need to take vitamins if you take AG1? The necessity for additional supplementation depends on your individual diet, health needs, and specific vitamin levels, as AG1 contains a blend of nutrients that may cover many foundational requirements.

Quick Summary

AG1 aims to replace many daily supplements by providing a blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and superfoods in a single serving. However, it may not contain all necessary nutrients for every individual, such as Vitamin D and iron, and megadoses of certain vitamins are not always beneficial. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine personalized needs.

Key Points

AG1 is not a complete multivitamin: AG1, while comprehensive, lacks key nutrients like iron and Vitamin D, which may require separate, targeted supplementation for some individuals.
Excess vitamins are often excreted: Taking extra water-soluble vitamins (like B vitamins or Vitamin C) with AG1 is often unnecessary, as high doses are simply passed out of the body.
Consider targeted supplements for specific needs: It is more effective to identify and address specific deficiencies, such as with iron or Vitamin D, through individual supplements rather than adding another broad multivitamin.
AG1 complements, not replaces, a healthy diet: AG1 is designed to fill nutritional gaps, but it is not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole foods, which provide important fiber and other compounds.
Consult a healthcare provider before adding vitamins: It is crucial to speak with a doctor or registered dietitian to assess your individual needs and prevent excessive intake of fat-soluble vitamins, which can be harmful in high amounts.

Understanding AG1’s Nutrient Profile

AG1 is marketed as a comprehensive, all-in-one nutritional supplement designed to cover daily health bases. A single scoop delivers a blend of over 75 ingredients, including a vitamin and mineral mix, probiotics, adaptogens, and whole-food sourced nutrients. For instance, AG1 contains significant amounts of B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc, often providing well over 100% of the recommended Daily Value. These high doses, particularly of water-soluble vitamins like C and B7, are often simply excreted if your body already has enough, as it cannot store large quantities. AG1 also includes probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health, which is a feature not typically found in a standard multivitamin.

Key Nutrients Included in AG1

B Vitamins: High doses of B1, B2, B6, B12, and Biotin support energy metabolism.
Vitamin C: AG1 offers a large quantity of Vitamin C, a known immune system supporter.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: The formula includes specific strains of probiotics and prebiotic fiber (inulin) to aid digestion and gut flora balance.
Adaptogens: Ingredients like rhodiola and ashwagandha are included to support the body’s ability to handle stress.

Potential Vitamin Gaps and Considerations

Despite its comprehensive marketing, AG1 does not cover every potential nutrient need. Several key vitamins and minerals are either absent or provided in insufficient amounts for certain populations. For example, AG1 does not include a rich source of iron, a mineral vital for red blood cell production, especially for menstruating women. The product also lacks Vitamin D, which many people, particularly those with less sun exposure, need to supplement. The best approach is to evaluate your own dietary habits and health status to identify any potential gaps.

Specifics on Missing Nutrients

Iron: The variable nature of iron requirements, particularly for women, means a generalized formula like AG1 does not include it.
Vitamin D: Often needed by those with limited sun exposure, Vitamin D is available separately from AG1 as a complementary product.
Omega-3s: Essential fatty acids are another important nutrient that may require separate supplementation.

AG1 vs. Standard Multivitamin: A Comparison

To highlight the differences and help you decide whether to take additional vitamins, here is a comparison between AG1 and a typical multivitamin.


Feature	AG1	Standard Multivitamin
Format	Powder mixed with water	Tablet or capsule
Nutrient Sourcing	Whole-food sourced and synthetic	Primarily synthetic forms
Additional Ingredients	Probiotics, adaptogens, superfoods, digestive enzymes	No added probiotics or adaptogens typically
Bioavailability Claim	Ingredients selected for absorption, supported by in-vitro studies	Variable absorption depending on form and other ingredients
Inclusions/Exclusions	Generally excludes Vitamin D and iron	Content can vary widely by brand; some contain D and iron
Price	Higher per-serving cost	Generally more affordable

How to Determine Your Needs

The key to effective supplementation, even when taking a product like AG1, is personalization. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely ideal for nutrition. Your first step should always be a diet assessment and a discussion with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian. They can review your bloodwork and lifestyle to accurately pinpoint any genuine deficiencies. Based on this information, you can strategically add supplements that AG1 might not adequately provide.

Practical Steps to Assess Your Needs

Evaluate your diet: Track your food intake for a week to see if you're consistently missing key food groups like dark leafy greens, fruits, or fish. Remember, AG1 is designed to complement a healthy diet, not replace it.
Consult a professional: Get personalized advice to avoid unnecessary megadosing, especially with fat-soluble vitamins which can accumulate in the body.
Consider targeted supplements: If tests show a deficiency in iron or Vitamin D, for example, a targeted supplement will be more effective than relying on a general mix.
Be aware of interactions: Certain supplements can interact with medications, so always inform your doctor about all supplements you take.

Conclusion

While AG1 offers a broad spectrum of foundational nutrition, including numerous vitamins and minerals, it is not a complete solution for every individual. For most people with a generally balanced diet, adding extra vitamins to AG1 is unnecessary and may simply result in expensive urine, especially with water-soluble nutrients. However, specific needs for nutrients like iron and Vitamin D are not fully met by AG1, necessitating targeted supplementation for those with deficiencies. Ultimately, a personalized approach guided by a healthcare professional is the best way to determine if you need to take vitamins in addition to AG1, ensuring you fill specific nutritional gaps without wasting money on redundant or potentially excessive intake.

For more information on the science behind supplementation, consider reviewing resources like the work published by McGill University's Office for Science and Society(https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/critical-thinking-health-and-nutrition/you-probably-dont-need-green-ag1-smoothie).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, AG1 includes a blend of vitamins and minerals designed to act as a comprehensive daily supplement, replacing the need for a separate multivitamin for many users.

For some, AG1 can replace a standard multivitamin. However, it does not contain a rich source of iron or Vitamin D, so individuals with deficiencies in these areas may still need additional supplements.

It is generally safe for water-soluble vitamins like B and C, but unnecessary, as your body will simply excrete the excess. It is potentially unsafe with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which can build up to toxic levels. Always consult a doctor first.

Based on its formula, individuals may need to supplement with Vitamin D, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, especially if they have diagnosed deficiencies or specific health needs.

A vitamin deficiency can only be accurately diagnosed through blood tests and a review of your health history by a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.

No, AG1 is designed to complement a healthy diet and fill potential nutritional gaps, not replace the nutrients and fiber found in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

AG1 offers a broader spectrum of ingredients than most multivitamins, including probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens, in a single, absorbable format.