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Does AG1 Break Ketosis? A Deep Dive into Athletic Greens

4 min read

For many on a low-carb diet, monitoring every single gram of carbohydrates is essential to maintain ketosis. This often leads to the critical question: does AG1 break ketosis? AG1 is formulated to be compatible with ketogenic lifestyles, containing just 4 grams of net carbs per serving.

Quick Summary

AG1 does not break ketosis for most individuals following a low-carb dietary plan. With only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, it aligns with a ketogenic diet and helps fill nutrient gaps.

Key Points

  • Net Carbs: AG1 contains just 4 grams of net carbs per scoop (6g total carbs - 2g fiber), which is low enough to be compatible with most ketogenic diets.

  • No Added Sugar: The supplement uses a natural sweetener (stevia) and contains less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar, preventing blood sugar spikes that could disrupt ketosis.

  • Not a Fast-Breaker (for ketosis): While its 50 calories will break a strict intermittent fast, the low carb count does not interfere with the metabolic state of ketosis,.

  • Nutrient Support: AG1 helps fill common nutrient gaps associated with restrictive diets by providing a blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients.

  • Added Gut Health Benefits: The probiotics and prebiotics in AG1 can support a healthy gut microbiome, which is beneficial for overall health on a ketogenic diet.

  • Considerations for Use: Those on specific medications, with autoimmune conditions, or who are sensitive to ingredients like soy should consult a doctor before use.

In This Article

Understanding Ketosis and Carbohydrate Limits

To understand if AG1 breaks ketosis, it is vital to know how the ketogenic diet works. Ketosis is a metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. This is achieved by drastically reducing carbohydrate intake, typically to 20–50 grams of net carbs per day, while increasing fat consumption. If you consume too many carbohydrates, your body will switch back to using glucose for fuel, effectively halting the ketogenic process. The key, therefore, is to assess any food or supplement based on its net carbohydrate count.

The Nutritional Breakdown of AG1

A single scoop of AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients. Crucial for any keto dieter is the supplement's macronutrient profile.

  • Total Carbohydrates: One serving provides 6 grams of total carbs.
  • Dietary Fiber: There are 2 grams of fiber per scoop.
  • Net Carbs: The all-important net carb count is calculated by subtracting the fiber from the total carbohydrates, which comes to 4 grams per serving (6g - 2g = 4g).
  • Sugar Content: AG1 contains less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar and no added sugars, relying on a small amount of stevia for flavor.

With just 4 grams of net carbs, a single serving of AG1 fits comfortably within the daily carbohydrate limit of most ketogenic dieters. This low-carb content prevents a significant blood sugar spike, allowing the body to remain in a fat-burning state.

AG1 and Intermittent Fasting: A Different Scenario

While AG1 is generally keto-friendly, it is important to distinguish between breaking ketosis and breaking an intermittent fast. For those practicing intermittent fasting (IF), the 50 calories and 4g net carbs in one scoop are enough to end a strict fasting window,. However, this does not mean it kicks you out of ketosis. You can take AG1 during your eating window and still maintain a ketogenic state, as it does not contain enough carbohydrates to trigger a switch back to glucose for fuel.

How AG1 Complements a Ketogenic Diet

Many individuals on the keto diet can experience a deficiency in certain micronutrients due to the restriction of carbohydrate-rich fruits and starchy vegetables. AG1 can help fill these nutritional gaps effectively.

  • Probiotics and Prebiotics: The supplement contains 7.2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) of probiotics, along with prebiotics, to support gut health and digestion,. This can be particularly beneficial for those transitioning to a high-fat diet, which can sometimes lead to digestive changes.
  • B Vitamins: AG1 is rich in B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and can help combat the fatigue commonly associated with the early stages of a keto diet, often called the "keto flu",.
  • Micronutrient Support: A single scoop provides high percentages of the daily value for various vitamins and minerals, acting as a nutritional safety net for restrictive eating patterns.

AG1 vs. Other Keto-Friendly Supplements: A Comparison

Feature AG1 (Athletic Greens) MCT Oil Powder Exogenous Ketones Omega-3s (Fish Oil)
Net Carbs ~4g 0g 0g 0g
Primary Benefit Comprehensive nutrition, gut health, energy Rapid ketone production, energy Accelerates ketosis, reduces keto flu Reduces inflammation, brain/heart health
Other Ingredients Probiotics, adaptogens, antioxidants Simple, high-fat source Electrolytes often included No added ingredients
Best For... Filling general nutritional gaps Quick energy and focus Easing the keto transition Addressing omega-3 deficiencies

Who Should Exercise Caution?

Despite its keto-friendly status, AG1 is not suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain conditions or who are taking specific medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

  • Proprietary Blends: AG1 utilizes proprietary blends, meaning the specific amount of each individual ingredient is not disclosed. This can be a concern for those with sensitivities or who want precise dosage information.
  • Soy-Based Ingredients: The product contains soy-based lecithin, which is a potential allergen for some.
  • Medication Interactions: Certain ingredients, such as adaptogens and various vitamins, can interact with medications for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion: Does AG1 Break Ketosis?

Based on its nutritional profile, AG1 does not break ketosis for the vast majority of individuals. The modest 4 grams of net carbs per scoop fits well within the standard ketogenic daily carb allowance. It serves as a comprehensive supplement to help fill potential micronutrient gaps, support gut health, and provide sustained energy on a low-carb diet. For those practicing intermittent fasting, it is important to be aware that the 50 calories will end a fasting window, but it will not impact your state of ketosis. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals. For more in-depth information on managing your carbohydrate intake while on a ketogenic diet, refer to reliable sources such as Healthline's beginner's guide.

For more information on the ketogenic diet, visit this comprehensive guide on Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a daily serving of AG1 is compatible with a keto diet. The 4 grams of net carbs are low enough to keep you well within the typical 20-50 gram daily limit for maintaining ketosis,.

No, AG1 does not contain any added sugars. It uses a small amount of stevia, a natural, calorie-free sweetener, for flavor and has less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar per serving.

Yes, AG1 is rich in B vitamins, which play a critical role in energy metabolism. This can help combat the fatigue often associated with the 'keto flu,' the transition period when your body adapts to burning fat for fuel.

No. AG1 is not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables. While it helps fill nutritional gaps, whole foods provide fiber, phytonutrients, and other benefits that cannot be fully replicated in a powdered supplement.

AG1 provides excellent foundational nutrition, but it is not a complete solution. A successful ketogenic diet still requires a balanced intake of healthy fats, moderate protein, and low-carb vegetables,.

One scoop of AG1 contains approximately 50 calories. This is important for those monitoring their total daily caloric intake, especially if also practicing intermittent fasting.

The probiotics and prebiotics in AG1 promote a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion. This can help alleviate common digestive issues, like constipation or bloating, that can sometimes occur when adapting to a high-fat, low-fiber diet.

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Medical Disclaimer

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