Does AG1 Greens Really Work? A Dietitian's Fact-Check

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that nearly 60% of adults in the United States take dietary supplements, often to compensate for nutritional gaps in their diets? Amid this trend, the question remains: does AG1 greens really work, and is it a worthwhile investment for your health?

Quick Summary

AG1 is a premium greens powder with over 75 ingredients, including probiotics, vitamins, and adaptogens. Its high cost and reliance on proprietary blends are major points of debate.

Key Points

Not a Meal Replacement: AG1 is a supplement designed to fill nutrient gaps, not replace whole fruits and vegetables, which provide essential fiber and hydration.
High-Quality Ingredients: The formula includes over 75 carefully sourced ingredients, including adaptogens, probiotics, and superfoods, but most are in proprietary blends with undisclosed quantities.
NSF Certified for Sport: AG1 undergoes rigorous third-party testing, ensuring its safety, purity, and freedom from banned substances, which is valuable for competitive athletes.
Mixed Evidence for Claims: While some users report benefits like increased energy and improved digestion, independent scientific research specifically on the complete AG1 formula is limited.
High Cost: AG1 is one of the more expensive greens powders available, making it potentially not cost-effective for individuals who already have a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Potential Side Effects: Some individuals, particularly those new to the supplement, may experience digestive discomfort such as bloating or an upset stomach.
Consult a Professional: Due to high dosages and potential interactions, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before taking AG1, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those on medication.

What's in an AG1 Scoop? A Breakdown of Ingredients

One daily scoop of AG1 is designed to be a foundational nutrition supplement, combining several products into one. It includes a blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients. While the company highlights its comprehensive formula, the exact amounts of many compounds within its proprietary blends are not disclosed.

Core Components of AG1:

Vitamins and Minerals: Provides a significant dose of many essential micronutrients, particularly B-vitamins, which can support energy production. It does, however, notably lack sufficient vitamin D and iron.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: The formula includes 10 billion CFUs from five different probiotic strains, plus prebiotic fiber, which a company-funded study suggests can benefit the gut microbiome.
Superfood and Phytonutrient Complexes: Packed with various fruit and vegetable powders, grasses, and extracts like spirulina, chlorella, and beetroot.
Adaptogens and Herbs: Contains ingredients such as ashwagandha, astragalus, and reishi mushrooms, which are intended to help the body manage stress.

The Truth Behind AG1's Health Claims

AG1 is marketed with numerous claims, from boosting energy to supporting gut health and immunity. Let's examine the evidence:

Energy: Many users report a noticeable increase in energy, which is plausible given the high concentration of B-vitamins. However, this effect may be most pronounced in those with pre-existing deficiencies.
Gut Health: The probiotics and prebiotics are the primary drivers for this benefit. While a company-funded trial showed positive changes in the gut microbiome, results are anecdotal for most users, and some may experience digestive discomfort initially.
Immune Support: AG1 contains many immune-supporting micronutrients like vitamins A, C, and zinc. However, experts emphasize that this should be viewed as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a healthy diet.
Independent Research: A significant limitation is the lack of independent, peer-reviewed clinical research on the full AG1 formula. The studies that exist are primarily funded by the company, and while not necessarily inaccurate, a healthy degree of skepticism is warranted.

AG1 vs. Other Greens Powders: A Comparison

AG1 is a premium-priced option, and its value often depends on an individual's specific needs compared to more affordable alternatives like Live it Up or Primal Greens.


Feature	AG1	Live it Up Super Greens	Primal Greens
Cost per serving (approx.)	$2.63 - $3.33 (subscription)	$1.33	$1.67
Organic Ingredients	Contains many organic, but not fully certified.	Contains more organic ingredients.	No clear organic claim.
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport.	Tested but no NSF certification.	Tested but no NSF certification.
Proprietary Blends	Yes, with most superfood ingredient amounts undisclosed.	Yes, with most superfood ingredient amounts undisclosed.	Yes, with most superfood ingredient amounts undisclosed.
Probiotics (CFU)	10 billion.	5 billion.	7.2 billion.
Missing Nutrients	Vitamin D, sufficient iron.	Lower in Vitamin C, no adaptogens.	Not specified, but generally lower nutrient density.

Potential Side Effects and Who Should Avoid AG1

While generally safe for healthy adults, AG1 can cause side effects for some individuals. Starting with a smaller dose and gradually increasing can help minimize discomfort.

Digestive Issues: Some users report bloating, gas, or stomach upset due to the probiotics, prebiotics like inulin, or high levels of certain vitamins.
Medication Interactions: AG1 contains herbs like ashwagandha and other compounds that can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and hormonal birth control.
Unsafe Populations: AG1 is not recommended for children, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Individuals with end-stage kidney disease or autoimmune conditions like lupus should also exercise caution or avoid the supplement.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is AG1 Worth the Price?

AG1 is a significant financial commitment, especially compared to other greens powders on the market. For individuals who already maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in whole foods, the added benefit may be minimal and not justify the high cost. However, for those with genuinely poor dietary habits, high nutrient needs (like professional athletes), or a limited intake of fruits and vegetables, the convenience and nutrient profile might be worth the premium price. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal health goals, budget, and dietary habits.

Conclusion

So, does AG1 greens really work? The answer is nuanced. As a convenient, high-quality supplement, it can effectively fill nutritional gaps and potentially provide benefits like improved energy and gut health for some individuals. The NSF certification offers a high degree of confidence in its safety and potency. However, it is not a substitute for whole foods, lacks a few key nutrients, and its proprietary blends obscure crucial dosing information. Given the high price, many health experts and dietitians suggest that a balanced diet or a more affordable alternative might offer similar benefits for the average person. For the best results, consult a healthcare professional before adding any supplement to your routine.

Learn more about dietary supplements and gut health research at the National Institutes of Health [https://www.nih.gov/health-information/dietary-supplements].

Frequently Asked Questions

AG1 contains many vitamins and minerals, and for some, it can serve as a multi-nutrient supplement. However, it lacks sufficient amounts of certain key nutrients, such as vitamin D and iron, meaning you may still need other supplements.

AG1 contains probiotics and prebiotics that are designed to support gut health. Some users report reduced bloating and improved digestion. However, others may experience initial digestive upset as their body adjusts.

Whether AG1 is worth the cost depends on your needs. For those with significant nutritional gaps or high demands (like athletes), it can be a valuable supplement. However, for people with an already balanced diet, more affordable options or whole foods may provide similar benefits.

Most of the research on the AG1 formula has been funded by the company, with limited independent, peer-reviewed studies directly confirming all its broad health claims. Independent science on greens powders in general is also limited.

No, AG1 is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to some ingredients, including adaptogens, that have not been proven safe for these populations.

A proprietary blend means the manufacturer does not disclose the exact amount of each ingredient within that blend. For AG1, this means it's unclear if many superfood ingredients are present in high enough doses to be clinically effective.

Compared to cheaper options, AG1 is generally more nutrient-dense and often has more probiotics, plus the assurance of NSF certification. However, alternatives may be a better value for those on a budget or with simpler nutritional needs.