Does AG1 Lower Cholesterol? Separating Fact from Supplement Hype

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

While some studies indicate that certain probiotics can help reduce total cholesterol levels, there is no direct clinical evidence for the supplement itself. This complex relationship begs the question: Does AG1 lower cholesterol? This article explores the science behind the ingredients and how they may or may not influence heart health.

Quick Summary

This analysis explores how AG1's ingredients, such as probiotics and fiber, may indirectly impact cholesterol levels, highlighting the absence of direct clinical studies on the product's overall efficacy for this specific health claim.

Key Points

Indirect Potential, Not Direct Evidence: AG1's potential to affect cholesterol is indirect, relying on ingredients like probiotics and some superfoods, but there's no clinical proof for the complete product.
The Proprietary Blend Problem: The exact amounts of key ingredients are undisclosed in AG1's proprietary blends, making it impossible to confirm if the doses are clinically effective for lowering cholesterol.
Supplements are Not a Replacement for Diet: AG1 cannot replace the proven benefits of a balanced diet rich in soluble fiber and whole foods for managing cholesterol.
No Substitute for Medical Treatment: For diagnosed high cholesterol, AG1 should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or prescription medications like statins.
Conflicting Evidence on Inulin: Some research, particularly in animal models, has raised questions about the effects of the prebiotic fiber inulin on cholesterol metabolism, especially in combination with high dietary cholesterol.
Focus on Foundational Health: AG1 is best viewed as a supplement to help fill nutrient gaps in a less-than-perfect diet, not as a targeted treatment for specific conditions like high cholesterol.

The Role of AG1 Ingredients in Lipid Management

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a greens powder supplement marketed to improve overall health through a blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and superfoods. While the company itself does not make direct claims that AG1 lowers cholesterol, some of its components are individually linked to potential lipid-regulating effects. The presence of probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, is often cited as a potential mechanism. These beneficial bacteria, when fermented in the gut, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like propionate, which can inhibit the enzymes responsible for producing cholesterol in the liver. Furthermore, certain bacteria can help absorb cholesterol from the gut, reducing its absorption into the bloodstream.

Beyond probiotics, other ingredients in AG1, such as spirulina, chlorella, and cocoa bean polyphenol extract, have been studied for their effects on blood lipids. Spirulina, for instance, has been associated with lower blood pressure and cholesterol, although more research is needed to confirm these benefits conclusively. Similarly, chlorella has been linked to positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol, but studies typically involve much higher doses than what is likely present in AG1's proprietary blend. Inulin, a prebiotic fiber included in AG1, can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, but its effects on cholesterol are inconsistent and can depend on factors like the degree of polymerization. Animal studies have also shown mixed results, with some suggesting inulin could negatively impact liver function and cholesterol metabolism under certain dietary conditions.

The Clinical Evidence: What Do the Studies on AG1 Show?

It is crucial to distinguish between research on individual ingredients and studies on the final AG1 product. While AG1's website highlights clinical trials, these studies have not specifically focused on cholesterol reduction in humans. A 2024 study examined the effect of AG1 supplementation on the gut microbiome in adults with occasional gastrointestinal issues but only observed a minimal impact on lipid panels. A key finding was that AG1 was well tolerated and increased beneficial gut bacteria. However, this study was short-term and not designed to measure changes in long-term health outcomes like cholesterol levels. The company-funded in vitro studies simulating the human gut have shown promising results regarding nutrient absorption and microbial changes, but these lab models do not directly prove health benefits in living people. Ultimately, there is insufficient high-quality, independent clinical evidence to confirm that consuming AG1 directly and reliably lowers cholesterol in humans.

The Challenge of Proprietary Blends

One of the main obstacles to evaluating AG1's effectiveness is its use of proprietary blends for many ingredients. This means that while the ingredient is listed, the exact dosage is not disclosed. For many components, like chlorella, effective doses have been established by research, but without knowing the precise amount in each scoop of AG1, it is impossible to determine if it is clinically significant. This lack of transparency means that any potential cholesterol-lowering effects from individual ingredients cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, some ingredients with known effects, such as ashwagandha and green tea extract, have also been linked to liver toxicity in some anecdotal reports, although a direct causal link has not been established.

AG1 vs. Proven Cholesterol-Lowering Strategies

When considering strategies to manage cholesterol, it's vital to rely on evidence-based methods. While AG1 may provide some nutritional support, it is not a substitute for a heart-healthy diet or medical treatment.


Feature	AG1 Supplement	Balanced Whole-Food Diet	Statins (Prescription Medication)
Primary Mechanism	Indirect influence via gut microbiome (probiotics) and some superfoods	High soluble fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants	Direct inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme controlling cholesterol production
Proven Efficacy for Cholesterol	No direct clinical evidence for the product	Strong, long-term evidence for lowering LDL and total cholesterol	Very high, proven efficacy for significantly lowering LDL cholesterol
Nutrient Delivery	Highly concentrated, but potentially low doses of some key ingredients due to proprietary blends	Wide array of essential vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients in naturally occurring ratios	Focuses primarily on lipid regulation; other nutrients are not guaranteed
Best for	A daily nutritional safety net for individuals with nutrient gaps in their diet	The foundational strategy for heart health and cholesterol management	Individuals with significantly high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease

How to Effectively Lower Your Cholesterol

For anyone concerned about high cholesterol, relying on a supplement alone is not the recommended approach. Instead, focus on a comprehensive lifestyle plan that is scientifically proven to deliver results.

Eat a diet rich in soluble fiber. This type of fiber, found in oats, beans, apples, and brussels sprouts, helps reduce LDL cholesterol by binding to it and removing it from the body.
Include heart-healthy fats. Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which can help improve your overall lipid profile.
Limit saturated and trans fats. Reduce your intake of red meat, full-fat dairy, and highly processed foods, which are major culprits for raising unhealthy cholesterol.
Incorporate Omega-3s. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of Omega-3s, which have been linked to lower LDL levels.
Increase physical activity. Regular exercise is a well-documented and effective method for improving cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

Conclusion

So, does AG1 lower cholesterol? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While AG1 contains ingredients, particularly certain probiotics and some superfood powders, that have been individually linked to cholesterol-lowering mechanisms, there is currently no direct clinical evidence showing that the product as a whole effectively reduces cholesterol in humans. The use of proprietary blends also makes it difficult to verify if the dosages of potentially beneficial ingredients are sufficient to produce a significant effect. Therefore, AG1 should not be viewed as a treatment for high cholesterol or a replacement for a balanced, whole-food diet and medical advice. Anyone with high cholesterol should prioritize a healthy diet, regular exercise, and follow a treatment plan from a qualified healthcare professional, which may include prescription medication if necessary. [Harvard Health] (https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/statins-vs-supplements-a-reckoning)

Frequently Asked Questions

No, AG1 is not a substitute for prescribed cholesterol medication. Medications like statins are medically proven treatments for clinically high cholesterol, while AG1's effects are unproven and indirect.

Some individual ingredients in AG1, such as the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, as well as spirulina and chlorella, have been associated with cholesterol-lowering mechanisms. However, the efficacy of the specific dosages in AG1 is unknown due to proprietary blends.

No, there is no high-quality clinical trial demonstrating that AG1 as a complete product effectively lowers cholesterol in humans.

A diet rich in whole foods, soluble fiber, and healthy fats is the most effective and proven nutritional strategy for managing cholesterol. AG1 provides far less fiber than whole foods and lacks direct evidence for cholesterol reduction.

AG1 is generally considered safe for most adults, but individuals with high cholesterol or other health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if on medication.

The dosage is critical because many studies linking ingredients to health benefits use specific, often high, amounts. AG1's proprietary blends hide these amounts, so there's no way to know if you're getting an effective dose.

Some animal studies on the ingredient inulin showed it potentially disturbed cholesterol metabolism under specific conditions, leading to manifestations of hepatic inflammation.