Unpacking the “Natural” Label: What Does It Mean for AG1?
In the world of dietary supplements, the term “natural” can be misleading. While many consumers associate 'natural' with ingredients found exclusively in whole foods, the reality for complex supplements like AG1 is more nuanced. AG1 (previously known as Athletic Greens) is a nutritional supplement that has gained a massive following, but the question of its ingredient origin is a common one. The short answer is no, AG1 is not 100% natural. The longer explanation involves understanding the different components of its formula: a mix of whole-food sourced extracts, probiotics, and synthetic vitamins and minerals.
The Role of Whole-Food Sourced Ingredients
AG1 contains an extensive list of over 75 ingredients, with many derived from whole-food sources. These are concentrated plant compounds, antioxidants, and extracts. However, the company is transparent that not all of these are certified organic, often prioritizing quality and testing over the organic label for certain ingredients.
AG1’s formula includes several key whole-food derived components:
- Superfood Complex: A blend featuring ingredients like organic spirulina, organic apple powder, and organic chlorella powder. These are some of the components that are certified organic, contributing to the supplement's 'green' profile.
- Antioxidants and Extracts: The formula includes botanicals and extracts from sources like citrus bioflavonoids, green tea, and milk thistle seed. These are derived from plants and other natural sources.
- Adaptogens: Herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola are included to help the body manage stress. These are concentrated extracts from natural herbs.
- Probiotics: The live bacteria strains in AG1, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, are non-dairy and made through fermentation, a natural process.
- Natural Flavors: The taste of AG1 is derived from natural essences of pineapple core and vanilla bean, with no artificial flavors. It is sweetened with stevia, a natural extract.
The Presence of Synthetic Vitamins and Minerals
One of the main reasons AG1 is not 100% natural is its inclusion of a significant number of synthetic vitamins and minerals. Unlike nutrients sourced directly from whole foods, synthetic nutrients are created in a lab setting through chemical processes. In AG1, these are added to bolster the supplement's nutritional profile, providing specific, high-dose micronutrients that might be difficult to obtain solely from the whole-food ingredients.
Critics point out that synthetic vitamins may not be as bioavailable—or as easily absorbed and utilized by the body—as their natural counterparts found in whole foods. For example, a 2016 article by Healthline notes that studies show natural vitamin E is absorbed more efficiently than the synthetic version. While AG1 sources vitamins and minerals with bioavailability in mind, the foundational difference in origin remains.
Understanding the Organic vs. Natural Difference
AG1 is explicit that it is not certified organic, though it contains some organically sourced ingredients. The company explains that it sometimes opts for non-organic sources that meet stricter internal and third-party standards for quality and stability, and it rigorously tests for over 500 pesticides and herbicides. This distinction is important for consumers who prioritize a fully organic product. In the supplement industry, a product labeled 'natural' can still contain synthetic components, which is the case for AG1.
Comparison: AG1 vs. a Hypothetical 100% Natural Greens Powder
| Feature | AG1 | Hypothetical 100% Natural Greens Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Nutrients | A blend of whole-food sourced ingredients and lab-created synthetic vitamins/minerals. | All vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients derived directly from concentrated, whole-food sources. |
| Certified Organic | Some ingredients are certified organic, but the final product is not. | Would be fully certified organic to avoid synthetic pesticides and herbicides. |
| Sourcing Priority | Prioritizes potency, bioavailability, and quality testing, sometimes over organic status. | Focuses exclusively on ingredients derived from organically grown whole foods. |
| Taste | Flavored with natural essences like pineapple and vanilla, and sweetened with stevia. | Flavor profile would come entirely from the concentrated plant sources. |
| Third-Party Testing | Extensive testing for contaminants, allergens, and banned substances (NSF Certified for Sport®). | Would still require testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety, though testing for synthetic contaminants would not be necessary. |
The Verdict: How to View AG1's Formula
Given the presence of synthetic vitamins and minerals, AG1 is not a 100% natural supplement. Instead, it is a comprehensive daily nutrition supplement that combines naturally derived superfoods and extracts with laboratory-created micronutrients. AG1’s commitment to third-party testing for contaminants, including heavy metals, addresses a different aspect of product quality than the organic or natural question. For consumers, the key is to decide which attributes they prioritize. If you are seeking a supplement with a fortified nutritional profile backed by rigorous testing, AG1 fits the bill. If a strictly 100% organic and whole-food based supplement is your goal, alternatives that rely solely on dehydrated, concentrated whole foods might be a better choice. Ultimately, no supplement should replace a balanced, whole-foods diet, but for bridging nutritional gaps, AG1 offers a tested, albeit not entirely natural, option. Read more about the difference between natural and synthetic nutrients in this article from Healthline.
Conclusion
To definitively answer the question "Is AG1 100% natural?"—no, it is not. The brand's formula blends naturally sourced whole foods and extracts with synthetic vitamins and minerals to achieve its nutrient-dense profile. While AG1 is committed to high-quality sourcing, rigorous third-party testing (including for contaminants and banned substances), and uses natural flavors, its inclusion of lab-created components means it doesn't meet the strict definition of being entirely natural. The best approach for any consumer is to review the ingredients, consider what is most important for their personal health goals, and consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
