Is AG1 Actually Healthy for You? A Dietitian's Perspective

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2019 study, only 10% of American adults meet the recommended daily intake for vegetables. This statistic is often used to promote products like AG1, raising the critical question: Is AG1 actually healthy for you?

Quick Summary

An analysis of the popular greens supplement AG1 covering its nutrient profile, potential benefits like energy and gut support, and significant drawbacks including high cost and proprietary blends.

Key Points

Not a food replacement: AG1 cannot substitute for the fiber, complex nutrients, and hydration provided by a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables.
Proprietary blend transparency: AG1's use of proprietary blends means the exact dosage of many ingredients is unknown, making it difficult to confirm effectiveness.
High cost: At nearly $3 per serving for subscribers, AG1 is one of the most expensive greens supplements on the market, and its value is debated by experts.
Significant nutrient omissions: The supplement lacks adequate levels of key nutrients like vitamin D, iron, and fiber, requiring additional supplementation.
Potential for side effects: Due to high doses of vitamins and probiotics, some users experience digestive issues like bloating or stomach upset.
Target audience: AG1 may benefit athletes with high nutrient demands or people with poor diets who struggle to consume enough vegetables, acting as a nutritional safety net.

What Exactly is AG1?

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a greens powder supplement containing a wide array of ingredients, marketed to support various aspects of health, including immunity, digestion, energy, and mental performance. It is made up of proprietary blends that typically include a mix of whole-food sourced superfoods, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and antioxidants. The supplement is designed to be mixed with water and consumed daily, offering a convenient way to supposedly fill nutritional gaps.

The All-in-One Supplement Appeal

Proponents of AG1 highlight its comprehensive nature, suggesting it can replace multiple individual supplements like multivitamins, probiotics, and greens powders. The appeal lies in its convenience—one scoop in the morning and you're done. Many users, including registered dietitians who have tested the product, report positive experiences like increased energy levels, improved digestion, and a general feeling of well-being. The product's vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free composition also makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

The Potential Benefits of AG1

Based on its ingredient list, AG1 offers several potential benefits, primarily stemming from its high vitamin, mineral, and probiotic content.

Nutrient intake: A single scoop provides a concentrated source of many essential vitamins and minerals, including over 100% of the daily value (DV) for several B-vitamins and vitamins C and E. This can be a useful way to bridge gaps for individuals with a less-than-perfect diet.
Energy boost: The high doses of B-complex vitamins, which are crucial for energy production, may help combat fatigue. Many users report a noticeable increase in their daily energy levels.
Gut health support: AG1 contains prebiotics and probiotics (including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum), which can promote a healthy gut microbiome. A company-funded clinical trial found that AG1 enriched beneficial gut bacteria and potentially improved digestive comfort over four weeks.
Immune function: With its array of immune-supporting vitamins (A, C, E, folate, zinc) and antioxidants, AG1 can contribute to overall immune health. Some customers report getting sick less often.

The Significant Drawbacks and Concerns

Despite its marketing and positive testimonials, AG1 has several notable downsides that health professionals frequently point out.

Proprietary blends: A major issue is the lack of ingredient transparency. AG1 uses proprietary blends, so the exact amount of each superfood, herb, and adaptogen is not disclosed. This makes it impossible to know if the doses are clinically effective.
Not a whole food replacement: AG1 cannot replace the benefits of eating whole fruits and vegetables. A single serving contains only 2g of fiber, significantly less than the 22-34g recommended daily intake. Whole foods also offer a broader range of complex nutrients and natural enzymes that are not fully replicated in a powder.
Cost: AG1 is one of the most expensive greens powders on the market, costing significantly more per serving than many comparable alternatives.
Missing key nutrients: The supplement notably lacks significant amounts of vitamin D, iron, and calcium, requiring users to supplement these elsewhere.
Potential side effects and contraindications: The high concentration of certain ingredients and probiotics can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating and upset stomach, especially for new users. Certain ingredients, like alfalfa and some adaptogens, may also be unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with specific medical conditions like autoimmune disorders or kidney disease. AG1 can also interact with certain prescription medications.

AG1 vs. A Balanced Diet vs. Basic Supplements

Choosing the right nutritional approach depends heavily on individual needs. This table provides a quick comparison to help inform your decision.


Feature	AG1 Greens Powder	Balanced Diet	Basic Multivitamin + Probiotic
Nutrient Source	Concentrated plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.	Whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and fats.	Synthetic and food-sourced vitamins, minerals, and live cultures.
Bioavailability	Variable due to processing and proprietary blends.	High, as nutrients are in their natural form with co-factors.	Variable; can be less absorbable than natural nutrients.
Fiber Content	Low (2g per serving).	High, promotes digestive health.	Minimal to none.
Cost	High ($79-$99 per month).	Can be high depending on food choices but is a core expense.	Lower cost compared to AG1.
Convenience	Very high (one scoop per day).	Requires more time for planning and preparation.	High (usually a pill or capsule).
Transparency	Low (proprietary blends).	High (you see and know your food).	High (ingredient amounts listed).

Expert Opinions and the Final Verdict

Registered dietitians and health experts approach AG1 with cautious optimism. While acknowledging its potential to fill nutritional gaps, especially for those with very poor diets or restrictive eating patterns, many emphasize that it is not a cure-all or a replacement for a healthy diet. The high cost is often cited as a significant deterrent for the average consumer who already eats a reasonably balanced diet. For individuals who eat plenty of whole foods, the additional benefits of AG1 may not justify the expense.

Some experts suggest that a more affordable, and possibly more transparent, alternative might be a standard multivitamin and probiotic combination, or a different greens powder. Ultimately, the value of AG1 depends on your lifestyle and specific nutritional needs. Before adding any potent supplement to your routine, it's always wise to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate and safe for you.

For those considering a greens powder, AG1 is undoubtedly a high-quality product, backed by third-party testing for safety and contaminants. However, the cost and the use of proprietary blends are valid reasons to weigh your options carefully. A truly healthy diet is built on a foundation of whole, nutrient-dense foods, with supplements playing a supportive, not primary, role. You can explore more about foundational nutrition from authoritative sources like Healthline.

Conclusion: Is AG1 Worth It for You?

AG1 offers a convenient, nutrient-dense supplement that can provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and supportive compounds. It is well-suited for athletes with higher demands or individuals with major nutritional deficiencies who find it difficult to eat enough fruits and vegetables. AG1 is also a viable option for those who travel frequently or have limited access to a varied diet. However, the product's high price point, proprietary blends that obscure ingredient dosages, and the fact that it is not a substitute for whole foods means it is not a universally recommended solution. For most people already following a balanced diet, the benefits of AG1 might not outweigh the significant cost. The best approach is to prioritize a whole-food diet first and consider AG1 as a targeted supplement, rather than a magic bullet for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

AG1 contains many vitamins and minerals, often exceeding the daily value for several key nutrients, which can make it a suitable replacement for some multivitamins. However, it notably lacks sufficient vitamin D and iron, so individuals with deficiencies in those areas will still require additional supplementation.

Many customers report an increase in energy levels after starting AG1, likely due to its high concentration of B-complex vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism. However, this effect may be most noticeable in those with existing B-vitamin deficiencies.

Customer reviews on the taste of AG1 are mixed, with many describing it as earthy with a subtle pineapple and vanilla flavor, due to stevia being used as a sweetener. Some newer formulas have been described as more bitter or overly sweet.

No, AG1 is not safe for everyone. It should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, and people with certain autoimmune conditions or end-stage kidney disease. It can also interact with certain medications, so consulting a doctor is essential.

AG1 contains probiotics and prebiotics that may support gut health. A company-funded trial also showed that it can enrich beneficial gut bacteria. However, some users may experience digestive issues like bloating or gas due to the ingredients.

AG1's high price is attributed to its vast number of high-quality ingredients (over 75), stringent third-party testing, and the inclusion of various superfoods and adaptogens. For many consumers, however, the cost is not justified by the potential benefits.

While AG1 has funded some clinical research, independent validation for many of its broader marketing claims (e.g., boosting immunity and focus) is lacking. Since the supplement industry is less regulated than pharmaceuticals, health claims should be viewed with caution.