Is AG1 Unhealthy? An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

A significant portion of adults do not meet their daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. For many seeking to bridge this nutritional gap with a supplement, the question arises: Is AG1 unhealthy? This article investigates the potential downsides and safety considerations of the popular greens powder.

Quick Summary

AG1 contains high vitamin dosages and proprietary blends with undisclosed amounts, posing potential risks like side effects and underdosed ingredients. It is not a substitute for whole foods and contains ingredients like soy lecithin and inulin which can cause digestive issues. High cost and undisclosed ingredient amounts are also considerations.

Key Points

Proprietary Blends: AG1 uses proprietary blends, so the exact amount of many ingredients is unknown, making efficacy and safety difficult to assess.
High Vitamin Dosages: Contains extremely high percentages of certain vitamins (e.g., B12, Biotin), which might lead to side effects or simply be excreted.
Digestive Discomfort: Ingredients like inulin (a prebiotic) and the high probiotic count can cause stomach upset, bloating, or diarrhea in some individuals.
Heavy Metal Content: Due to sourcing ingredients from the ground, AG1 naturally contains trace amounts of heavy metals, though the company states they test below USP and NSF guidelines.
Not a Whole Food Replacement: Experts stress that AG1 cannot replace the full spectrum of nutrients and fiber from whole fruits and vegetables.
Potential for Liver Issues: Some users have reported elevated liver enzymes after taking AG1, though a definitive causal link has not been proven.
High Cost: At a significantly higher price point than many competitors, the cost-benefit ratio for the average person is often questioned.

Understanding the AG1 Formula

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a daily greens powder supplement marketed as an all-in-one nutritional drink. It contains a complex blend of 75 vitamins, minerals, probiotics, whole-food sourced ingredients, and adaptogens. The company advertises numerous benefits, including improved gut health, enhanced energy, and better immune function, but these claims are not regulated by the FDA. While AG1 is vegan, gluten-free, and NSF Certified for Sport (meaning it's free from banned substances and contaminants), a closer look at its formulation reveals several potential drawbacks.

Potential Side Effects and Health Risks

For some individuals, taking AG1 may come with undesirable side effects or health concerns. The dense concentration of ingredients means that not every user will have a seamless experience. The most commonly reported issues are related to digestive discomfort and interactions with other conditions.

Digestive and Gut-Related Issues

One of the most frequent complaints from users is experiencing stomach upset, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This can be attributed to several ingredients in the formula:

High Probiotic Count: The increase to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) in the updated formula can be a shock to a sensitive digestive system.
Prebiotic Fiber (Inulin): Inulin, derived from chicory root, is a high-FODMAP ingredient that can cause gastrointestinal issues in people with sensitivities, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Soy Lecithin: Some studies suggest that emulsifiers like soy lecithin, which AG1 includes, may disrupt the gut microbiome and potentially cause dysbiosis in some individuals.

Vitamin Overload and Interactions

AG1 contains very high percentages of the recommended daily value for certain vitamins, particularly B-complex vitamins like B12 (16,667% DV) and Biotin (1,100% DV). While the body often excretes excess water-soluble vitamins, extremely high intakes can cause temporary side effects such as acne or neuropathy. The potential for interaction with other medications is also a risk, especially for those taking blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or certain thyroid hormones. It's crucial to consult a doctor, as high doses of Vitamin C can also increase kidney stone risk in some people.

Heavy Metal Contaminants

As a product sourced from whole foods, AG1 naturally contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which are absorbed from the soil. The company tests every batch to ensure levels are below US Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF guidelines. However, a past lawsuit noted AG1 was exposed to lead levels exceeding California's Proposition 65 warning threshold, and a warning remains relevant. For some populations, especially pregnant women and children, any exposure is a concern.

Liver Injury Concerns

In recent years, reports of elevated liver enzymes and other signs of liver harm were submitted to the FDA by users. While the FDA has not confirmed a causal link, the New Zealand Herald reported on the FDA receiving 118 adverse event reports concerning AG1 users, with over 30 related to liver issues. AG1 contains ingredients like ashwagandha and green tea extract which have been anecdotally linked to liver toxicity.

Transparency Issues with Proprietary Blends

AG1 organizes its extensive ingredient list into proprietary blends, obscuring the exact dosage of each component. This lack of transparency is a major concern for several reasons:

Uncertain Efficacy: Without knowing the specific amount of each ingredient, consumers cannot be sure if they are receiving a clinically effective dose. For instance, some beneficial ingredients might be present in minimal, inconsequential quantities.
Difficulty for Sensitive Individuals: People with allergies or sensitivities may struggle to identify the root cause of any adverse reactions because the ingredient levels are hidden.
Undermines Supplement Claims: While the company claims its products support various aspects of health, the use of proprietary blends makes it impossible for consumers or independent reviewers to verify if the dosages support these claims.

AG1 vs. Whole Foods: What's the Difference?

Athletic Greens emphasizes that AG1 is not a replacement for a healthy diet. Here's a comparison to illustrate why whole foods remain the nutritional gold standard:


Feature	AG1 (Supplement)	Whole Fruits & Vegetables (Food)
Nutrient Source	Concentrated powders from various sources, sometimes synthetic.	Found in their natural, bioavailable forms.
Fiber Content	Minimal fiber; one serving provides just 2g.	Naturally rich in dietary fiber, crucial for digestion and gut health.
Bioavailability	Can be less bioavailable than natural sources; may not be absorbed efficiently.	Nutrients are readily absorbed alongside other compounds in their natural form.
Cost	Significantly more expensive on a daily basis than buying produce.	Cumulative cost depends on sourcing, but offers more fiber and complete nutrition.
Safety & Regulation	Regulated as a supplement, not food; effectiveness and safety are not FDA-proven.	Regulated as food; safe and recommended as the basis of a healthy diet.

How to Decide if AG1 is Right for You

Before integrating AG1 into your routine, consider your individual needs and circumstances. The supplement may be best suited for individuals with increased nutritional needs due to intense exercise or a severely lacking diet, but it is not necessary for those who already eat a balanced diet. Consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing conditions like autoimmune disease or kidney issues.

Conclusion

So, is AG1 unhealthy? The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather a matter of perspective and individual health. For most healthy adults, AG1 is likely safe, but its high cost, proprietary blends with unknown ingredient quantities, and potential for mild side effects like bloating raise valid concerns. The supplement is designed to fill nutritional gaps, but it should never be seen as a replacement for a diverse diet rich in whole foods. Ultimately, a balanced, whole-food-first approach to nutrition remains the most effective and transparent path to long-term health.

If you're considering a greens supplement, explore all your options and always prioritize consulting a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs. For more expert analysis on greens powders, resources like Healthline offer comprehensive breakdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some users experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea, possibly due to the high probiotic count or the prebiotic fiber inulin, especially when first starting.

No, AG1 is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It contains certain ingredients, like adaptogens (e.g., ashwagandha), with insufficient safety research for these populations.

Long-term effects are not well-studied. Concerns include high dosages of certain vitamins, undisclosed amounts of proprietary blend ingredients, and reports of elevated liver enzymes in some users.

The warning is required because AG1 contains trace amounts of lead, a naturally occurring heavy metal in some soil-grown ingredients. AG1 claims these levels are within safety guidelines.

No. AG1 provides some concentrated nutrients but lacks the fiber and full nutrient profile of whole fruits and vegetables. It should be used as a supplement, not a replacement for a healthy diet.

It is impossible to know for sure. AG1 uses proprietary blends without disclosing individual ingredient amounts, making it difficult to verify if a clinically effective dose of each component is included.

Some animal studies and research suggest that the emulsifier soy lecithin could potentially disrupt the gut microbiome and cause dysbiosis, although more human studies are needed.

Whether AG1 is worth the cost is subjective. For individuals with significant nutrient gaps or athletes, it may be beneficial. For the average person already eating a balanced diet, it may not be necessary due to its high price and the fact that it is not a whole-food replacement.