Is Turmeric in AG1? The Definitive Answer
For those invested in their nutrition diet, the question of whether popular supplements contain specific, beneficial ingredients is common. When it comes to Athletic Greens' popular powdered supplement, AG1, and the powerhouse spice turmeric, the answer is a straightforward "no" for its current formula, known as 'Next Gen'. While older versions of the product and customer recipes might have featured it, AG1 has evolved its formulation to focus on other ingredients. This might come as a surprise to some, given turmeric's widespread acclaim for its anti-inflammatory properties, but it simply means AG1 and turmeric offer different approaches to wellness.
What Is in AG1? A Look at the Core Ingredients
AG1 differentiates itself by including a complex and extensive list of ingredients rather than relying on a few headline-grabbers like turmeric. Its 75+ ingredients are categorized into distinct blends, each serving a specific function.
The AG1 Ingredient Blends
AG1’s comprehensive approach to nutrition is delivered through several proprietary blends:
- Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex: This blend forms the base of the product and includes whole-food sourced ingredients like spirulina, organic wheat grass juice powder, and chlorella, among others. These ingredients are chosen for their antioxidant and nutrient-dense profiles.
- Nutrient Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants: This complex features adaptogens like ashwagandha root extract and rhodiola, which are known to help the body manage stress. It also includes powerful antioxidants like milk thistle seed extract and cocoa bean polyphenol extract.
- Dairy-Free Probiotics: With 10 billion CFUs from five clinically studied strains, this blend is designed to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is critical for digestion and immune function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: AG1 provides substantial quantities of essential vitamins and minerals, including high doses of many B-vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, and E, which support energy production and immune health.
The Nutritional Power of Turmeric and Curcumin
Turmeric, and its primary active compound, curcumin, is renowned for its powerful health benefits. For thousands of years, this spice has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Benefits of Curcumin
- Potent Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can help combat chronic inflammation, a major factor in many diseases.
- Antioxidant Capacity: It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative damage.
- Supports Brain and Heart Health: Research suggests curcumin may boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and support cardiovascular health.
The Bioavailability Challenge
A key challenge with turmeric is curcumin's low bioavailability—the body struggles to absorb it effectively. This is why many curcumin supplements are combined with piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper, which can significantly enhance absorption.
AG1 vs. Turmeric: A Functional Comparison
When considering how these two nutritional options can benefit your diet, it's helpful to see them side-by-side. AG1 takes a foundational approach, offering a vast array of nutrients to fill potential dietary gaps, while turmeric provides a more targeted, potent anti-inflammatory compound.
AG1 vs. Turmeric/Curcumin: A Comparison Table
| Feature | AG1 (Next Gen Formula) | Turmeric/Curcumin |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | 75+ ingredients, including superfoods, probiotics, adaptogens, and vitamins. | Primary active compound is curcumin, a curcuminoid with anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Primary Benefits | Comprehensive nutritional support, gut health, energy, immunity, stress response. | Potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Uses various herbs and antioxidants like artichoke, milk thistle, and cocoa bean polyphenol extract to provide general support. | Provides potent, concentrated anti-inflammatory benefits from curcumin. |
| Gut Health | Features 10 billion CFUs of probiotics and prebiotics like inulin and apple fiber. | Supports gut health by favoring beneficial bacterial strains and helping the intestinal barrier. |
| Absorption | Focuses on bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals. | Curcumin has low bioavailability but is enhanced when taken with piperine (found in black pepper). |
| Cost | High-end daily nutritional supplement. | Relatively inexpensive spice; concentrated curcumin supplements can vary in price. |
| Role in Diet | A comprehensive daily supplement to cover nutritional gaps. | A whole-food spice or a targeted supplement for inflammation. |
Combining Turmeric with AG1 for a Holistic Nutrition Diet
Since turmeric is not in AG1, there is no conflict in combining the two. In fact, many users create their own potent nutritional drinks. Athletic Greens themselves have even shared a smoothie recipe that includes both AG1 and fresh turmeric.
Sample AG1-Turmeric Smoothie:
- One scoop of AG1
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 knob of fresh ginger
- 1 knob of fresh turmeric
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to enhance curcumin absorption)
- 1/2-1 cup of coconut or almond milk
This DIY approach allows you to leverage the broad spectrum of nutrients from AG1 while also harnessing the specific anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
Understanding Your Needs and a Complete Nutrition Diet
While supplements like AG1 and individual ingredients like turmeric can be valuable, it is crucial to remember they are not replacements for a balanced, whole-food diet. AG1, despite its extensive ingredient list, contains only 2 grams of fiber per scoop, whereas recommended daily intake is 22-34 grams. A balanced diet, rich in fiber-dense fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is the foundation of good health.
Furthermore, for certain individuals, such as those with autoimmune conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those on specific medications, some ingredients in either AG1 or turmeric supplements could be problematic. A proprietary blend, while comprehensive, does not reveal the specific amounts of every ingredient, making it difficult to ascertain effective dosages or potential sensitivities. Therefore, a holistic approach that includes high-quality food, and consulting a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine is the best path for your nutrition diet.
Conclusion: Is Turmeric in AG1? The Verdict
So, is turmeric in AG1? No, the current formula does not contain it. Instead, AG1 focuses on providing a wide-ranging blend of over 75 other ingredients, including superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, to offer comprehensive daily nutritional support. Turmeric, rich in the potent anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, represents a different, more targeted approach to wellness. Rather than choosing one over the other, some individuals may find combining the two through smoothies or other recipes a powerful way to enhance their nutrition diet. Always prioritize a diet of whole foods and consult a healthcare provider to ensure any supplement is right for you and your health goals.
