What do AG1 greens help with? A deep dive into its benefits

According to the manufacturer, a single daily scoop of AG1 contains over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients. This comprehensive formulation aims to support foundational health, but what do AG1 greens help with specifically, and how do they achieve these potential benefits?

Quick Summary

AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a daily nutritional supplement designed to support whole-body health by filling nutrient gaps. The blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens aims to benefit gut health, immunity, and energy levels.

Key Points

• Energy and Fatigue: AG1 contains high doses of B-vitamins, which are crucial for converting food into energy and may help combat fatigue.

• Gut and Digestion: The formula includes prebiotics (inulin) and 10 billion CFUs of probiotics to support a healthy, balanced gut microbiome and aid digestion.

• Immune System Support: Vitamins A, C, E, Zinc, and Selenium, along with antioxidants, contribute to the body's immune defense system.

• Stress and Mood Balance: Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola are included to help the body manage stress and support mental well-being.

• Nutrient Gap Filling: It serves as a comprehensive supplement to fill nutritional gaps for those with inconsistent diets or high nutrient demands.

• Not a Food Replacement: It should be considered a supplement to, and not a replacement for, a healthy and varied diet rich in whole foods.

What is AG1?

AG1 is a popular greens powder supplement, originally created by the company Athletic Greens, and marketed as a comprehensive, 'all-in-one' foundational nutrition habit. The powdered formula is designed to be mixed with water and consumed daily, providing a wide array of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens. With over 75 ingredients packed into each scoop, the product aims to replace the need for multiple supplements, such as a daily multivitamin and separate probiotic. AG1 is also NSF Certified for Sport, a third-party certification that verifies the product's quality, safety, and lack of banned substances.

Core Ingredients and Their Functions

AG1’s effectiveness comes from its complex blend of ingredients, categorized into several key complexes. These work together to provide broad-spectrum nutritional support:

• Active Superfood and Prebiotic Complex: This blend includes nutrient-dense whole foods like spirulina, chlorella, and organic apple powder, along with prebiotics like inulin and the digestive enzyme bromelain to support gut function.
• Daily Phytonutrient Complex: Featuring a variety of fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, papaya, beet root, and carrot root, this complex provides additional vitamins, minerals, and plant-based compounds (phytonutrients).
• Adaptogens and Mushrooms: Herbs like ashwagandha and Rhodiola root are included to help the body manage stress and support mental performance, while functional mushrooms like shiitake and reishi contribute to immune health.
• Dairy-Free Probiotics: With 10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) of five different probiotic strains, AG1 is formulated to support a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.
• Vitamins and Minerals: AG1 provides substantial daily values of many essential micronutrients, including a full B-complex for energy metabolism, as well as vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like zinc and selenium.

AG1's Primary Health Benefits

The company and its users attribute several key health benefits to consistent, daily AG1 consumption. These are directly tied to the ingredients within the formula.

Supports Gut Health and Digestion

One of the most frequently cited benefits of AG1 is its positive effect on gut health. The combination of prebiotics and probiotics works synergistically to foster a healthy gut environment. Prebiotics, like inulin, act as food for beneficial gut bacteria, while probiotics introduce new live bacteria to diversify the microbiome. This can help improve digestive regularity and reduce issues like bloating, which many users report experiencing after starting the supplement. The inclusion of digestive enzymes further assists the body in breaking down and absorbing nutrients effectively.

Boosts Energy and Reduces Fatigue

AG1 is often promoted for its energy-boosting properties, which are not based on artificial stimulants but on nutritional support. The high concentration of B-vitamins plays a crucial role in converting food into usable energy, and for individuals with a vitamin B deficiency, this can translate to a significant reduction in fatigue. Many users, including athletes, report feeling more sustained energy and less dependence on caffeine throughout the day after incorporating AG1 into their routine.

Enhances Immune Function

With a powerful antioxidant blend and key vitamins and minerals, AG1 is formulated to support the body's immune system. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, while nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and selenium, are known for their vital role in immune defense. This support can help the body's natural defenses against common illnesses and environmental stressors.

Aids Stress Management and Mood

AG1 includes adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola, which are herbs known to help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. By helping to regulate the stress response, these ingredients contribute to a calmer, more balanced mood and can reduce feelings of anxiety and fatigue related to stress. The comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile also supports overall psychological and neurological function.

General Nutrient Replenishment

For individuals with dietary gaps, AG1 provides a convenient way to ensure consistent intake of foundational nutrition. Whether due to busy schedules, a restricted diet (e.g., vegan, keto), or simply not consuming enough whole foods, AG1 can help fill in these nutritional blanks. This makes it a potential asset for athletes with high nutrient demands or anyone seeking to optimize their daily intake.

AG1 vs. Competing Greens Powders

While AG1 is a premium and well-known brand, several alternatives exist. Comparing them reveals important differences in cost, formulation, and transparency. Below is a comparison with a competitor like Green Vibrance, based on information from independent reviews.

Feature	AG1	Green Vibrance
Cost per Serving	Approximately $2.63–$3.30 (subscription dependent)	Approximately $1.65 (generally more affordable)
Number of Ingredients	75+	50+
Ingredient Transparency	Uses proprietary blends, concealing specific ingredient amounts	More transparent labeling with specific dosages for most ingredients
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport	Does not appear to have third-party testing certification
Focus	Broad, foundational nutrition (Energy, Gut, Immunity)	Comprehensive formula with high doses of probiotics and enzymes
Key Differences	Higher adaptogen content	Higher probiotic content (25 billion CFU vs AG1's 10 billion CFU)
Vitamin D & K	Not included	Included

Important Considerations and Potential Downsides

While AG1 offers notable benefits, it's not without limitations. It is crucial to understand that AG1 should not be viewed as a replacement for whole fruits and vegetables, which provide fiber and other compounds in different forms. AG1 also contains proprietary blends, which makes it impossible to know the exact dosage of many ingredients, and could mean some components are underdosed. For some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs, the high probiotic and fiber content can cause mild digestive issues like bloating or discomfort. As a high-potency supplement, it's also not suitable for everyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women and those on certain medications, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before starting.

Conclusion

AG1 greens primarily help with bolstering foundational nutrition, thereby supporting sustained energy, improved digestion and gut health, robust immune function, and a balanced stress response. Its comprehensive formula of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens makes it a convenient, all-in-one supplement for those looking to fill nutritional gaps. However, consumers should be aware of the product's high cost, the use of proprietary blends, and the fact that it is a complement to, not a replacement for, a whole-food-based diet. As with any new supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is wise to ensure it's the right choice for your individual health needs. For more information, you can read expert analysis on AG1 Healthline AG1 Review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of benefits can I expect from taking AG1?

Users can expect support for several areas of health, including increased sustained energy, improved digestion, stronger immune function, better mental clarity, and stress management over time. However, individual results vary, and consistency is key.

Is AG1 a substitute for eating vegetables?

No, AG1 is not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables. It is designed to complement a healthy diet and help fill nutritional gaps, but it does not provide the same amount of fiber or unique compounds found in whole foods.

Can taking AG1 cause side effects?

Some users report experiencing mild digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or nausea, particularly when first starting. This may be due to the high fiber or probiotic content as the body adjusts. Starting with a smaller dose can help minimize these effects.

Is AG1 safe to take every day?

For most healthy adults, daily use is considered safe. However, AG1 is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or individuals with certain medical conditions or those on specific medications. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential before starting any new supplement regimen.

Does AG1 contain a high amount of sugar?

No, AG1 contains less than 1g of sugar per serving and does not have any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. It is naturally sweetened with pineapple and vanilla essence, along with stevia leaf extract.

Is AG1 worth the high price?

Whether AG1 is worth the price is subjective. It is more expensive than many competing greens powders and multivitamins, but some users find the convenience and comprehensive nature of the all-in-one formula justifies the cost.

How should I store AG1 after opening the pouch?

After opening, AG1 should be stored in the refrigerator. This is important because the product contains live probiotic cultures that need refrigeration to maintain their potency.

Does AG1 help with weight loss?

AG1 is not a weight loss supplement and is not designed to help you lose weight. It provides essential nutrients that can support overall wellness and energy, but it should not be considered a meal replacement and will not impact weight on its own.