AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, has gained a reputation as a comprehensive daily nutritional supplement. Its formula packs a wide range of ingredients into a single scoop, aiming to support various aspects of health, from energy and immunity to gut function. The ingredient list is extensive, covering everything from essential vitamins to adaptogenic herbs.
AG1's Core Nutritional Components
AG1 is built on several key ingredient blends that work together to provide a holistic nutritional foundation. Understanding these individual components can offer a clearer picture of the supplement's overall profile.
Vitamins and Minerals
One of the main pillars of AG1 is its robust blend of 21 vitamins and minerals. A single serving delivers over 100% of the Daily Value for ten of these micronutrients, including vitamins B1, B6, B7, B12, C, and E, and the mineral zinc. These nutrients are crucial for supporting energy metabolism, immune function, and overall cellular health. It is worth noting, however, that AG1 does not contain significant amounts of vitamin D or iron.
Raw Superfood Complex
This is the largest and most prominent blend in the AG1 formula, containing a mixture of nutrient-dense greens and fruits. Ingredients include:
- Organic Spirulina: A blue-green algae rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Lecithin: Derived from soy, it is included for its phospholipid content.
- Organic Apple Powder: Supports a healthy gut microbiome with fiber.
- Organic Wheat Grass Juice Powder: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Organic Alfalfa Powder: A nutrient-dense green source.
- Bilberry Fruit Extract: Known for its antioxidant properties.
Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs & Antioxidants
This blend is focused on providing antioxidants and adaptogenic herbs that help the body manage stress. Key ingredients include:
- Ashwagandha Root Extract: An adaptogen known to help the body cope with stress.
- Rhodiola Root Extract: Another adaptogen with stress-protective activity.
- Citrus Bioflavonoids Extract: Potent antioxidants from fruit peels.
- Milk Thistle Seed Extract: Traditionally used to support liver health.
- Coenzyme Q10: A compound vital for energy production.
Digestive Enzyme & Super Mushroom Complex
This complex aims to support digestion and nutrient absorption. It contains ingredients such as:
- Astragalus Root Powder: Known for its immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reishi and Shiitake Mushroom Powder: Functional mushrooms that may benefit immune function.
- Bromelain: A digestive enzyme from pineapple that helps break down proteins.
- Burdock Root Powder: Contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Dairy-Free Probiotics
AG1 includes a blend of 10 billion CFU of five different clinically-studied probiotics, which have been upgraded in the latest formula iteration. The strains include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which are known to promote gut health and balance the microbiome. Prebiotic fiber, such as inulin, is also included to feed these beneficial bacteria.
AG1 vs. Another Greens Powder: A Comparison
| Feature | AG1 | Live it Up Super Greens |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | 75+ ingredients, including blends of superfoods, adaptogens, antioxidants, enzymes, and probiotics. | Around 30 ingredients, primarily organic whole-food greens with digestive enzymes and probiotics. |
| Vitamins/Minerals | Provides 21 vitamins and minerals, with many delivering over 100% of the Daily Value. | Contains modest amounts of most vitamins and minerals derived naturally from ingredients. |
| Organic Ingredients | Not fully certified organic; contains some organic components but primarily tests for pesticides and herbicides. | Certified USDA Organic ingredients. |
| Price | More expensive per serving (approx. $3.30). | More affordable per serving (approx. $2.00). |
| Third-Party Testing | NSF Certified for Sport®, ensuring absence of banned substances and tested for heavy metals and purity. | Also undergoes third-party testing, is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, and is tested for contaminants. |
Understanding Proprietary Blends
One common criticism of AG1 is its use of proprietary blends. The company lists the total weight of each blend but does not disclose the specific quantity of each individual ingredient within that blend. This practice makes it difficult for consumers to know if they are receiving clinically effective doses of all the ingredients, particularly those at the end of the list where quantities are lowest. While AG1 argues this protects their formula, it reduces transparency regarding ingredient potency.
Conclusion
The AG1 nutrition packet is a complex, all-in-one supplement containing a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, superfoods, adaptogens, and enzymes. It is designed to simplify your daily routine and provide a nutritional safety net for filling potential dietary gaps. The product is NSF Certified for Sport®, ensuring high standards for athletes and general consumers. However, its high cost and the use of proprietary blends, which obscure the exact dosage of certain ingredients, are important considerations. While AG1 can be a useful tool for enhancing foundational nutrition, especially for those with less-than-perfect diets, it should not be seen as a replacement for consuming a diverse, whole-food-based diet. As with any new supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to ensure it aligns with your individual health needs. For more on the health impacts of supplements, review information from the National Institutes of Health.
