Andrew Huberman’s Foundational Multivitamin: AG1
For anyone interested in Dr. Andrew Huberman's supplement stack, his approach to covering daily micronutrient needs stands out. He advocates for first establishing a strong foundation with high-quality, broad-spectrum support rather than relying solely on targeted pills. This is where his use of Athletic Greens (AG1) comes in. As both a user and scientific advisor for the company, Huberman endorses AG1 as a comprehensive daily health drink that effectively serves as a multivitamin.
AG1 is a powdered supplement containing over 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens. He typically consumes one or two servings per day, noting that it helps cover his nutritional bases, especially on days when his whole-food intake may be inconsistent due to a busy schedule. By providing a daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals along with probiotics for gut health, AG1 simplifies the routine of taking multiple different supplements. Huberman often mentions taking it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
The 'Food First' and Foundational Philosophy
Before adding any supplement, Huberman's core philosophy is to focus on behavioral and nutritional protocols as the foundation of health. He emphasizes that supplements are meant to fill in gaps, not replace a healthy diet. For those with a lower budget or less consistent nutrition, he suggests high-EPA omega-3 fatty acids as a highly effective and cost-efficient starting point, but for those able to invest more, a comprehensive supplement like AG1 is his preference for foundational support.
His strategic use of supplements is tiered:
- Tier 1: Behavioral and Foundational. This includes prioritizing sleep, morning sunlight exposure, and a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods. This is the most crucial step.
- Tier 2: Broad-Spectrum Support. Here, a comprehensive supplement like AG1 ensures the body receives a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds to cover daily needs.
- Tier 3: Targeted Support. Finally, based on specific goals (e.g., sleep, focus, or hormone health) and individual bloodwork, single-ingredient supplements are added. These include items like Magnesium L-Threonate for sleep or Tongkat Ali for hormone support.
What About Traditional Multivitamin Pills?
While AG1 is his endorsed and preferred method, Huberman has occasionally mentioned taking a standard multivitamin in the past, such as Opti-Men. However, his more recent and frequent recommendations center around the all-in-one solution of AG1. His rationale for using a traditional multivitamin in the past was more out of habit than for its specific scientific backing, a point that underlines his evolution toward a more integrated, purpose-driven approach to supplementation. It is important for individuals to evaluate their own nutritional needs with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
AG1 vs. Traditional Multivitamins: A Comparison
To better understand Huberman's choice, this table compares AG1, a comprehensive greens powder, with a traditional multivitamin pill.
| Feature | Athletic Greens (AG1) | Traditional Multivitamin |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Powder mixed with water | Pill or capsule |
| Ingredient Profile | 75+ vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and whole-food sourced nutrients. | Typically a standardized list of 20-30 essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Huberman's Rationale | Covers foundational needs with a broad-spectrum approach, simplifying his routine. | Formerly used out of habit; less preferred for comprehensive coverage. |
| Targeted Support | Contains adaptogens and probiotics for stress resilience and gut health, going beyond basic micronutrients. | Focuses primarily on correcting baseline vitamin and mineral deficiencies. |
| Price Point | Considerably higher cost due to the complex blend and branding. | Generally more affordable and widely available. |
| Convenience | Single scoop simplifies a multi-pill routine but requires mixing. | Single pill is easy to take. |
| Taste | Refreshing pineapple and vanilla flavor. | No flavor; some may have an aftertaste. |
The Importance of Personalization
Huberman's journey highlights that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. He recommends getting bloodwork done to determine any specific deficiencies, like Vitamin D, and adjusting supplement intake accordingly. His personal stack has evolved over time, and he encourages listeners to take a rational, personalized, and cost-effective approach to their own supplementation protocol. He often cycles certain supplements and adjusts dosages based on his individual needs and training load.
Conclusion: A Shift from Pills to a Foundational Drink
Ultimately, when considering what multivitamins does Huberman take, the answer is not a single pill, but rather a strategic, all-in-one nutritional approach anchored by Athletic Greens (AG1). This choice aligns with his overarching philosophy of establishing foundational health through quality nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle before fine-tuning with targeted supplements. By opting for a comprehensive greens powder, he ensures he covers his micronutrient bases, supports gut health, and bolsters his immune system in a single, convenient scoop. This shifts the mindset from simply 'taking a multivitamin' to actively building a robust nutritional foundation. For those looking to optimize their health, following this tiered approach—starting with foundational behaviors and a high-quality, comprehensive supplement—provides a science-informed blueprint for personal wellness. You can learn more about his full supplementation strategies on his official podcast, the Huberman Lab.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen.
