Beyond the Greens: What Vitamins is AG1 Missing? A Nutritional Analysis

According to the World Health Organization, up to 30% of the global population is deficient in iron, and a U.S. survey reveals insufficient vitamin D levels in 41.6% of adults. For those considering supplementation, understanding exactly what vitamins is AG1 missing? is essential to prevent nutritional shortcomings in their routine.

Quick Summary

AG1, a popular greens supplement, notably excludes Vitamin D from its powder and contains minimal iron, necessitating additional supplementation for these key nutrients.

Key Points

• Missing Vitamin D: AG1's formula does not contain Vitamin D, which is instead sold as a separate, oil-based supplement for better absorption.

• Low Iron Content: The greens powder contains only minimal iron, which is insufficient for those with deficiencies or increased needs.

• Abundant B Vitamins: AG1 provides high concentrations of B vitamins, Vitamin C, and other micronutrients, contributing to energy and immune support.

• Proprietary Blend Issue: The use of proprietary blends means the exact dosage of many ingredients, such as adaptogens, is unknown.

• High Cost: As a premium supplement, AG1 is significantly more expensive than many competitors, and the cost increases with the need for separate Vitamin D and iron supplements.

• Not a Whole-Food Replacement: AG1, like other greens powders, is not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables.

• Consult a Professional: Due to potential interactions and individual needs, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before starting AG1.

The Core Nutritional Gaps in AG1

AG1, the popular greens powder from Athletic Greens, is marketed as a comprehensive nutritional supplement containing over 75 ingredients. While it is rich in many essential vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens, a closer look at its nutritional profile reveals some significant omissions that consumers need to be aware of. The most notable missing vitamins and minerals are Vitamin D and sufficient iron.

The Absence of Vitamin D

AG1 explicitly does not include Vitamin D in its powdered formula, a decision explained by the manufacturer on its website. The company's rationale is that Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin best absorbed when taken with a source of fat and paired with Vitamin K2. To ensure optimal absorption, the company offers a separate, liquid Vitamin D3+K2 supplement. While this reasoning highlights an understanding of bioavailability, it creates an additional step and cost for users who require sufficient Vitamin D, a nutrient vital for immune function, bone health, and mood regulation. For individuals who rely on a single supplement for their daily nutritional needs, this is a critical oversight that could lead to a deficiency.

The Low Iron Content

In addition to the missing Vitamin D, the iron content in AG1 is notably minimal. While a daily serving of AG1 provides significant amounts of many vitamins and minerals—often exceeding 100% of the Daily Value (DV)—it offers only a fraction of the recommended iron intake. For many people, this low dose may not be a concern, but it is a major drawback for those at risk of iron deficiency, such as women of childbearing age, pregnant individuals, and vegetarians or vegans. The company’s formula contains only 6% of the DV for iron, which is insufficient for preventing or correcting a deficiency. This necessitates taking a separate iron supplement, which must be managed carefully due to potential interactions and side effects.

Beyond Missing Vitamins: A Full Nutritional Review

While the missing Vitamin D and low iron content are important considerations, a complete nutritional review of AG1 involves looking at its strengths and weaknesses as a whole.

The Highs: What AG1 Provides in Abundance

AG1 is packed with a wide range of micronutrients, providing more than 100% of the DV for several vitamins, including:

• Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell production, with AG1 providing a massive 917% of the DV.
• Biotin (B7): Crucial for metabolic functions, with 1,100% of the DV included.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune health, supplied at 467% of the DV.
• Other B Vitamins: A full complement of other B vitamins is also included in high doses, contributing to energy production and overall vitality.

The Cons: Proprietary Blends and Cost

Despite its high vitamin content, AG1 has several drawbacks. The formula uses proprietary blends, which means the exact amounts of many ingredients are not disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to know if they are receiving clinically effective dosages of specific herbs, adaptogens, or antioxidants. Additionally, AG1 is one of the more expensive greens powders on the market, costing significantly more than many alternatives. The high price, combined with the need to purchase separate supplements for Vitamin D and iron, makes it a costly investment for daily nutritional support.

AG1 vs. Other Nutritional Supplements

To put AG1's profile into perspective, here is a comparison with other common nutritional supplements:

Feature	AG1	Standard Multivitamin	Other Greens Powders	Whole-Food Diet
Vitamin D	Separate supplement needed	Included in many	Often variable; some include it	Excellent source from sunlight/fortified foods
Iron	Minimal content (<10% DV)	Often included	Variable; some include it	Excellent source from red meat, spinach, legumes
Cost per serving	High ($2.63+)	Generally lower	Often lower; varies by brand	Minimal, assuming a healthy diet
Ingredient Transparency	Proprietary blends hide dosages	Usually transparent	Can be variable; some are more transparent	Transparent; you know what you're eating
Bioavailability	Potentially higher for some minerals (in vitro study)	Variable; tablet form can be less bioaccessible	Variable	Generally highest absorption rate
Third-Party Testing	NSF Certified for Sport	Can be, but not always	Variable; many competitors test	Not applicable

The Importance of a Whole-Food Diet

Crucially, no supplement—including AG1—is a replacement for a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables. A balanced, whole-food diet provides a wider array of nutrients, fiber, and other beneficial compounds that are not fully replicated in powder form. While greens powders can be a convenient way to fill some nutritional gaps, they should not be seen as a universal solution or an excuse to neglect whole foods. For most healthy individuals, a varied diet is the best way to meet nutritional needs, and supplements should only be used to address specific, confirmed deficiencies.

Conclusion: Filling the Gaps in Your Diet

Understanding what vitamins is AG1 missing is crucial for anyone considering adding it to their routine. The product is a robust source of many vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins, but it notably lacks Vitamin D in its primary formula and provides minimal iron. For individuals who require these specific nutrients, relying solely on AG1 is insufficient and may lead to deficiencies. The use of proprietary blends also limits ingredient transparency and the product's high cost adds to the overall burden. While AG1 can be a useful tool for some, especially athletes or those with particular dietary needs under a doctor's supervision, it is not a complete nutritional solution. For optimal health, a balanced diet should always be the foundation, with supplements used strategically to fill specific, identified gaps. For more information on dietary supplements and nutrient needs, consult a trusted authority like the National Institutes of Health.

Note: The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

: https://ods.od.nih.gov/HealthInformation/nutrientrecommendations.aspx

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is AG1 missing Vitamin D?

Yes, the AG1 greens powder formula does not include Vitamin D. The manufacturer sells a separate, oil-based Vitamin D3+K2 supplement, stating it is for better absorption.

Does AG1 contain enough iron?

No, AG1 contains very little iron, providing only a small percentage of the Daily Value. Individuals with iron deficiency or increased iron needs will likely require a separate supplement.

Can I take AG1 while pregnant or breastfeeding?

AG1 is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. It contains ingredients like adaptogens that have not been proven safe for these populations, and it is advised to consult a healthcare provider.

Does AG1 replace a multivitamin?

While AG1 offers a wide array of vitamins and minerals, it lacks Vitamin D and sufficient iron. For some, it can replace a multivitamin, but for many, these key deficiencies mean it is not a complete replacement.

Are AG1's ingredients transparent?

No, AG1 uses proprietary blends for many of its ingredients, meaning the specific amount of each component is not disclosed. This can be problematic for consumers wanting to ensure clinically effective dosages.

Is AG1 safe to take with medications?

AG1 may interact with certain prescription medications. You should consult your doctor before starting AG1, especially if you are taking blood thinners, certain diabetes medications, or other prescription drugs.

Is AG1 worth the high price?

The value of AG1 depends on individual needs. For those with significant nutrient gaps or athletes under a doctor's care, it may be beneficial. However, for the average person with a healthy diet, the high cost may not be justified, as there are more affordable alternatives.