What is AG1?
AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, is a comprehensive nutritional supplement in a powder format, designed to replace multiple supplements in one daily scoop. It boasts a formula with over 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients, targeting foundational health pillars like energy, immunity, and hormonal support.
AG1 is not just a greens powder; it also includes adaptogens to help manage stress, a nutrient-dense complex, and a digestive enzyme and super mushroom complex. The formula is NSF Certified for Sport, a significant third-party certification that verifies safety and quality. It is vegan, non-GMO, and free from gluten and artificial ingredients, making it suitable for a range of dietary patterns. However, a key limitation noted by dietitians is the use of proprietary blends, which means the exact dosage of many ingredients is not disclosed, making it hard to evaluate their efficacy. The inclusion of probiotics is also part of a larger blend, which contrasts with Seed's specialized, targeted approach.
What is Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic?
Seed DS-01 is a daily synbiotic—a supplement that combines a probiotic with a prebiotic—focused specifically on gut health. It is a two-in-one capsule designed to ensure the probiotic strains survive the digestive process and reach the colon intact. Seed's formulation is backed by extensive scientific research and is transparent about its contents, detailing the 24 specific probiotic strains and their clinically verified potencies (measured in AFUs, or Active Fluorescent Units).
Unlike AG1's broad spectrum of vitamins and nutrients, Seed's purpose is singular and focused: to support the gut microbiome for improved digestive health. Seed DS-01 is third-party tested and adheres to strict quality and testing standards, exceeding U.S. requirements. While it contains a powerful and well-researched probiotic, it does not offer the wide array of vitamins, minerals, or adaptogens found in AG1. For individuals with existing vitamin routines or those whose primary concern is gut health, this targeted approach can be a major advantage.
AG1 vs. Seed: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | AG1 (Greens Powder) | Seed DS-01 (Daily Synbiotic) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Comprehensive foundational nutrition, multi-nutrient support. | Targeted gut microbiome and digestive health support. |
| Ingredients | 75+ vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, superfoods, and some probiotics. | 24 clinically-studied probiotic strains plus prebiotic fiber. |
| Format | Powder mixed with water. | Capsule-in-capsule system. |
| Probiotic Focus | Includes a modest amount of probiotics as part of a larger formula. | Exclusive, high-potency focus on specific, clinically-backed strains. |
| Third-Party Testing | NSF Certified for Sport. | Adheres to FDA requirements, exceeds US standards. |
| Cost (approximate) | ~$3.30 per serving (subscription). | ~$1.67 per serving (subscription). |
| Transparency | Uses proprietary blends for some complexes, obscuring ingredient amounts. | Highly transparent, detailing specific strains, potencies, and benefits. |
| Best For | Individuals seeking an all-in-one nutritional boost to fill gaps. | Those specifically targeting gut health with a premium, researched probiotic. |
Which Supplement is Right for You?
Choosing between AG1 and Seed DS-01 requires evaluating your personal health goals and priorities. There is no universally 'better' product, as they serve different needs effectively. The ideal choice depends on what you're hoping to achieve with your supplement routine.
Choose AG1 if:
- You want an all-in-one supplement: AG1's comprehensive formula can replace a multivitamin, separate probiotics, and other foundational supplements, simplifying your daily routine.
- You need general nutritional support: If your diet is inconsistent, AG1 provides a wide safety net of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods to help fill potential nutrient gaps.
- You are an athlete: The NSF Certified for Sport status ensures it's free of banned substances, making it a safe choice for competitive athletes.
Choose Seed DS-01 if:
- Your primary concern is gut health: If you already take a multivitamin or have a generally healthy diet, Seed offers a highly targeted, potent, and scientifically backed probiotic for optimal gut microbiome support.
- You prefer dosage transparency: Seed discloses the exact strains and quantities in its formula, providing confidence that you are getting clinically-backed doses.
- You are cost-conscious about specific needs: Seed is less expensive per serving than AG1, and is the better value if your sole goal is premium probiotic support, rather than a broad-spectrum supplement.
Conclusion: The Right Choice is a Personal One
Ultimately, the question of what's better, AG1 or Seed, is a question of purpose. AG1 is the Swiss Army knife of supplements, offering a broad range of nutritional support in one drink, albeit at a higher cost and with less ingredient transparency. Seed DS-01 is a precision-engineered tool for a single, vital purpose: optimizing gut health with a research-backed, high-potency synbiotic. Before starting any new supplement, consider your current diet, health goals, and budget, and consult a healthcare professional to ensure the product is right for you. For more information on the efficacy and safety of different probiotic strains, consulting a reliable medical resource like the National Institutes of Health can be beneficial.
