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What's in an AG1 Drink? A Comprehensive Look at Ingredients

4 min read

With over 75 ingredients, a daily AG1 drink (formerly Athletic Greens) is positioned as a comprehensive nutritional solution for busy adults seeking to fill dietary gaps. Each scoop is a blend of vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens, designed to be a one-stop-shop for daily wellness. This powdered drink has gained significant traction, but many people still wonder about the specific components and their potential benefits.

Quick Summary

An AG1 drink is a powdered supplement containing over 75 ingredients, including a vitamin and mineral blend, superfood complex, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and adaptogens to support gut health, energy, and immunity. It is NSF Certified for Sport but utilizes proprietary blends and synthetic vitamins.

Key Points

  • 75+ Ingredients: Each serving of AG1 contains over 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, and other nutrients, combining the benefits of multiple supplements into one drink.

  • Key Nutrient Support: AG1 provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals, often in quantities exceeding the daily value, though it does not contain Vitamin D and many ingredients are added synthetically.

  • Proprietary Blends: The formula is built around proprietary blends, which means the exact amount of each specific superfood, herb, or adaptogen is not disclosed.

  • Gut Health Focus: A significant component of AG1 is its blend of prebiotics (like inulin) and probiotics, designed to support a healthy gut microbiome and aid digestion.

  • Adaptogens for Stress: The formula includes adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, which are intended to help the body manage stress.

  • Third-Party Certified: AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport, a reputable third-party certification that verifies the product is tested for contaminants and banned substances.

  • Not a Meal Replacement: AG1 is intended to complement a healthy diet, not replace whole fruits and vegetables, which remain the best source of nutrients.

  • Potential Side Effects: Due to the high potency and probiotic content, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset like bloating or nausea when first starting.

In This Article

A Blend of Vitamins, Minerals, and Whole-Food Ingredients

At its core, an AG1 drink is a robust blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients, designed to serve as a foundational daily health drink. A single 12-gram scoop provides over 75 different ingredients, strategically categorized to deliver a wide spectrum of nutritional support. For example, a single serving delivers more than 100% of the Daily Value for several vitamins, including a significant amount of the B-complex vitamins, which are crucial for energy production. However, some key nutrients like Vitamin D are not included, meaning additional supplementation might be necessary depending on individual needs. The inclusion of a wide array of ingredients helps to provide nutrient replenishment and fill potential gaps left by an inconsistent diet.

The Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex

One of the primary components of an AG1 drink is its proprietary superfood complex, which contains a blend of fruits, vegetables, and plant extracts. This complex provides a variety of phytonutrients, which are plant-based chemicals that can support overall health. Notable ingredients include:

  • Organic Spirulina: This blue-green algae is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein, and has been studied for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Organic Apple Powder: Provides fiber and phytonutrients.
  • Organic Chlorella Powder: A green algae rich in nutrients.
  • Beetroot Powder: Known to help the body produce nitric oxide, which plays a role in healthy circulation.
  • Broccoli Flower Powder: A nutrient-dense vegetable powder.

Adaptogens and Botanical Extracts

An AG1 drink also incorporates adaptogens and botanical extracts. Adaptogens are herbs that may help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Some of the key adaptogens and botanical extracts found in AG1 include:

  • Ashwagandha Root Extract: Known for its potential to help the body manage stress.
  • Rhodiola Root: Another adaptogen believed to help with stress resilience.
  • Astragalus Root Powder Extract: Used in traditional medicine and studied for its potential benefits to gut health.
  • Grape Seed Extract: A source of potent antioxidants.

The Role of Probiotics and Digestive Support

Good gut health is a key focus of the AG1 formula, which is why it contains both prebiotics and probiotics.

  • Prebiotics: These are types of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them to flourish. AG1 includes inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can help support normal digestive function.
  • Probiotics: AG1 contains a dairy-free probiotic blend with multiple strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, providing a significant number of colony-forming units (CFUs) to support the gut microbiome.
  • Digestive Enzymes: The supplement also includes digestive enzymes like Bromelain, derived from pineapple, which helps the body break down and absorb proteins.

Comparing AG1 with a Standard Multivitamin

Feature AG1 Drink Standard Multivitamin
Ingredients Over 75 (vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, adaptogens, enzymes) Typically includes around 20-30 essential vitamins and minerals
Form Powder mixed with water Usually a pill, tablet, or capsule
Bioavailability Designed for optimal absorption, though some synthetic forms are used Varies widely by brand and form, may use synthetic ingredients
Additional Benefits Supports gut health, energy, stress, and immunity Focuses primarily on correcting nutritional deficiencies
Third-Party Testing NSF Certified for Sport Depends on the brand; can range from none to multiple certifications
Cost Generally more expensive per serving Typically more affordable
Dietary Suitability Vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly; contains soy lecithin Varies by product; check labels for allergens

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach with Considerations

In conclusion, an AG1 drink is a comprehensive, all-in-one supplement formulated to offer a broad range of nutrients for daily foundational health. Its ingredient list extends far beyond a simple multivitamin to include superfoods, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens, all intended to work synergistically to support gut health, energy, and overall well-being. However, the proprietary nature of its blends means the exact dosages of certain ingredients are unknown. While it can be an effective way to fill nutrient gaps, it is not a replacement for a balanced diet rich in whole foods and should be considered a complement to healthy eating. As with any dietary supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, particularly for those with underlying health conditions, pregnant or nursing individuals, or children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is AG1 a meal replacement? A: No, AG1 is not a meal replacement. It is a dietary supplement designed to complement a healthy diet, not substitute for whole foods or meals.

Q: What does AG1 taste like? A: AG1 has a mildly fruity taste, often described as having hints of pineapple and vanilla, and is sweetened with stevia. It has a distinct "green" or earthy undertone that some may notice.

Q: Does AG1 contain allergens? A: AG1 is free from dairy, gluten, corn, eggs, and peanuts. However, it does contain soy lecithin and should be avoided by those with soy allergies.

Q: Is AG1 regulated by the FDA? A: As a dietary supplement sold in the US, AG1 is not regulated by the FDA in the same way as prescription medication. It is, however, NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous third-party certification for safety and quality.

Q: Can I take AG1 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding? A: It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to take AG1. You should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement during pregnancy or lactation.

Q: Does AG1 contain caffeine? A: AG1 contains a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine from ingredients like matcha leaf powder and cocoa seed extract. It does not contain added caffeine for energy.

Q: How soon will I notice the benefits of AG1? A: Individual results vary, but many users report noticing benefits like improved digestion and energy levels within a few weeks to a few months of consistent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of an AG1 drink is to serve as a foundational daily health supplement, combining multiple products like a multivitamin, probiotic, and greens powder into one convenient drink to help fill nutritional gaps.

AG1 uses a mix of naturally sourced, whole-food ingredients and synthetically produced vitamins and minerals. While the blend includes nutrient-dense superfoods, many of the vitamins are added synthetically to bolster the nutrient profile.

For some, AG1 may provide enough vitamins and minerals to replace a multivitamin, but it does not contain every single micronutrient. For example, it does not include Vitamin D, which may require separate supplementation.

AG1 uses proprietary blends for many of its ingredients, such as the superfood and adaptogen complexes. This means the specific amount of each individual component within the blend is not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to determine the efficacy of certain ingredients.

No, AG1 is not recommended for children. The formula contains ingredients and dosages intended for adults and should not be given to individuals under 18.

AG1 contains a dairy-free probiotic blend with multiple strains, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, providing 10 billion CFUs per serving.

AG1 is a powder that should be mixed with cold water. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning for optimal absorption.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.