Who Should Not Take Athletic Greens? Essential Precautions and Contraindications
While Athletic Greens (AG1) is promoted as a comprehensive, all-in-one nutritional supplement, its blend of 75 ingredients—including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and botanical extracts—is not universally suitable. The high potency and diverse components can pose risks for certain individuals and conflict with specific medications or health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you fall into one of the following categories.
Special Populations: Pregnant Women, Children, and Nursing Mothers
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are strongly advised against taking AG1. There is limited research on the safety of many of its ingredients during pregnancy and lactation, and the risks to a developing fetus or nursing infant are not fully understood. Specifically, AG1 contains adaptogens like ashwagandha and licorice root, which can interfere with hormones that regulate milk production. Additionally, high doses of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A, can be dangerous during pregnancy, and AG1's concentrations can be high, particularly when combined with other supplements.
Children and Adolescents Under 18
The product is intended solely for adults and is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18. The formula contains nutrient doses far exceeding a child's needs, and the safety of the various herbal and adaptogenic components has not been established for younger age groups.
Individuals with Specific Medical Conditions
Autoimmune Disorders
Certain ingredients in Athletic Greens, such as alfalfa, spirulina, and chlorella, can have immunostimulatory effects. This means they can stimulate the immune system, which is counterproductive and potentially dangerous for individuals with autoimmune conditions like lupus erythematosus or inflammatory skin diseases. The herbs can precipitate or worsen disease flares.
End-Stage Kidney Disease
Due to its phosphorus and potassium content, AG1 may not be safe for people with end-stage kidney disease. Kidneys that function improperly cannot effectively filter these minerals, leading to dangerous buildup in the blood.
Digestive Sensitivities or Issues
While AG1 is intended to support gut health, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people, particularly when they first start taking it. Side effects can include bloating, nausea, or diarrhea. This can be attributed to the high-FODMAP ingredients like inulin and artichoke, or the potent probiotic and prebiotic blends. Those with a sensitive gut or irritable bowel syndrome should introduce it slowly or reconsider use entirely.
Drug Interactions and Allergies
Potential Drug Interactions
The diverse ingredient list of Athletic Greens means it can interact with various prescription medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse side effects. Some critical interactions include:
- Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin): The vitamin K content from leafy greens can counteract the medication's blood-thinning effect, increasing clotting risk. It is vital for people on these medications to maintain a consistent vitamin K intake and consult their doctor before using supplements like AG1.
- Other Medications: Interactions have been noted with hormonal birth control, diabetes medication, high blood pressure medication, antidepressants, thyroid hormones, sedatives, and immunosuppressants.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities must be cautious. AG1 contains soy, so those with soy allergies must avoid it. Other ingredients like spirulina can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Stevia, used as a sweetener, can also cause digestive issues for sensitive individuals.
AG1 vs. Other Supplements
| Feature | Athletic Greens (AG1) | Alternatives (e.g., Simple Greens Powders) |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended For | Healthy adults with specific nutrient gaps | Broader range of adults; better for sensitive systems |
| Not Recommended | Pregnant/nursing, children, autoimmune, kidney disease | Specific formulations exist for various populations |
| Ingredient List | 75+ ingredients, including proprietary blends | Often shorter, more transparent ingredient lists |
| Medication Risks | Higher risk of interactions due to complex formula | Lower risk with fewer, more common ingredients |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive per serving | Generally more affordable |
Conclusion: Prioritizing Personal Health
While Athletic Greens is a popular supplement, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should not replace a balanced diet. For individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases or kidney issues, AG1 is not recommended due to potential health risks and interactions. Its dense nutrient profile and complex ingredient list also make it unsuitable for those with medication dependencies, allergies, or sensitive digestive systems. The prudent approach is always to consult with a doctor or dietitian before adding a potent supplement like AG1 to your routine, ensuring it aligns with your specific health needs without causing harm. For more detailed nutritional information, review the findings in this Healthline article.
Key Considerations for Athletic Greens
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: Not advised due to adaptogens and unknown safety for the infant.
- Children Under 18: The product contains excessive vitamin doses and lacks safety data for this age group.
- People with Autoimmune Diseases: Ingredients like alfalfa can trigger or worsen autoimmune flare-ups.
- Individuals on Blood Thinners: The high vitamin K content can interfere with anticoagulation therapy.
- Those with Kidney Disease: High potassium and phosphorus levels can be dangerous for individuals with impaired kidney function.
- Sensitive Digestive Systems: Can cause bloating, nausea, or diarrhea due to probiotics, fiber, and high-FODMAP components.
- Soy Allergies: The product contains soy, which should be avoided by individuals with soy allergies.
FAQs
Question: Can pregnant women safely take Athletic Greens? Answer: No, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Athletic Greens due to safety concerns regarding specific ingredients, such as adaptogens, and potentially excessive vitamin levels that could harm the baby.
Question: Why should people on blood thinners avoid Athletic Greens? Answer: Athletic Greens contains high levels of vitamin K from its green vegetable ingredients, which can counteract the effects of blood-thinning medications like warfarin, increasing the risk of clotting.
Question: Is Athletic Greens suitable for children? Answer: No, AG1 is not formulated for children and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 due to the high vitamin content and lack of safety data for younger populations.
Question: What side effects can those with sensitive digestion experience? Answer: Individuals with sensitive digestive systems may experience bloating, nausea, or diarrhea when taking Athletic Greens, especially at first, due to the fiber, probiotics, and high-FODMAP ingredients like inulin.
Question: Can AG1 cause problems for people with autoimmune conditions like lupus? Answer: Yes, people with autoimmune conditions should avoid AG1. Ingredients like alfalfa, spirulina, and chlorella have immunostimulatory properties that can exacerbate symptoms or trigger disease flares.
Question: Does Athletic Greens interact with common medications like hormonal birth control? Answer: Yes, AG1 contains ingredients that can potentially interact with various medications, including hormonal birth control, immunosuppressants, and certain heart and thyroid medications.
Question: What are the risks for individuals with end-stage kidney disease? Answer: For those with end-stage kidney disease, AG1 may not be appropriate due to its potassium and phosphorus content, which can build up to dangerous levels in the body.
Question: Is Athletic Greens safe for those with soy allergies? Answer: No, Athletic Greens contains soy and should be avoided by anyone with a soy allergy to prevent an allergic reaction.
