AG1 Drink: Benefits, Risks and 2024 Review

The AG1 or Athletes Greens-1 is a famous greens supplement by the Athletes Greens. It intends to fill the nutritional gaps and serve as a substitute for multiple supplements. Since its introduction in 2010, the company has regularly updated its formula to accommodate the dietary needs of various people. 

Is it worth the hype and cost? There are many reasons to choose dietary supplements; selecting the best one is critical to achieving health targets. As AG1 is a new addition to the market, we decided to provide a thorough review to facilitate the users.

How does AG1 work?  

It works similarly to the other nutritional supplements. All a person needs to do is mix one scoop (or 12g) of powder into 8 ounces (237 ml) of cold water. The specialised shaker bottle for AG1 is available at Amazon. The AG1 provides numerous recipes and mixing ideas for people who prefer more colourful options to incorporate into snacks, smoothies, and beverages. 

Depending upon the nutritional and health status, the customers experience benefits within a few days to weeks. Let’s review the nutritional profile to assess the potential benefits.

Nutritional profile

The AG1 attributes its benefits to the rich nutrient profile. It is a blend of 75 carefully chosen and science-backed nutrients. Many nutrients are more than their 100% daily value (DV). 

Vitamins and minerals

AG1 is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals. One scoop (12g) provides; 

• Calories: 50
• Fiber: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: Less than 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Vitamin E: 558% DV
• Vitamin C: 525% DV
• Vitamin A: 139% DV
• Thiamine (B1): 273% DV
• Riboflavin (B2): 143% DV
• Niacin (B3): 125% DV
• Pyridoxine (B6): 214% DV
• Folate (B9): 200% DV
• Cyanocobalamin (B12): 880%
• Pantothenic acid (B5): 67% DV
• Biotin: 660% DV
• Zinc: 150% DV
• Chromium: 63% DV
• Selenium 36% DV
• Phosphorus: 19% DV
• Potassium:  15% DV

Disclaimer: Please note that these values are based on the currently available data. As the company continuously changes its formula, visit the manufacturer’s website regularly for updated values.

Proprietary blends 

AG1 contains 4 proprietary blends containing various plant extracts, powdered vegetables and fruits, herbs, and other nutrients of high nutritional value and health benefits. The only drawback is that the company doesn't disclose the amounts of ingredients in the proprietary blends, which makes it hard to comment on their safety and effectiveness.

These blends are;

Plant extracts and antioxidants

This blend has adaptogen herbs, plant extracts and antioxidants. Adaptogens are herbs that influence mood and improve the ability to cope with stress. They include dandelion root, eleuthero root, Rhodiola and ashwagandha root. This blend has numerous other ingredients that are mentioned on the product label.

Nutrient dense Superfood complex  

This blend contains many nutritionally dense ingredients that offer health benefits by supporting the gut microbiome. Some essential ingredients are cocoa bean polyphenol extract, beetroot powder, pineapple fruit concentrate, chlorella powder and bilberry fruit extract, which improve overall health, particularly heart and eye health. It has inulin, a prebiotic fibre that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. The other ingredients in this blend are mentioned on the product label.

Dairy-free probiotics

This blend contains 7.2 billion CFUs of two beneficial bacterial strains, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (3.6 billion CFUs of each strain). These probiotics balance the gut microbiome, improve immunity, reduce the risk of infections and inflammation and check the growth of harmful pathogenic bacteria, e.g., E. coli.

Super mushroom complex and digestive enzymes

This blend contains natural enzymes that improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It contains shiitake mushroom powder and reishi mushroom powder that improve the Immunity. The names of other ingredients in this blend are mentioned in the product label. 

Benefits 

As no direct studies explore its benefits, the benefits are only the "potential benefits". Some potential benefits of AG1 are;

Rich source of antioxidants and essential nutrients 

As mentioned, it is a treasure of dozens of nutrients above 100% DV. This fact makes AG1 a high-value multivitamin and offers a convenient way to fulfil nutritional needs. The herbal extracts and fruit and vegetable powders are a vibrant source of antioxidants, e.g., polyphenols that protect the cells from free-radical associated damage. 

Gut health support 

The prebiotics and probiotics in AG1 support gut health by boosting the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, remember that prebiotics and probiotics are not suitable for everyone. They benefit individuals with digestive health issues, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and are not needed by people with a healthy digestive system.

• Huijuan Gao and colleagues working at Qingdao University, China, observed that probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and related strains reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, improve lactose tolerance, boost immunity, prevent and treat certain cancers and improve outcomes in gastrointestinal diseases.
• Likewise, Francesca Turroni and colleagues working at the Bioscience Institute, National University of Ireland, explored the potential of Bifidobacterium bifidum as a specialised commensal of the human digestive system. 

Better energy levels 

Many regular users experienced boosted energy levels. It has higher amounts of B vitamins, which many studies have shown to boost energy levels. However, people who are already taking very high amounts of B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, need caution as their excessive accumulation causes toxicity. 

According to a study by Professor Santosh Parit and colleagues, wheatgrass is one of its ingredients that has antioxidant and energy-boosting functions.

Suitable for people with variable dietary choices 

The AG1 is a good fit for people with diverse dietary patterns and following different diets, e.g., vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, and low-carb diets. It is free from artificial sweeteners and flavors, artificial colors, dextrose, sucrose, lactose, peanuts, corn, eggs, dairy, and gluten, further increasing its acceptability. 

NSF certified for sports and third-party tested 

It is NSF-certified for sports, which means it is free from substances that the sports organizations ban. It is third-party tested for potency and safety, and it is very easy to trust the ingredients' labels.

Risks 

Some significant downsides and risks to be considered while choosing it are; 

Lack of iron and vitamin D 

This supplement misses these two essential nutrients that many people need. This is mainly due to the plant-based formula, as these nutrients are less abundant in plant sources. According to NICE, 3% of men and 8% of women in the UK have iron deficiency, and 20% of the population faces vitamin D deficiency. So, a person deficient in these nutrients must choose another suitable product.

If you have or are exposed to iron and vitamin D deficiency, visit Welzo to buy the best vitamins and supplements.

Not a substitute for vegetables and fruits 

The presence of fruits and vegetable ingredients makes some people believe it is a substitute for fruits and vegetables. While it offers many ingredients in fruits and vegetables, no studies have shown that it is a substitute for whole fruits and animals. Moreover, it doesn't have the same fibre as whole fruits and vegetables. It provides just 2g of fibre per serving, which is very low compared to the daily requirement of 25-30g, according to UCSF.

Unsuitable for people with certain conditions  

The presence of certain ingredients makes it unsuitable for people with some health conditions. For example, it is not suitable for people with kidney diseases due to high phosphorus and potassium levels, patients with autoimmune diseases due to the presence of alfalfa, for children as the safety and efficacy of many ingredients in children are not fully known, and for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to lack of safety information.

Interaction with certain medications 

Some ingredients in AG1 interact with certain prescription medications. Therefore, people taking hormonal contraceptives, diabetes medications, antihypertensive drugs, thyroid hormones, sedatives, immunosuppressants, blood thinners, and antidepressants must consult the doctor before using it.

Risk of stomach upsets 

Some people experience stomach illnesses, e.g., diarrhoea and bloating, due to the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics. Starting with a smaller dose and moving slowly towards the full scoop helps manage these signs.

Proprietary blend 

The company doesn't classify the amounts of ingredients present in the four proprietary blends, making it difficult to decide if a person is taking enough or very much of these ingredients. It makes AG1 risky for people sensitive to higher amounts of certain ingredients.

Welzo review

Ratings

Overall rating: 4.4/ 5

Taste: 5/ 5

Quality: 4.5/ 5

Value for money: 4/ 5

Effectiveness: 4/ 5

User satisfaction: 4.5/ 5

Verdict

“The AG1 is packed with numerous essential nutrients. However, as many of these ingredients are present well above their 100% DV, the product is unsuitable for everyone, and consultation with a registered dietician is recommended before choosing it. Besides containing 75 essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, it is dairy-free, gluten-free, and NSF-certified for sports, which improves its acceptance by a wide variety of people. Despite being rich in these ingredients and a great taste, we are not convinced that it deserves the hype and is worth the price. It is nevertheless a good option for those who want to reduce their dependence on multiple supplements and get all the benefits from one product only.”

User reviews  

The product is reviewed and recommended by many health professionals and professional athletes whose reviews are available on the company website. The company also boosts a 5-star review by over 37,000 satisfied users. Additionally, the company spends money on research and development and publishes the data on its website. 

The user reviews are mixed. While some users were satisfied, others complained about its high cost and lack of appreciable results. Some user reviews are;

“I really love AG1, but it costs me 120$ a month, a considerable cost compared to the benefits. It is a great product in a nice packing, but I am looking for a better alternative in this price.” 

(Katie G., a verified buyer) 

“The product is effective and efficient. However, the formulae must be reviewed to alter the dusty and granular texture. It doesn’t dissolve easily.”

(Kristine, a verified buyer)

“I may never had tried it if not recommended by a friend. I noticed a big difference in the health of my hairs and nail. My skin is more brighter than ever.” 

(Greta V., a verified buyer)

Frequently Asked Questions  

What are the side effects of AG1? 

It is a plant-based product that is safe for most users. Some users report adverse effects, e.g., diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach disturbances. These effects are attributed to inulin (prebiotic) and probiotics. Practising caution and starting with a smaller dose initially to avoid side effects is better.

Is AG1 MHRA approved? 

No, the dietary supplements are not approved by drug regulatory agencies, e.g., FDA and MHRA. Any such agencies do not approve the AG1. However, some independent agencies, e.g., NSF International, have reviewed and recommended it.

Is AG1 powder clinically proven? 

Many ingredients in the AG1 powder are clinically proven. However, large-scale studies have yet to evaluate the health impacts of whole AG1 powder on health. Some studies conducted and published by AG1 have demonstrated its efficacy and are available on the website. These studies are, however, not independently verified. 

Does AG1 burn fat? 

The AG1 is not sold as a fat burner and weight loss supplement. It does contain some ingredients, e.g., B vitamins, that are effective for weight loss. However, choosing a more specialized product for weight loss is still better.

What are the other alternatives to AG1? 

Many related products are available in the market for someone dissatisfied with the formula or effectiveness of AG1. These alternate products are Nested Naturals Super Greens®, Sakara Protein + Greens Super Powder®, Primal Harvest Primal Greens®, Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood® and Thorne Daily Greens Plus®.

Does AG1 contain omega 3 fatty acids and collagen? 

No, the AG1 doesn't contain both of these ingredients. A person looking for these ingredients must look for another product.

Bottom-line 

The AG1 offers an expensive yet convenient way to boost the nutritional intake and fill the deficiencies. Many ingredients in this blend are research-backed, and many users have reported experiencing benefits such as better energy and overall health. Although data about the effects of individual ingredients is available, studies have yet to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of whole powders for humans.

The company must classify the ingredients in the four proprietary blends to facilitate the potential users. To add another safety layer, consult the healthcare provider or a dietician before choosing it. 

Welzo offers various nutritional supplements to treat nutritional deficiencies and keep you healthy. Visit our page to buy Vitamins & Supplements to keep you at your best.