Athletic Greens Review: Does This Greens Supplement Really Work?

What is AG1?

AG1 is a greens powder and dietary supplement available as a one-time purchase and via subscription. The company states that it combines multiple supplements into one easy-to-make powder. Each bag contains 75 vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and more in a once-daily serving.

Athletic Greens makes AG1 in NSF good manufacturing practice registered facilities, and the supplements are NSF certified for Sport.

Additionally, the company is Climate Neutral certified, is a part of the How2Recycle program, and partners with various organizations yearly to give back to local communities. Currently, Athletic Greens is partnered with No Kids Hungry, which provides grants to programs that feed children across the United States.

Pros and cons at a glance

Before purchasing a subscription, people may wish to consider the following:

How AG1 works

Greens powder contains a variety of nutrients that may provide health benefits.

According to Athletic Greens, the product works in three ways:

• Replenishing nutrients: The company claims the AG1 greens powder fills nutritional gaps and maintains cellular health. It also states the combination of antioxidants, superfoods, and stress adaptogens can maintain nutritional balance in the body.
• Optimizing digestion: Reportedly, AG1 helps to optimize digestion because it contains prebiotics and probiotics. The powder is also highly absorbable, allowing the body to reap the benefits efficiently.
• Pairing nutrients: The company states that it maximizes the efficiency of ingredients by pairing them appropriately. The company says this allows the nutrients to work cohesively rather than independently.

According to the company, individuals who consistently use AG1 may experience benefits within days, although for some, it may take weeks or even longer.

To use AG1, a person must mix 1 scoop with 10 ounces of cold water.

What is inside AG1?

Athletic Greens claims the formula contains 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to maintain good health.

AG1 contains 17 vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for vision, epithelium, and immune health. There is also some evidence that vitamin A has cancer-preventive properties.
• Vitamin C: The body uses vitamin C to help support skin, mucus membranes, blood vessels, and bone health.
• Niacin: Niacin, or vitamin B3, can help decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, premature aging, and some age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis.
• Folic acid: Although the main benefit of this vitamin is to help promote a healthy pregnancy, folate also plays an important role in red blood cell production. Folic acid can treat vitiligo and reduce inflammation.
• Copper: This mineral helps produce energy, maintains connective tissue, protects against anemia, and helps the nervous system function properly. A deficiency in this mineral may lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is very little evidence of this link in humans.
• Zinc: This mineral can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. There is some evidence that zinc can help prevent or reduce symptoms of the common cold and type 2 diabetes, but more research is necessary.
• Selenium: This mineral may have some benefits, such as helping prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and thyroid disorders. However, more research is necessary.
• Potassium: This mineral can help protect bone health. While more research is necessary, it may also help protect against hypertension, stroke, and kidney stones.

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Superfood complex

Athletic Greens states it uses a superfood complex, and the phytonutrients in this complex may help support the body’s microbiome.

Superfoods are food rich in nutrients. While there are real health benefits of many superfoods, it is important to note that there is no clear definition of what a superfood is.

Some superfoods in AG1 include:

• Spirulina: Spirulina has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also positively affect conditions such as hyperglycemia and obesity.
• Broccoli flower: This plant is rich in various vitamins, high in fiber, and can help protect heart, eye, and immune health.
• Papaya: This fruit may help reduce oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, premature aging, and some cancers.
• Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is high in antioxidants, which may help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of certain conditions.

Dairy-free probiotics

Probiotics can support digestive and immune system health and help the body synthesize vitamins.

Athletic Greens uses dairy-free probiotics, which may be beneficial for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant.

The company uses Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus in its formula.

Bifidobacterium bifidum may protect the intestinal lining from inflammation and reduce the risk of constipation. Lactobacillus acidophilus can balance gut bacteria, improve lactose intolerance, and protect against infections.

Discover the best probiotics to buy online.

Plant extracts and antioxidants

Athletic Greens uses several plant extracts and antioxidants in its formula, including:

• Ashwagandha root extract: This plant may help improve insomnia symptoms and reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
• Rosemary leaf extract: Rosemary has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
• Alkaline pea protein isolate: Pea protein has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties.

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Enzyme and mushroom complex

AG1 has an enzyme and mushroom complex that contains shiitake and reishi mushroom powder.

Shiitake mushrooms may have properties that protect against cardiovascular diseases, whereas reishi mushrooms may lower blood sugar and stimulate the immune system to fight off infections.

Potential benefits of AG1

While there is no recent research on the benefits of AG1, older studies report the benefits of taking other green powders.

A 2009 study found that people who took a greens powder supplement for 90 days experienced lower blood pressure. In a small 2011 study, researchers found that a greens powder supplement reduced oxidative stress over 4 weeks.

Greens powder contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and probiotics. Many of the ingredients in AG1 are research-backed to provide short- and long-term benefits, including protecting against cardiovascular diseases and age-related conditions.

Athletic Greens claims that people may experience the following benefits when using the supplement:

• After 30 days: improved digestion and energy levels, bowel regularity, and less cravings
• After 60 days: comfortable digestion, reduced irritability, and improved concentration, focus, energy, and skin appearance
• After 90 days: an overall feeling of wellness, plus improvements in recovery time, alertness, metabolism, and signs of aging

However, it is important to note that no independent or published research supports these claims.

Potential risks of AG1

AG1 is not a substitute for eating a balanced diet. People should always try to get their recommended daily intake of nutrients from their diet rather than taking supplements.

Lack of essential vitamins

Although AG1 contains over 75 plant-based nutrients, it lacks certain essential daily vitamins and minerals. These include:

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which are critical for building bone. It can help reduce cancer cell growth, manage infections, and reduce inflammation. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin D is 600 international units (IU) [15 micrograms (mcg)] for males and females over 19 years, and for adults over 70 years, it is 800 IU (20 mcg). However, AG1 contains no vitamin D.
• Iron: Iron helps transfer oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and supports muscle metabolism. It is also necessary for physical and neurological development, helps cells function, and helps with hormone balance. The RDA of iron is 8 milligrams (mg) for males, 18 mg for females over 19 years, and 8 mg for males and females over 51 years. However, AG1 contains no iron.
• Omega-3: Omega-3s are important to cells, provide the body with energy, and support the health of many body systems. The RDA of omega-3s is 1.6 grams (g) for males and 1.1 g for females. However, AG1 contains no omega-3s.
• Calcium: Calcium is necessary to build and maintain strong bones, and to help muscles and nerves function properly. The RDA of calcium for people over 18 years is 1,300 mg, and for people between 51 and 70 years is 1,000 mg for males and 1,200 mg for females. AG1 contains only 9% of this RDA.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones, and blood sugar levels. Lack of magnesium over time may put people at a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, or osteoporosis. The RDA of magnesium for people ages 19 through 30 is 400 mg for males and 310 mg for females, 420 mg for males over 31 years, and 320 mg for females of the same age. AG1 contains only 6% of this RDA.

People may, therefore, need to purchase other supplements to meet their RDA.

Pre- and probiotics

AG1 contains two strains of probiotics: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The former may reduce intestinal pH, which helps bad bacteria form in your intestines by regulating the gut microbiome balance.

The latter may help fight inflammation, infection, and discomfort for people with lactose intolerance or constipation.

However, pre-and probiotics may not suit individual gut health needs. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIC) warns that they may pose risks in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems. Additionally, some probiotic products may contain microorganisms other than those listed on the label, posing serious health risks.

Allergies

AG1 contains green tea and wheatgrass, which some people may be allergic to.

Side effects of green tea extract include headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Some people may develop hives within a few minutes of consuming wheatgrass. Others may experience vomiting, cramping, or diarrhea. In extreme cases, some may experience anaphylactic shock which can be life-threatening.

Overconsumption of vitamins

Using a dietary supplement containing vitamins and minerals can lead to overconsumption. This can lead to side effects, some of which can seriously harm health.

For example, consuming too much vitamin C can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Too much copper can cause nausea, cramps, and vomiting, and may even lead to liver damage.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding

AG1 is not suitable for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It contains Rhodiola and licorice root powder.

Studies have reported that consuming Rhodiola during pregnancy and breastfeeding causes phagocytes, types of white blood cells, to surround and destroy foreign substances in offspring.

The NCCIC states that licorice root may pose risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and may increase the risk of stillbirth.

People with certain autoimmune conditions

People with some autoimmune conditions such as lupus should avoid AG1 as it contains alfalfa which may cause the immune system to become more active, increasing the auto-immune disease’s symptoms.

People with end-stage kidney disease

AG1 contains potassium and phosphorus that are inappropriate for consumption by people with end-stage kidney disease. Consuming extra amounts of potassium and phosphorus with this condition may increase levels resulting in abnormal heartbeat, arterial stiffness, and vascular calcification.

This supplement contains potassium and phosphorus that are inappropriate for consumption by people with end-stage kidney disease.

Interactions with medication

Supplements can negatively interact with prescription and nonprescription medication. For example, vitamin E has a blood-thinning effect, and combining a supplement such as AG1 that contains this vitamin with medication such as warfarin, can have dangerous results.

Some of AG1’s ingredients may also interact with other prescription medications such as:

• birth control
• some diabetes medications
• high blood pressure medications
• immunosuppressants
• sedatives
• thyroid hormones
• antidepressants

It is always important to discuss taking any new supplements with a healthcare professional before purchasing a product.

How much does AG1 cost?

People can purchase AG1 through Athletic Green’s website.

The company offers its supplements as a one-time purchase or as a subscription.

A one-time purchase costs $99. People will receive one pouch of AG1 containing 30 servings.

There are three subscription options: single, double, and family. Options ship monthly, have a 90-day money-back guarantee, and people can pause or cancel the subscription at any time. A single subscription containing 30 servings costs $79, a double subscription containing 60 servings costs $149, and a family subscription containing 90 servings, costs $224.

If a person chooses to subscribe, their first subscription will come with a free starter kit of a premium jar and shaker.

Canceling a subscription

A person can cancel their subscription at any time. They can do this by logging into their account or by contacting the customer service team directly.

People can also change their subscription, such as delivery date or frequency, at any time.

Company reputation

There are limited customer reviews for AG1.

At the time of publication, Athletic Greens has only five reviews on Trustpilot.

The four positive reviews award the company the full 5 stars and state they experienced health benefits and that the company has good customer service.

However, the negative review reports that two to three weeks after taking AG1, the customer began to experience heart palpitations, wheezing, and mucus in the throat at night. These symptoms became more frequent over time, with shortness of breath and occasional diarrhea. The customer does not know if these symptoms are directly linked to taking AG1, however, they have stopped taking the supplement to see if the symptoms subside.

Alternatives to AG1

Athletic Greens is one of several companies that offer greens powders. Below, we compare AG1 with some competitors.

Frequently asked questions about AG1

Here, we answer some common questions about this supplement.

Summary

Athletic Greens’ AG1 supplement is a greens powder that contains 75 ingredients that may benefit health. It includes vitamins, minerals, superfoods, probiotics, and mushrooms. However, it is more expensive than comparable products.

While green powders can help fill nutritional gaps, it is important not to use them as a substitute for a nutritious diet. Ingredients in supplements can negatively interact with prescription and nonprescription medication.