AG1 by Athletic Greens is a popular “greens” powder supplement (now called AG1) containing some 75+ ingredients—vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, antioxidants, enzymes and probiotics—all in a single scoop.

The company markets it for benefits like improved energy, digestion, immune support and recovery. But are these claims backed by science, and is AG1 truly “healthy”?

We break down what’s in AG1, examine the evidence, and hear what experts and users say.

Ingredients and purported benefits

AG1’s formula is divided into blends. It includes 21 vitamins and minerals (notably A, C, E, and a full spectrum of B vitamins plus zinc, selenium, etc.).

Many of these are provided at high doses—for example, one serving delivers 420 mg vitamin C (about 467% of the UK RDA) and 22 µg vitamin B12 (917% RDA). (By comparison, it contains virtually no vitamin D or iron, so those must come from diet or other supplements.)

Beyond vitamins, AG1 has a “superfood” blend of powdered greens, fruits and herbs. Key ingredients include spirulina (blue-green algae), chlorella, and grasses like barley leaf and wheatgrass.

These are rich in phytochemicals: for instance, spirulina contains a pigment (C-phycocyanin) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. AG1’s superfood mix even has broccoli powder (vitamin‑ and fibre‑rich), papaya and acerola (high in vitamin C), as well as bilberry and beetroot.

Spirulina has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; wheatgrass and broccoli are also high in antioxidants and may protect against oxidative stress. In short, the plant powders in AG1 may support health—but most effects (e.g. on blood sugar, vision or heart health) have only been studied in small trials of greens powders, not AG1 itself.

AG1 also includes digestive enzymes and extracts. Its formula has bromelain (from pineapple, a protease enzyme) and proteases to help protein digestion, as well as adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola (claimed to reduce stress and fatigue).

An innerbody analysis highlights astragalus root (antibacterial/anti-inflammatory, immune-supportive) and artichoke leaf (bile-stimulating, possibly cholesterol-lowering) as components of these blends.

It’s worth noting that while these herbs have some supportive data, evidence is limited or mixed—for example, bromelain might ease arthritis and soreness, but studies are inconclusive.

Finally, AG1 contains probiotic strains. The current formula (Next Gen) lists five strains (including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and L. acidophilus), totaling 10 billion CFU. In older labels it had L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These beneficial bacteria are meant to survive stomach acid and seed the gut. L. acidophilus is known to help digestion of lactose, maintain healthy gut flora, and may improve stool consistency.

 B. bifidum can reinforce the colon mucus layer and inhibit harmful bacteria. While probiotics in supplements have documented benefits in some settings (e.g. preventing antibiotic‑associated diarrhea), individual response varies, and UK health regulators note they may not suit everyone (e.g. immunocompromised individuals).

In summary, AG1 packs a very broad mix of nutrients, essentially a multivitamin/mineral complex plus greens powders, herbs and probiotics. Many ingredients have plausible health roles (antioxidants, immune support, digestion support, etc.), and the product is NSF-certified (third‑party tested) to ensure label accuracy.

But precisely how much of each plant extract or antioxidant you get is proprietary. Thus, it’s impossible to say if the smaller components (e.g. a few mg of artichoke extract) are at clinically effective doses.

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What does the research say?

Despite AG1’s grand claims, there is surprisingly little independent science directly on the product. No fully independent trials have been published (as of 2025) to prove AG1’s claimed benefits.

The company itself has sponsored a few studies, and some early research on generic greens powders provides context, but critics note that “no independent or published research supports” AG1’s marketing claims

Clinical trial (gut microbiome)

In late 2024, a company‑funded randomized, placebo‑controlled trial appeared in the Journal of the Int. Society of Sports Nutrition. Over 4 weeks, healthy adults took daily AG1 vs a placebo. The AG1 group showed significant enrichment of beneficial gut bacteria (notably L. acidophilus and B. bifidum, the very strains in the product).

In other words, the probiotics in AG1 did survive digestion and increased in the stool samples of the AG1 group. There were also trends toward better self‑reported digestive quality-of-life scores in the AG1 users. Importantly, the trial found no safety concerns—blood markers remained normal. The authors concluded AG1 is safe and “can be consumed…over four weeks with a potential beneficial impact on their digestive symptom quality of life”. This offers some clinical support: AG1 may improve gut comfort, likely due to its probiotics/prebiotics.

Lab (in vitro) studies

Athletic Greens also funded lab studies using the SHIME gut simulator. One such study (published 2024) exposed human gut microbiota to AG1 in vitro. Researchers found that an AG1 dose significantly altered the microbiome composition: several bacterial taxa were enriched (and some reduced), and about 20 metabolic pathways shifted.

In plain terms, AG1 stimulated changes in gut bacteria that “may translate into favorable effects in humans”. Another in vitro analysis (also company-funded) showed AG1 dissolved and was absorbed more easily than a typical vitamin tablet, with lower gas production. These lab results suggest AG1 can act prebiotically and affect gut flora. But by themselves they don’t prove it improves health outcomes in living people.

Older generic studies

There’s also limited evidence on generic greens powders (not AG1 specifically). For example, a small 2009 trial reported reduced blood pressure after 90 days on a greens drink, and a 2011 study saw lower oxidative stress markers after 4 weeks of greens powder.

These hint that nutrient-rich powders can have measurable effects. However, such studies used simpler formulas and small sample sizes. No peer‑reviewed research has tested AG1’s effects on energy levels, blood sugar, weight or other claimed endpoints.

Bottom line on evidence

Overall, current science is mixed and preliminary. The best data so far (company-sponsored) show AG1 is safe for healthy adults and likely benefits the gut microbiome.

But independent validation is still lacking, and no trials have confirmed AG1’s numerous marketing claims (e.g. “boosts immunity” or “improves focus”). As one review bluntly notes, “no independent or published research supports” many of AG1’s bold promises.

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Expert opinions

Registered dietitians and doctors echo the cautious view. For example, Dr. Michael Ruscio (DC) points out that “no supplement will fix an unhealthy diet”. He considers AG1 a “decent product” but not a magic bullet, especially at its price (~£60–£70 per month). Ruscio notes that if you already eat well and take a regular multivitamin/probiotic, you may get the same nutrients without AG1’s cost.

He suggests AG1 might help in specific cases – for example, during travel or for people with very poor diets – but emphasises that whole foods are the priority.

Dietitians who have tried AG1 generally like it, but have mixed feelings on value. The team at The Real Food Dietitians says AG1 contains “75+ quality ingredients” – the usual vitamins plus blends of vegetables, mushrooms, probiotics and adaptogens. They praise its high-quality sourcing but warn it doesn’t contain vitamin D, K or omega‑3 oils, so those still need supplements.

Likewise, a Healthline editor (a registered dietitian) found the powder tasty and convenient (she noted it tastes like a sweet matcha tea). However, she also questioned whether the benefits (nail growth, a feeling of wellness) justified the “very expensive” price.

Medical reviewers emphasise that AG1 is not a substitute for real food. A Medical News Today analysis states plainly that AG1 “is not a substitute for eating a balanced diet” and highlights that most nutrients should come from whole foods. They also note practical limitations: for instance, one serving has only 2 g of fibre, far less than a cup of vegetables, so it can’t truly replace eating greens.

Experts further point out that AG1 omits some key nutrients – no vitamin D, no iron, no omega‑3s – meaning users would still need other supplements or foods for those. Any claims (like improving skin or hormones) remain unproven by independent trials.

In summary, nutrition experts see AG1 as a well-crafted supplement (certified safe, broad ingredients) but stress it should complement – not replace – a healthy diet. They note valid pros (nutrient coverage, gut-supporting probiotics) and cons (missing nutrients, potential GI upset).

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Consumer experience

What about everyday users? Verified reviews of AG1 tend to be positive on convenience and taste, but mixed on price and side effects. Many customers on Trustpilot praise the product’s convenience, packaging and flavour: they say the vanilla‑pineapple taste is pleasant and that AG1 “makes me feel more awake and well-prepared”, with reports of increased energy and smoother digestion. For example, one user noted their stomach felt “less bloated & more settled” after starting AG1.

On the other hand, some consumers found the taste too sweet or intense. A few reviewers mixed their scoop with extra lemon juice to cut the sweetness. (Healthline’s tester likewise warned it can be overpowering at only 8 oz of water).

A minority of users also mentioned mild gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating or loose stools), especially when first starting. And the high cost is a common gripe: the single-pouch price (around £2.50–£3.00 per serving) is steep compared to plain vitamins or cheaper greens powders.

Service-wise, Athletic Greens generally has good reviews, but there are some complaints about subscription and delivery issues (e.g. courier problems when shipping to certain areas. Overall, however, most buyers seem satisfied with AG1’s quality and report noticing some personal benefit, even if they’re unsure whether it’s “worth it” in the long run.

How does AG1 compare to other green powders?

AG1 isn’t the only greens powder on the market. Its distinguishing feature is simply scale: it contains far more ingredients than typical competitors. Some products have only 20–30 ingredients; AG1’s 75+ means it delivers a greater variety (and higher doses) of nutrients per serving. This broad formula may have advantages – for example, it provides dozens of plant phytonutrients at once – and its strict testing (NSF Sport, GMP, allergen‑free) is relatively rare.

On the flip side, many experts note that more isn’t always better. An analysis points out that for simply “getting a boost of greens”, even a simpler powder will “work just as well”. In other words, if your goal is to top up some vitamins and fibre, you could probably achieve a similar effect with a standard multivitamin + a scoop of any leafy greens powder.

AG1’s premium price partly pays for its marketing, brand and research, not just nutrients. In the UK, there are plenty of plant-based superfood supplements at lower cost – though they may use synthetic vitamins or lack third-party certification.

It’s also worth noting that greens powders are not a replacement for vegetables. The UK’s National Health Service and dietitians emphasise “five-a-day” of actual produce for good reason. Any powder (AG1 or otherwise) is best viewed as a convenient supplement when diet falls short, rather than a dietary staple.

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How Vively can help evaluate what works

Deciding whether AG1—or any supplement—is truly beneficial can be confusing. Vively gives you a personalised view of how your body responds, using tools like continuous glucose monitoring and your Wellness Score. This way, you can see real results beyond the marketing claims and make choices that actually support your health.

With Vively you can:

• See real metabolic effects: Use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to observe your body’s response after taking AG1—does it keep blood sugar stable, spike it, or seem to have no noticeable effect?
• Compare your Wellness Score: Track your Metabolic Health Score over time to see whether incorporating AG1 (or skipping it) coincides with changes in energy, recovery, or metabolic stability.
• Test practical swaps: Alternate between AG1, a simple multivitamin, or whole-food smoothies and see which gives you better glucose trends and energy feedback in real-life conditions.
• Understand your gut response: Since AG1 includes probiotics and digestive enzymes, monitor whether it improves digestion or bloating by comparing CGM data and how you feel after meals on days with versus without AG1.
• Make cost-effective decisions: Use your personalised data to determine if—and when—AG1 adds value to your routine, or if other nutritional strategies deliver similar benefits more simply.

By combining real-time metabolic feedback with your daily habits, Vively helps you go beyond generic labels and decide whether a premium supplement like AG1 truly supports how your body functions.

“Supplements like AG1 may offer benefits, but everyone’s body responds differently. With Vively, you can see beyond the label—tracking your blood sugar, gut response, and overall metabolic health to understand whether it truly works for you.” – Charlotte Battle, Lead Dietitian at Vively

Verdict: healthy for whom?

So, is AG1 genuinely healthy? The honest answer is: it depends on your perspective and needs. AG1 undoubtedly packs a heavy dose of micronutrients and probiotics into one daily drink, and it’s generally safe for most adults. In that sense, it can work to fill nutritional gaps, especially for people who dislike taking multiple pills or struggle to eat enough vegetables. It is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and avoids common allergens (except it does contain soy lecithin).

However, AG1 is not a cure-all. It will not “detox” your body or magically fix health issues. Any real benefits are likely modest and mostly in line with what you’d expect from a good multivitamin + probiotic.

In fact, the only conclusive effects shown so far relate to the gut microbiome: AG1’s probiotics help populate healthy bacteria and may ease digestion. There’s no solid evidence it boosts immunity or metabolism beyond general nutrition.

Moreover, because AG1 is so expensive, one must weigh cost vs benefit. Health experts often suggest that a balanced diet (with plenty of fruit, veg, fibre and some sunlight for vitamin D) is the foundation of health, For people already eating well, AG1 might be unnecessary. It could be more appropriate for someone with poor diet habits, frequent travel, or limited access to variety, essentially anyone who needs a nutritional safety net.

In summary, AG1 is a high-quality, nutrient-rich supplement that will deliver a lot of goodness on top of a typical diet. It is likely safe and can help to “check the box” on many vitamins and gut-friendly ingredients. But whether that translates into real health improvements is uncertain. The bulk of its purported benefits remain unproven, and nutritionists stress it should complement—not replace—whole foods.

Health-conscious individuals should evaluate AG1 just as they would any supplement: consider the evidence, compare with dietary intake, and decide if the convenience justifies the price. If in doubt, consulting a doctor or dietitian is sensible before adding any potent supplement to your routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. While AG1 and similar supplements may provide certain benefits, responses vary between individuals. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.