unpublished alpha

AG1: does it work?

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unpublished alpha

Today, AG1, formerly known as Athletic Greens, announced that Kat Cole will be its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding AG1 founder Chris Ashenden. The CEO announcement felt like a good time to inspired a personal reflection on my experience with AG1 (that only one or two people over the past year have asked for).

my journey with AG1

I tried it for a few months earlier this year and noticed some small effects (mostly feeling less bloated). However, it felt too expensive and not helpful enough for me to continue, an opinion quite a few YouTubers share. I didn’t take any blood tests, so I can’t speak to any internal health benefits it might have had.

Until Bryan Johnson gives it a thumbs up, I’m unlikely to return to this green powder (~30% of that statement is truthful). Yet, it’s incredibly popular as the companys is projected to exceed $600 million in revenue this year and aims to achieve profitability.

podcasters love AG1

This is the critical question. Influential podcasts like those of Andrew Huberman, Rich Roll, and Tim Ferriss all promote AG1, and I genuinely believe they use it. Yet a chat with a physician reveals that the dosage of ingredients in AG1 may not be sufficient to make a meaningful impact.

Financial incentives also play a role. Influencers earn up to 30% commission per sale, making endorsements financially enticing. However, all the podcasters promoting it are likely stronger (maybe even healthier) than your physician. So, who do you really trust?!?

As far as supplments go, AG1 is more legit than most. The company has a 90 day money-back guarantee, over 45K 5 star reviews, and proves their standards with third party certifications like NSF Certified for Sport.

So, what’s in the mix?

AG1 boasts an impressive list of ingredients, including essential vitamins like A, C, and E, B-complex vitamins, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and selenium. It also contains a proprietary blend of superfoods, digestive enzymes, and probiotics (their words not mine). Here’s a closer look:

  • vitamins and minerals: Adequate intake can improve immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. For instance, vitamin C’s role in immune defense and skin health is well-documented.
  • probiotics: These beneficial bacteria are linked to improved gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption and potentially reducing bloating.
  • superfoods: Ingredients like spirulina and chlorella are rich in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress. Think of them as a protective barrier for your cells.

the placebo effect and bioavailability

When it comes to supplements, the placebo effect is powerful. If you believe AG1 is working for you, it might be doing just that. The human mind significantly influences how we perceive the effects of supplements. But here are some factors that contribute to AG1s efficacy (or potential lack thereof):

  • bioavailability: Not all supplements are absorbed equally. Factors such as food presence, time of day, and individual digestive health play crucial roles.
  • convenience: AG1 provides a broad spectrum of nutrients, particularly useful for those with restricted diets. Think of it as a versatile toolkit for your nutrition needs.
  • transparency and dosages: The lack of precise dosages (so AG1 can keep their secret sauce a secret) prevents consumers from knowing if they’re getting effective amounts of each ingredient. This is like trying to follow a recipe without knowing the exact measurements.
  • cost-cutting: Proprietary blends allow companies to use minimal amounts of expensive ingredients, potentially reducing the product’s efficacy.

nutrient gaps in AG1

The quantities of superfoods and nutrient extracts in AG1 are minimal according to many doctors (my father included), providing limited health benefits. Some are missing from the formulation:

  • iron deficiency: This is a widespread issue, especially among women and athletes. AG1 does not include iron, crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining optimal health.
  • vitamin D: Essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. While AG1 offers a separate vitamin D supplement with initial purchases, this isn’t a sustainable solution for continuous supplementation.
  • omega-3 fatty acids: Important for brain health and reducing inflammation. AG1 does not provide these, best sourced from oily fish. It’s akin to having a toolkit missing essential tools.

marketing vs. reality

AG1 positions itself as a comprehensive health supplement with an impressive blend of superfoods and probiotics. However, its high cost and vague dosages raise significant concerns. The convenience it offers is appealing, but the lack of transparency about ingredient amounts and the steep price tag make its true value questionable.

Under the new leadership of Kat Cole, AG1 stands at a pivotal moment. Will it refine its approach and deliver on its promises, or remain an overpriced multivitamin?

Ultimately, AG1 promises much but delivers just enough to warrant cautious optimism. It represents the broader challenge of the supplement industry: balancing marketing claims with tangible, measurable benefits. For now, AG1 remains a prospect with its full potential yet to (hopefully) be realized.

resources

From YouTube “Athletic Greens review”

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