This makes wallet-friendly supplements like Bloom a great alternative, though some people might prefer the specifics of AG1.
It also depends on what you’re looking for. A supplement might be the right answer if you’re looking for the whole panel of nutrients, but if you’re looking to increase your intake of one or two key ingredients, maybe not.
“If you struggle to eat fruits and veggies and want to reap the health benefits tied to eating more of these foods, you may want to consider taking AG1,” says Meyer, adding “there are many other ways to incorporate more fiber in your diet that doesn’t cost $79-99 per month.”
It can also be worth investing in a one-stop-shop for vitamins and minerals that help with a number of health issues such as the gut, bloating, and energy. For me, it’s a convenient way to supplement a diet lacking in key nutrients. But according to Dr. Rocco, “it is better to obtain micro and macronutrients from food and whole foods than from a nearly $100 supplement.”
Personally, my funds and nutritional needs are at odds. Has AG1 been beneficial for me? Absolutely. I feel less bloated, my energy is higher, and I know I’m drinking more water. If my bank account was limitless, I would be an excellent all-around nutritional candidate for daily AG1.
But my budget tells a different story, and while I work in a field where I get to test athletic gear and nutritional supplements, it also means I have to be honest about what I realistically purchase for myself. And the truth is, I wouldn’t be able to afford $100 per month for a supplement. I’d be back to my $5 multivitamins, and if I were to choose a supplement, I would be more likely to use the Bloom or a similarly priced, similar quality greens powder. I appreciate how AG1 has made me feel over the past month, but the $100 cost isn’t feasible on my salary.
What are the negative side effects of AG1?
I haven’t noticed anything negative about taking AG1, even with my notoriously unhappy stomach. As with any nutritional supplement though, every individual body’s reaction is going to be different.
Nausea, diarrhea, or bloating is a possibility when you first begin taking AG1, as your body will go through a transition with the probiotics in the supplement. It also contains fiber that can cause diarrhea in some people, Dr. Rocco said, saying that while these should subside on their own, speak to a doctor if they persist.
Villanesca also mentioned that some of AG1’s nutrients are over the recommended daily allowance, with the assumption that not everything will be absorbed. While the nutrients in AG1 aren’t at toxic levels, some consumers should be wary. For example, high amounts of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, and high intakes of biotin can impair thyroid test results.
Finally, it’s worth noting that AG1 is not without its controversies, from inflated health benefit claims to its founder resigning over property schemes from previous business ventures. Neither of those are dangerous to health or more shocking than embroilments plaguing other popular businesses, but I’d be remiss not to mention them.
The final verdict
My uptick in energy this month (and reduced bloating!) aligns with the benefits touted by Athletic Greens and mentioned by professionals. I attribute a lot of this to the micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—that are likely lacking in my diet. And while we don’t have super in-depth research to show the effectiveness of gut-health superfoods, it doesn’t mean they aren’t effective, and I love the idea that my 30-second morning commitment of green juice is adding superfoods I wouldn’t otherwise be getting (Spirulina! Alkaline! Bromelain! Ashwagandha!) and helping improve digestive enzymes. Plus, as Villanesca told me, a lot of people have anecdotally spoken about how it’s helped improve their health. I know it’s not a cure-all, but I appreciate adding it to my day.
Overall, I plan to keep using a greens supplement as part of my low-maintenance wellness routine to help improve my overall health. Along with increasing high-quality, essential nutrients in a more balanced diet, I know I can continue to increase my health, energy, and gut biome, and I haven’t noticed any side effects that would lead me to stop. I don’t know if I can afford AG1 specifically, but as someone on a budget, I’m glad similar (less expensive) supplements exist.
