AG1: A Marketing Scam or the Real Deal?

Until a month ago, I had never tried AG1. But one of my clients gifted me a month’s supply for Christmas. So I figured... why not?

Joe Rogan says, “I’ve been using AG1 since 2012 because it’s the simplest, most straightforward way for me to get my bases of important vitamins, minerals and probiotics.”

Andrew Huberman, neuroscientist and host of the Huberman Lab Podcast — also an AG1 partner — says the exact same thing, word for word. Hmmm?

So what do everyday people think?

Let’s Ask Reddit

Some users on Reddit call AG1 a placebo. That raises the question — are the claims around improved gut health, energy, immunity, and cognition actually backed by science?

Many Redditors say the research is either weak or nowhere to be found. One voice that stood out was journalist Scott Carney, who titled his video:“The Junk Science of Athletic Greens (AG1).”

He goes even further:

“Buying it does harm your mental health.”“When you fall for the marketing of inert and probably useless miracle powders, you become more susceptible to other grifters in other areas of life.”

That’s a strong claim. But how did AG1 respond?

AG1 Responds

A member of the AG1 team responded to Scott Carney’s allegations. They said the results from AG1’s internal testing couldn’t be shared yet — because they haven’t been peer-reviewed. The company also underwent a total rebrand and rebuilt its website.

Scott did find one clinical trial. It involved just 30 people: 15 took AG1, 15 took a placebo. According to the study, there was no measurable improvement in gut health between the two groups.

But that leaves me with more questions than answers:

• What kind of diet were these participants eating?

• Were they exercising? Sleeping? Drinking alcohol? Smoking?

• Were other healthy habits in place?

  
  

That’s always been my issue with online studies. Not enough context. Too many variables unaccounted for. And way too much clickbait.

There are two sides to every story. And the only way to really know is to do the research yourself.

That’s why I decided to test AG1 myself.

AG1 Today: New Formula, New Brand, Same Controversy?

Here’s where it gets interesting — AG1 ended up suing Scott Carney (unsuccessfully), fired their CEO, and overhauled the entire company. The AG1 I’m trying now is the new and improved version.

Let’s take a look at what’s actually inside.

The Top 5 Ingredients in AG1

1. Spirulina – A nutrient-dense blue-green algae often used as a whole food or supplement.

2. Lecithin – A fatty substance crucial for brain, liver, and nerve function. Also helps emulsify fats.

3. Chlorella Powder – A freshwater-grown, single-cell green algae that packs vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4. Wheat Grass Powder – High in chlorophyll and often used for detox and digestive health.

5. Alfalfa Powder – A legume loaded with minerals, amino acids, and fiber. Commonly used in livestock feed but has human applications as well.

Reminder: ingredients are listed in order of weight. So the ones at the top are most abundant.

My Take as a Coach

I recommend AG1 to certain clients — mostly those who struggle to get their nutrients from food. Especially those I can’t convince to take sea moss (more on that in a future post).

Let’s be real. AG1 is convenient. Scoop. Shake. Drink. Done. That matters. Especially for people who travel, work long hours, or skip breakfast. Drinking something green first thing in the morning can set the tone for the day — even if it is mostly placebo. That feeling of accomplishment? That’s real.

But Did It Actually Work?

Gut Health

I already had a great relationship with my gut. No issues before AG1. No changes after. So I can’t say it helped — but I also can’t say it hurt.

Energy

I felt a slight energy lift after drinking it — like a green tea-level buzz. It contains 40 calories per serving, so it makes sense that it could serve as a fasted pre-workout. The energy bump lasted about 45 minutes, which was actually perfect for a light morning pump.

Immune System

I did get sick once over the holidays, but I was also drinking more alcohol than usual and eating more refined sugar — both of which lower your immunity. So that one’s on me. That said, AG1 actually made for a decent hangover cure. Cheers.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the deal. AG1, like most powdered health supplements, is not a magic fix.

But it can be a useful tool if you:

• Struggle to eat whole foods consistently

• Don’t get enough vegetables, minerals, or probiotics

• Need something quick, convenient, and better than skipping nutrition altogether

But if you,

1. Eat your vegetables

2. Get your protein from food

3. Take sea moss or real-food supplements

4. Fast, meditate, track your macros, and have a good relationship with your health

...then you probably don’t need it. Save your greenbacks.

Want my honest take?

For a health and fitness professional or enthusiast giving AG1 a shot for the first time expecting to see a big difference in performance or aesthetics, they will more than likely be dissatisfied. This isn’t because it doesn’t work, quite the opposite actually, it’s because they already get a steady dose of cruciferous greens, complex carbs and quality proteins. With that said I will be keeping a bag of AG1 in my cupboard for the days I just don’t have the time to steam broccoli, I run out of sea moss or need a little of that green tea level buzz on the go.

Take this scenario for instance, you’re at the airport, surrounded by donuts, fast action foods and sugary snacks. You’ve promised your health and strength coach you’d stay away from these treats, scratch that you’ve promised yourself. A package of AG1 is a great travel companion, you don’t even have to fill your glass and shake until you’re through security, so again convenience rears It’s head into the program. In 30 seconds you can get all of the vitamins, nutrients and minerals the experts say America is deficient in without the hassle of limited time and space. 

Again, so what if it’s a placebo effect, the studies show no improvement, but also no issues, so what’s the harm in having a little faith in the bright side. If you believe you are having the best year of your life because you’re been putting your socks on the same way everyday then guess what ? You are! And if this AG1 morning cocktail gives you the confidence necessary to attack your day everyday, by all means you had better keep taking it. No matter what I or any other clinical study may say.

Blog by Kato Train Me Please