Understanding the Dangers of AG1: What You Need to Know

October 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Over 57% of U.S. adults have reported using a dietary supplement in the past month, often without fully understanding the potential risks. While AG1 is a popular and heavily marketed greens powder, it is important for consumers to be aware of the specific dangers of AG1, which range from digestive issues to the presence of trace heavy metals.

Quick Summary

AG1 carries potential risks, including digestive side effects, extremely high doses of certain vitamins, and possible heavy metal contamination, requiring special consideration for pregnant women, children, and those with specific health conditions or sensitivities. There is also a risk of interaction with certain medications, and consumers should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Key Points

Heavy Metal Concerns: AG1 contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, prompting Prop 65 warnings in California, especially for pregnant women and children.
Digestive Side Effects: Users commonly report gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea, particularly when first starting the supplement.
High-Dose Nutrients: The product contains excessively high doses of some vitamins, which can be counterproductive and interfere with certain medical tests.
Risk of Drug Interactions: The complex blend of ingredients may interact negatively with a range of medications, including blood thinners, contraceptives, and immunosuppressants.
Specific Health Contraindications: AG1 is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with certain conditions like kidney disease or autoimmune disorders.
No FDA Regulation: As a dietary supplement, AG1 is not regulated by the FDA, placing the responsibility on consumers to research and verify product safety.
Allergen Content: The supplement contains soy, which is a significant risk for individuals with soy allergies.

Common Side Effects and Digestive Concerns

While AG1 is often well-tolerated, some individuals experience a range of side effects, particularly during the initial adjustment period. Most of these issues are linked to the formula's high concentration of ingredients, including probiotics and fiber, which can shock a sensitive digestive system.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Some of the most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal. These can include:

Bloating and Gas: The high probiotic content (10 billion CFU in the new formula) and prebiotic fiber (inulin) can cause significant bloating and gas as the gut microbiome adjusts.
Nausea: Some users report feeling nauseous, especially when taking the supplement on an empty stomach.
Diarrhea or Constipation: The high fiber content can lead to changes in bowel habits, causing either diarrhea or constipation in certain individuals.

The manufacturer, Athletic Greens, recommends starting with a smaller dose to help the body adjust, which may help mitigate these temporary symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical advice should be sought.

The Problem with High Nutrient Doses

AG1 contains exceptionally high levels of some vitamins and minerals, far exceeding the standard daily recommended allowance. While the company assumes not all nutrients will be absorbed, these mega-doses can pose risks for some users.

Potential for Vitamin Toxicity

Consuming excessively high amounts of certain fat-soluble vitamins (though AG1's levels don't typically reach toxic limits for healthy adults) or water-soluble vitamins can be problematic. The body simply excretes the excess water-soluble vitamins, making a person's urine more expensive without providing additional benefit.

Interfering with Medical Tests

High intakes of specific nutrients can interfere with medical laboratory tests, leading to incorrect diagnoses. For example, high doses of biotin can alter thyroid function test results.

Kidney Health Concerns

For individuals with pre-existing conditions or predispositions, consuming high doses of certain nutrients can be risky. High amounts of vitamin C, for instance, can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.

Heavy Metals and Prop 65 Warnings

One of the most concerning aspects of AG1 is the presence of trace amounts of heavy metals, which can be absorbed from soil by the plant-based ingredients. While the company states its products are tested and below regulatory limits set by organizations like the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF International, independent tests have raised questions.

California's Prop 65 Warning

Athletic Greens places a Prop 65 warning on products sold in California because they contain levels of lead that exceed the state's stringent threshold of 0.5 mcg/day. The warning indicates a potential lifetime exposure risk, though the company emphasizes that levels are within federal safety limits. However, a 2022 ConsumerLab review found AG1 to contain higher-than-desirable levels of lead, prompting warnings for pregnant women and children.

Potential Drug Interactions

The extensive list of ingredients in AG1, including various herbs and adaptogens, creates a high potential for interacting with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Blood Thinners: Vitamin E and other ingredients can have a blood-thinning effect, which could be dangerous when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin.
Other Medications: AG1 may interact with medications for birth control, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, immunosuppressants, and antidepressants.
High Vitamin K2: The presence of vitamin K2 is a specific concern for those on blood thinners.

It is crucial for anyone taking medication to consult a healthcare professional before starting AG1 to avoid potentially severe drug interactions.

Who Should Avoid AG1?

Due to various ingredient concerns, AG1 is not recommended for certain populations.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals: Ingredients like licorice root and rhodiola have potential risks for pregnant or nursing mothers and their offspring, making AG1 unsuitable for this group.
Children and Minors: As with many dietary supplements, AG1 is not recommended for individuals under 18.
Individuals with Autoimmune Conditions: The alfalfa content in AG1 may stimulate the immune system, potentially worsening symptoms of autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus.
People with Kidney Disease: The high levels of certain nutrients, such as potassium, can be inappropriate for individuals with end-stage kidney disease.
Individuals with Soy Allergies: The formula contains soy, making it unsuitable for those with a soy allergy.

AG1 vs. Whole Foods and Dietary Supplements

While AG1 provides a concentrated blend of nutrients, it is not a complete nutritional solution and shouldn't replace a balanced diet rich in whole foods.


Feature	AG1 (Supplement)	Whole Foods (Fruits & Vegetables)
Nutrient Source	Concentrated powder blend	Natural, bioavailable sources
Nutrient Levels	Often contains mega-doses of certain vitamins and minerals	Balanced nutrient profiles as nature intended
Absorption	Can be affected by the body's limited ability to process high concentrations	Generally better absorption of natural nutrients
Heavy Metal Risk	Trace amounts present due to soil absorption and processing	Trace amounts can exist, but typically less concentrated in a single serving
Ingredient Transparency	Proprietary blends hide specific dosages of many ingredients	Clear knowledge of ingredients and amounts
Cost	High monthly cost for subscription	Often more cost-effective for daily nutrient needs

The Role of FDA Oversight

As a dietary supplement, AG1 is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that pharmaceuticals are. This means that the product's safety and efficacy are not confirmed by the FDA before it is marketed. AG1 relies on third-party testing and certifications (like NSF Certified for Sport) to ensure some level of quality control and to test for banned substances, heavy metals, and contaminants. However, this is not a substitute for rigorous pharmaceutical-grade regulation.

Conclusion

The dangers of AG1, while often minor for healthy adults, underscore the importance of understanding what you are putting into your body. Potential risks include digestive distress from high fiber and probiotic content, extremely high doses of certain nutrients that may interfere with medical tests or have negative effects on kidney health, and the presence of trace heavy metals, which has triggered Prop 65 warnings in California. Additionally, the high number of ingredients creates a risk for serious drug interactions, making consultation with a healthcare provider essential for those on medication. Finally, certain populations, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with specific health conditions or allergies, should avoid the supplement entirely. While third-party testing offers a degree of quality assurance, the lack of FDA oversight means consumers should exercise caution and not view AG1 as a magic bullet for nutrition or a replacement for a balanced, whole-food diet.

Visit Medical News Today for more information on potential side effects and supplement safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, AG1 contains trace amounts of heavy metals, including lead, which is common in whole-food-sourced supplements as these metals are naturally present in the soil. While the company performs third-party testing to ensure levels are below regulatory limits set by USP and NSF, some independent testing has found lead levels that warrant caution, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Common side effects include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, especially when a person first begins taking the supplement. These symptoms often arise as the digestive system adjusts to the high concentration of probiotics and fiber.

No, AG1 is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It contains herbs like licorice root and rhodiola that carry potential risks for both mother and child.

Yes, AG1 can potentially interact with various medications, including blood thinners, certain diabetes drugs, blood pressure medication, and immunosuppressants, due to its complex herbal and vitamin content. It is crucial to consult a doctor before use if you take any prescription medication.

AG1 carries a Prop 65 warning in California because its lead content exceeds the state's specific safety threshold of 0.5 mcg/day, requiring disclosure to consumers. This does not mean the product is unsafe by federal standards but highlights the presence of lead.

AG1 should be avoided by individuals with certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus. The product contains alfalfa, which may stimulate the immune system and potentially worsen symptoms.

No, AG1 is a dietary supplement and should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet. While it can help fill some nutritional gaps, it cannot replicate the full range of nutrients, fiber, and phytochemicals found in whole fruits and vegetables.

AG1 uses proprietary blends, which means the exact amount of each ingredient within the blend is not disclosed. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to determine if certain ingredients are dosed effectively or if they pose a risk for sensitive individuals.