Seemingly every day there’s a new piece of information on heavy metals in our environment, in our food, and in supplement products (especially micro- and phytonutrient-rich products that come from whole foods). And it’s often without the necessary context, making us wonder how to make the best decisions for our health. It’s important to have the facts.

The truth is, heavy metals are present in food and fruits and vegetables can naturally contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. But how does that happen? And what should you look for when choosing a supplement to feel confident it’s the right choice?

Heavy metals are present in soil due to both natural and human-caused sources. Naturally, they can come from the weathering of rocks and volcanic activity. However, industrial activities, mining, agricultural practices (like using fertilizers and pesticides), and improper waste disposal, have resulted in heavy metal contamination in our soil and in our water. 

Crops are naturally exposed to heavy metals as they grow, absorbing nutrients from soil, air, and water. This means that eating fruits and vegetables, or consuming whole food sourced ingredients, can expose us to trace amounts of heavy metals.

Leafy greens absorb metals through both roots and direct deposition from air or water.

Root vegetables are in constant contact with soil, where most heavy metals are concentrated.

Hyperaccumulators (like spinach and mustard greens) are biologically more efficient at uptaking and storing heavy metals—even from relatively clean soil.

We believe there is no better source for nutrients than fruits and vegetables. That's why AG1 is formulated with more than 75 high quality ingredients, many of which are from whole food sources. We are meticulous about our ingredients—working with high-quality suppliers, and rigorously testing each ingredient for purity, potency and safety before it makes its way into AG1.

Because we use whole food sourced ingredients, it’s inevitable that some heavy metals will be present, so it’s of the utmost importance that we test every batch of AG1.

We follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (

two independent, third-party organizations that set rigorous standards for safety, quality, and compliance.

We partner with suppliers whose heavy metal specifications on the ingredients they provide meet (or are better than) our strict targets to ensure that our finished product is below levels set by USP and NSF.

We conduct in-house AND third-party testing on each batch to ensure the levels are below limits set by US Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF International. 

AG1 consistently tests significantly lower than both the USP and NSF guidelines for lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury.

We disclose our product testing protocol and 

We are committed to safety and quality and as part of that commitment, we rigorously test AG1 for hundreds of contaminants. This includes over 500 pesticides and herbicides including glyphosate and its metabolites, and more than 75 additional chemicals and toxins.

AG1 is NSF Certified for Sport®, an independent third-party program that certifies dietary supplements are free from substances banned by major sporting organizations. NSF certifies that AG1 is free of over 280 banned substances, including stimulants, narcotics, diuretics, and masking agents.

Since 2010, AG1 has been guided by the latest advancements in research. We believe it's important to provide comprehensive, high quality, third-party tested ingredients that bring trust to the supplement aisle. This is the peace of mind you deserve—knowing that you’re giving your body the nutrition it needs every day, and that you can feel confident that what you’re consuming each morning is safe and effective. We prioritize transparency, strict standards, and third-party certifications every step of the way.

In addition to our Heavy Metals testing, we have industry-leading rigorous clinical studies (multiple randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials) that demonstrate health benefits of the full formula. Those human trials have validated the impact of this incredible blend of whole-food sourced ingredients, so we know they have a positive impact by providing key nutrients and supporting gut health.

We drink AG1 every day as do our families. All of this work and the product isn’t just a business, it's a mission and a point of pride for us who work so hard on these standards to give our customers the best and keep making it better.

Heavy Metals in Fruits and Vegetables, and AG1’s approach to Testing

Helping you have the facts you need to make the right decision for your health

Innovation is a crucial ingredient in AG1 and has been from the start. We launched in 2010 with an entirely new kind of product, guided by the latest scientific research on nutrition. Since then, with further access to information, research, and insights on the impact of ingredients on the body, we have continuously upgraded AG1’s formula—always with the unwavering goal of providing customers with 

In 2012, for instance, we transitioned to methylated forms of ingredients for superior bioavailability (absorption into the body). In 2016, we added a well-researched adaptogen, rhodiola, shown to boost energy and help manage stress. Now, after years of development and multiple gold-standard clinical trials, we are proud to introduce you to our newest formula, and most significant innovation yet: 

Firstly, the previous iteration of AG1 had 75 ingredients, AG1 Next Gen contains 83 ingredients—all listed on the label. Also, guided by the growing third-party research on the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome, AG1 Next Gen includes 

five new clinically studied probiotic strains

 shown to support digestive and immune health.

We’ve also added several new vitamins and minerals to help meet more of your nutritional needs, including 

 (a trace mineral that plays a role in cellular metabolism*), 

(a trace mineral that works to help the function of calcium and magnesium*), and 

(an often underconsumed nutrient that works together with phosphatidylcholine to support the nervous system*).

—areas where the average diet may fall short—and 

, two critical factors for overall health, energy, and daily function. Multiple gold-standard clinical trials looked at the 

, and consistently showed AG1 Next Gen’s impact on nutrient gaps and gut health. [1-4]

Maintaining the signature flavor of AG1 while upgrading the formula has been a top priority. Our commitment to testing and quality standards remain just as rigorous, with continued certification through NSF Certified for Sport® and other third-party testing. Mornings will stay the same, too: While AG1 Next Gen features an even more comprehensive formula with additional probiotics strains and new vitamins and minerals, the price (and daily experience of combining one scoop with 8-12 oz of water) won’t change.

Our customers are at the heart of AG1 and we value each and every insight, no matter how big or small. We’re passionate about meeting customers exactly where they are and where they want to go. We are so excited to share AG1 Next Gen with you.

Article Sources

Meet AG1 Next Gen

Understanding the exciting, science-backed updates to our formula

To the naked eye or morning taste tester, there may be no discernible difference between AG1 Next Gen and the previous iteration of our formula. But, guided by years of research, four clinical trials on AG1 Next Gen, and significant product development, there are actually quite a few exciting ingredient upgrades to your Daily Health Drink. These include: added probiotics, more vitamins and minerals, and even more emphasis on bioavailability.

Probiotics were a part of the existing formula, and we’ve closely followed the growing research on the effects they have on the gut microbiome. Based on this research, AG1 Next Gen includes 

five clinically studied probiotic strains 

shown to support digestive and immune health and help to alleviate bloating. Through an in vitro experimental design of the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) model, we were able to see the efficacy of these five probiotics.

AG1 Next Gen also features an increase from 75 ingredients to 83, including these additional vitamins and minerals for more comprehensive nutrition support:

: a trace mineral that works with calcium and magnesium to help their functions*

an often under-consumed nutrient that works to support the nervous system*

: a concentrated form of cocoa that contains antioxidants called flavonols. New research shows that cocoa flavonols can act as a prebiotic and aid in the diversity of the gut microbiome.*

a trace mineral that plays a role in cellular metabolism*

: Once considered vitamin B8, myo-inositol complements other B complex vitamins to support cellular health.*

: a type of phytonutrient known as flavonoids which act as antioxidants and are known to play a role in overall immune health*

We know that our bodies can better take in ingredients when they are in bioavailable (absorbable) forms. So, we’ve also incorporated, more active forms of existing ingredients into AG1 Next Gen like:

, like benfotiamine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), to support energy production.*

 instead of an isolated form (alpha tocopherols). This more closely reflects how the nutrient exists in nature, with enhanced bioavailability (absorption by the body) and a more broad spectrum source of the vitamin itself.*

, (in addition to magnesium glycinate) for a more improved magnesium complex.*

, which offers two bioavailable forms of selenium, selenomethionine and selenocysteine. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that’s critical to support the body’s antioxidant capacity.*

One thing that hasn’t (and will never) change is AG1’s obsessive commitment to quality and testing. AG1 Next Gen is rigorously tested for hundreds of contaminants and impurities to guarantee that we’re delivering the highest quality nutrients to you each and every day. Additionally, we’ve gone a step further to raise the bar even more, by adapting our testing limits for heavy metals to meet both NSF and USP standards.

We believe that you should know the ‘why’ behind your daily AG1 Next Gen and hope that our upgraded formula can make you feel even more confident in your morning scoop.

AG1 Next Gen: The Formula

What’s changed from the original formula to this upgraded version?

When it comes to nutrition at its most basic level, everything ladders up to physical absorption. You can consume as many nutritious ingredients as you like, but the crucial point is whether or not your body can actually take them in and use them. This is why bioavailability is so important. Bioavailability is the extent to which your body can 

A lot can affect the bioavailability of a supplement or supplement ingredient, such as factors like dosage, formula, and your own personal physiology.

Bioavailability has always been an essential consideration for us. 

In fact, the driving belief behind AG1 is that high-quality ingredients combined with digestive support can improve the body’s ability to use the essential nutrients delivered. 

Since 2010, we’ve continuously upgraded our formula, guided by the latest research on nutrition and bioavailability. In 2012, we introduced methylated forms of certain ingredients for better utilization. Methylation is a vital chemical process in the body where a small molecule called a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) is added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. This modification can influence gene expression, protein function, and various metabolic processes. In the case of certain vitamins, such as B12 and folate, being in a methylated form can enhance their bioavailability and support essential biological functions. AG1, our latest innovation, includes more bioactive forms of the nutrients your body needs.

In a recent clinical trial, we measured the absorption of key nutrients contained in AG1. Participants consumed AG1 or a placebo on two separate occasions. After consuming each drink, participants had their blood taken at various timepoints over eight hours. We were able to determine how quickly these nutrients were absorbed into the blood stream and how long they stayed significantly elevated over the course of the 8-hour period. (4) What did we find?

key nutrients including folate, vitamin C, zinc, calcium were significantly elevated in the blood after drinking AG1 versus placebo

 almost 90% of the measured nutrients were significantly elevated in the blood within 30 minutes of drinking AG1.

 In fact, folate levels peaked in the body within 60 minutes of drinking AG1. (4) Folate supports a healthy mood through the role it plays in the production of various neurotransmitters. The folate in AG1 Next Gen is methylated (5-MTHF) and is found to be more bioavailable than folic acid.

In this trial, we observed the key nutrients in the formula were readily absorbable, leading to noticeable changes in the circulating concentrations of these nutrients. What does this mean? It means that 

AG1 Next Gen’s nutrients were shown to be quickly and easily absorbable into the blood 

and were available to be used by the body. [4]

AG1 Next Gen and Bioavailability

Going deeper on ingredients and absorption

Since AG1 is serious about nutrition and gut health support, we're committed to providing clinically-backed probiotics. So, when we talk about AG1 Next Gen, we have to talk about probiotics. But what are they really? And why do they matter?

Often referred to as ‘good bacteria,’ probiotics are live microorganisms that can have significant health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. Probiotics naturally occur in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles, and miso and can be sometimes given directly in dietary supplements.

The significance of probiotics can be traced to the significance of the gut microbiome in our bodies. In recent years, there has been more and more conversation around the gut and the gut microbiome, but what is it exactly?

The gut microbiome specifically refers to the microbes within the small and large intestines, but is found in the highest numbers in the colon. The gut microbiome is a little world of its own with significant implications on the rest of the body. A dynamic ecosystem of trillions of microbes, it influences everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immune response and even mood. Taking care of our health means we have to take care of the microbiome. So how do we do that? One way is through consuming probiotics.

But let’s back up a bit to think through why our gut microbiomes might need care. Modern lifestyles, with their round-the-clock personal and professional commitments, high stress situations, and processed diets can disrupt the delicate balance of the microbiome, leading to challenges like digestive issues and bloating. Digestive health and gut microbiome support has always been a priority in developing AG1. And we’re proud to say that we can show the impact of the formula:

In three placebo-controlled clinical trials, including participants with varying baseline gut health, age, and activity levels, AG1 Next Gen was shown to increase key probiotic species in the gut. [1]

AG1 Next Gen increases healthy bacteria in the gut by 10x. [1-3]

Supplementing with certain probiotic strains can help balance the microbiome, support digestive regularity, and promote overall gut health. Emerging research also suggests that probiotics may play a role in supporting immune health, metabolic function, and gut-brain communication.

Based on this, AG1 Next Gen contains five clinically-studied probiotic strains shown to support digestive and immune health

. The upgraded AG1 blend now consists of 

a probiotic supported by hundreds of human studies and has been shown to support the immune system and defend against environmental stress.*

one of the most well-studied strains of L. acidophilus and is shown to support digestive comfort by helping the body break down food.*

shown to help growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and support bowel regularity, comfort, and less bloating.*

shown to help balance the gut microbiome.*

 shown to support the immune response in the gut.*

At AG1, we are committed to continuously improving our formula and dedicated to ongoing research and clinical work, all with the goal of optimizing your Daily Health Drink.

AG1 Next Gen and Probiotics

Understanding the relationship between probiotics, microbiome, and overall health

When AG1 was founded in 2010, it was with the driving belief that high-quality ingredients combined with digestive support can improve the body’s ability to utilize the essential nutrients delivered. While many supplements do not put themselves through rigorous scientific research, we pride ourselves on it. We’ve continued our commitment to continuous improvement, upgrading the efficacy and quality of our formula as nutrition research evolves. Science doesn’t stop and neither do we. This year, we’re excited to announce AG1 Next Gen, our most significant formula upgrade yet since 2010.

But first, let’s dive into some key innovation milestones over the last 15 years:

In 2012, we incorporated methylated folate and methylated B12 into AG1 to offer superior bioavailability (i.e. better absorption by the body).

 Methylation is a vital chemical process in the body in which a small molecule called a 

 gets added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules. Without being methylated, these compounds cannot function optimally. Methylation is particularly beneficial for individuals with genetic mutations (like MTHFR) that affect vitamin conversion. Methylated forms ensure the body can readily use the vitamins for critical biological processes.

Adaptogens are ingredients like herbs or botanicals that help the body adapt to and cope with stress. They’ve been used for centuries in traditional medicine, like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to enhance physical and mental resilience to stress.

Adaptogens have a balancing or normalizing effect on the body’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. 

In 2016, we updated our adaptogen blend to include rhodiola, a phytonutrient-dense adaptogenic plant that has been shown to promote energy and manage stress.

 We extract the most valuable parts of the plant to achieve a concentration 15x more potent than its original herbal form.

In 2025, we made our biggest innovation yet, guided by the growing amount of research on the effects of probiotics on the gut microbiome. We know that probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits including supporting digestive health and immune function. 

So, we increased the number of probiotics strains from the existing two in the formula to

five new clinically-studied probiotic strains shown to support digestive and immune health

 The upgraded AG1 blend found in AG1 Next Gen now consists of:

AG1 Next Gen also features added vitamins and minerals for more comprehensive support and, continuing to prioritize bioavailable ingredients, active forms of existing ingredients for better absorption in the body.

As the field of nutrition science and research expands, AG1 is always at the forefront, exploring ways we can make your daily experience as impactful as possible.

 Noreen, 2013; Bock, 2004; Spazov, 2000; Darbinyan, 2000

Smith, Br J Nutr. 2013; Hilton, J Travel Med. 1997, Lyra et al., World J Gastroenterol. 2016, Ibarra et al.,Gut Microbes. 2018, Ahmed et al., J Nutr Health Aging. 2007, Waller et al., Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 , Barreto et al., Nutrition. 2014, Araujo, Nutrition. 2021

Our Commitment to Continuous Scientific, Research-Backed Improvement

How AG1 Next Gen is the latest in a series of formulation milestones

It’s an unfortunate fact that many nutritionally beneficial ingredients come with some kind of off-putting sensory aspect, like a gritty texture or earthy taste. For AG1 to be a habit you can enjoy every morning, our R&D team needs to spend as much time thinking about what AG1 

 look, smell, taste, and feel like as what it does. “Nothing makes me happier than someone trying AG1, expecting it to taste like a mowed lawn, and instead saying, ‘It’s actually pretty good!’” says flavorist Glenn Kraemer.

“AG1 is a high-quality product. But people aren’t going to drink it every day if they don’t like the way that it tastes, smells, or feels in their mouths,” says Morgan Young, who works in AG1’s product-development lab.

Though we are continuously working to improve our formula as new research emerges, flavor and texture are crucial elements that we aim to keep consistent. You can expect a focus on upholding quality and taste with every batch of your Daily Health Drink, no matter what upgraded ingredients have been added.

Here, a deep dive on what that consistency means:

More than half the functional ingredients in AG1 have a sensory impact on the end product. Just as teams of scientists and researchers at AG1 are dedicated to defining and refining the product’s formula to make sure that it’s as comprehensive as possible, it’s the sensory panelist’s job to consider 75+ ingredients — all with their own unique tastes, textures, and smells — and blend them together in a way that results in an appealing product.

They do that by testing hundreds of versions of every ingredient from different suppliers that have been thoroughly vetted for functional benefits and sourcing practices — and carefully selected by AG1’s teams of scientists and researchers for nutritional impact and bioavailability.

“There’s so much variation with ingredients that come from nature,” explains Kraemer. “With something like pea protein, you can try multiple versions, and they’ll all taste, smell, and look quite a bit different from each other.” The sensory profile of an ingredient like ashwagandha, for example, can range dramatically from cocoa to creamy to extremely bitter. The team orders multiple versions of pea protein — or bromelain, or wheat grass or barley — from the list of suppliers provided by the procurement team, that meet their rigorous quality and safety standards.

The process of narrowing down the options is slow, scientific, and carefully controlled. “The most that you can effectively evaluate at once, without getting fatigued, is about five samples,” says Kraemer. The team sniffs and tastes every sample to eliminate the versions of established ingredients that won’t mesh well with the final product. Less than 10% make it past the first round. After that, to reduce individual subjectivity, a larger panel of expert tasters is included to help decide which ones will make the cut. The team obsesses over “the appearance, and how well it blends into water, and then goes deep into the smell and the taste,” says Kraemer.

Over 80% of the way we perceive taste actually comes from our sense of smell. “Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami are the five basic senses that you actually taste. Everything else is actually smell,” Kraemer explains.

Because smell is so important — and so subjective — the team created a list of more than 30 descriptors to evaluate ingredients more objectively and decrease ambiguity. The list sounds like a catalog of creatively named paint swatches: “pineapple,” “vegetative,” “grassy”, and “tropical” are some “good ones”; “algae,” “pond,” “barnyard”, and “hay” should be avoided. For each sensory aspect, detail is key: If a taster is picking up a note of spinach, they have to pinpoint whether it’s canned, fresh, or cooked.

“Our goal is for AG1 to taste, smell, and look natural, refreshing, and not overly flavored,” says Kraemer. “The best compliment I’ve heard about the taste of AG1 is that it stands out from similar products.” Young adds, “People drink AG1 for its nutritional benefits, so the sensory profile should be an added benefit that doesn’t take anything away from that experience.” Often, it comes down to neutrality. Tasters are not looking for sensory “standouts,” but the exact opposite: ingredients that blend into the formula without drawing attention to themselves. Even though the customer comes for the nutritional benefits, Young says, “We want to ensure they’re pleasantly surprised by the sensory experience of the product.”

How AG1 Is Made: The Science of AG1’s Taste

In its most basic definition, a nutrient gap is the 

discrepancy between the levels of nutrients the average person obtains from their diet and the levels of nutrients recommended to maintain nutritional adequacy.

 More technically speaking, nutrient gaps are defined as “gaps” between 

 dietary intake goals, usually derived from the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for a particular nutrient.

 Nutrient gaps are common and data actually shows that most Americans fall short in many key nutrients.

There are various underconsumed food groups in the United States, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, and whole grains. These are also some of the most nutrient-dense food and a lack of consumption is a likely reason why nutrient gaps are faced by a significant proportion of US adults.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for individuals one year of age and older also suggests that Americans are consuming inadequate intakes of many nutrients—particularly vitamins A, C, D, E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and choline. 

Many Americans are aware that their diets may be sub-optimal and explore supplementation to help close these gaps. The 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that 57.6% of US adults over 20 had taken a supplement in the last year—an increase from 48.4% during the 2007-2008 cycle.

 The most common form of supplementation is the multivitamin and mineral (MVM) which accounts for 24% between the ages of 20-39, 29.8% for ages 40-59, and 39.4% for ages 60+.

While nutrient gaps are variable based on someone's day-to-day diet, and the nutrient gaps of today are not always the same of tomorrow, we found that out of 

157 total participants across four different clinical trials, 87% of individuals had at least one dietary nutrient gap and most participants had at least 4. Positively, adding on a supplement like AG1 Next Gen was clinically shown to help fill key nutritional gaps across these healthy individuals despite their day-to-day diets. [4]

At AG1, we believe in taking a food-first approach to nutrition. There is no replacement for the micronutrients, functional nutrients, phytonutrients, and botanical extracts, and the interplay with the gastrointestinal tract and microbiome. But we know that even healthy eaters have gaps in their diets and current nutrient recommendations don’t account for all specific age groups, genetics, or gut health.

Our research aims to highlight the amount of nutrient gaps healthy people still have despite their efforts to consume a healthy diet. 

When we talk about “healthy people” enrolled in our studies (chosen because they represent our average consumer) we refer to:

Healthy individuals with a busy lifestyle

Highly active people with increased nutritional demands

Healthy individuals with occasional GI distress

In four randomized controlled trials, including participants of varying baseline health, age, and activity levels,

 AG1 was shown to fill common nutrient gaps using the validated gold standard tool for dietary assessment called the ASA24®. [1-4]

 Replicating results across four clinical trials not only demonstrates validity of the findings but also accounts for the variability of dietary patterns and lifestyles across multiple populations. This leads to more confident conclusions in our research and a better understanding of how AG1 fills nutrient gaps in healthy people.

AG1 is trusted by professional athletes, world-renowned health experts, and those just starting out on their health journey. We pride ourselves on helping to supplement their daily diet, with 83 vitamins, minerals, and whole food sourced ingredients to help fill key nutrient gaps they may be experiencing.

 Bird JK, Murphy RA, Ciappio ED, McBurney MI. Risk of Deficiency in Multiple Concurrent Micronutrients in Children and Adults in the United States. Nutrients. 2017 Jun 24;9(7):655. doi: 10.3390/nu9070655. PMID: 28672791; PMCID: PMC5537775.

CDC Dietary Supplement Use Among Adults 2017-2018

What are Nutrient Gaps and How Can AG1 Help Close Them?

Understanding our clinical trials and the impact on whole body health

Good nutrition is essential for children's cognitive function, concentration, and the energy levels required for learning and play. I spend my days working hard to ensure that people across the country know and understand the importance of quality food for our kids and their futures.

Sadly, food insecurity affects one in five children in the U.S.—nearly 14 million kids. 

No Kid Hungry is the only national campaign working to end childhood hunger in the United States. We focus on three main areas: 

. And we don’t do it alone, our network of partners is powerful and dedicated. We work with organizations in all 50 states by providing grant funding, advocating for better policies, conducting research, and providing assistance and support to schools, state agencies, and local nonprofits.

One of our partners, Chris Kuchman, a food service director in California, said it best

“Unless some basic needs are being met for…[each] child, food, clothing, shelter, love, without those things, there’s no way they can learn.” 

We use many tools to ensure kids can have their basic needs met and thus focus on being in the classroom. One is school breakfast programs, which provide nutritious, balanced options at the start of the school day. While foods served in schools may resemble those in stores, they are actually specifically designed to meet rigorous dietary standards and contain added essential nutrients.

Having access to meals in school has a variety of benefits for kids. Those who eat a daily school breakfast consume more fruits and vegetables, dietary fiber, whole grains, dairy, and calcium than those who eat breakfast less frequently. Similarly, kids who eat school lunch every day have higher intakes of dairy and calcium compared to those who eat lunch less often.

School meals can also reduce the stigma that kids facing hunger experience by offering food to all of their classmates as a routine part of their school day. This can have a powerful effect on their social and emotional experiences.

Chronic absenteeism also decreases by an average of 6% when students have access to breakfast as part of the school day. Regular attendance is crucial for kids and teens—students who attend class consistently are 20% more likely to graduate from high school.

Our team at No Kid Hungry has done the research and knows the impact of programs like 

, grab and go meals, and second chance breakfast. That impact is also echoed directly from school leaders like Kimberly Martinez - a Pre-K teacher from a school in San Antonio, Texas that received support from No Kid Hungry.

“Breakfast in the classroom is very important in my classroom as well, because of the fact that kids come to school hungry from their homes at times, or sometimes that they didn't have dinner the night before. It helps them get stimulated, focused, ready to learn, ready to grow academically.” 

The power of nutrition in changing the trajectory of kids’ lives can’t be overstated.

The importance of quality nutrition for mental and physical wellbeing is a core value for AG1. Their continued partnership has been really meaningful, particularly as we all share a vision for the future, where all kids have access to healthy and nutritious meals year-round.

No Kid Hungry, 2024, website [https://bestpractices.nokidhungry.org/programs/school-breakfast].

The Power of Nutrition and School Meals for Kids

Learn more about No Kid Hungry, an incredible organization that AG1 partners with

Next time you peel an orange, eager to get to the middle, think about this: What’s on the outside is just as—if not more—important. Because we don’t generally eat the peel unless it’s zested into desserts or dishes, we don’t think about it. But, it’s not the juicy, segmented flesh inside that’s the powerhouse of this ubiquitous fruit. It’s the waxy, fragrant skin. Just ask Jon Brewster, Chief Sales Officer at Ingredients by Nature, a family-run supplier to AG1 and the world’s largest manufacturer of citrus bioflavonoids. People are so ready to throw out the peel, he says. “[But] the peel is actually the most nutritious part of the citrus fruit.” How so? It contains far more enzymes and flavonoids (naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and legumes) than the fruit itself.

A question Brewster gets pretty much every single day when asked what he does for a living: What are citrus bioflavonoids? Citrus bioflavonoids are natural plant compounds found in the skin and peels of oranges and lemons. They’re part of the polyphenol family—one of the largest groups of beneficial plant nutrients. Polyphenols are produced by plants as a natural defense against detrimental factors like UV radiation, harmful pathogens, and oxidative stress caused by photosynthesis. These antioxidants support immune defense in plants.

So, why are citrus bioflavonoids in AG1? These days, our bodies face a variety of daily challenges, from busy schedules and insufficient sleep to environmental factors and less-than-perfect diets. We know how beneficial citrus peel can be from an immune-support perspective, but getting it into our diet is another matter. So, AG1 features a concentrated, potent, and bioavailable extract of citrus bioflavonoids isolated from the most powerful part of the fruit. And, there’s another element: citrus bioflavonoids work synergistically with other whole food-sourced ingredients and nutrients like acerola cherry, rosehips, vitamin C, and zinc to support immune defenses.*

In our quest to celebrate the incredible ingredient partners we work with, we visited Ingredients by Nature’s (IBN) headquarters in Central Valley, California. It’s a 90-year-old company run by Jon and his brother, Rob and the ideal place to learn about how citrus bioflavonoids are created. As it turns out, it’s a many step process that includes carefully selected external partners who, like us, share IBN’s obsessive commitment to quality. So, how do we go from citrus groves to AG1?

After being picked, the fruit is washed, waxed, and graded at a state-of-the-art facility owned by an external partner. Then it’s transformed into products like juice and oils. Afterwards, the peels are sent to another partner’s facility, where they’re dried. The only ingredients there? Hot air and time, to preserve as many nutrients as possible. Once Ingredients by Nature receives the dried peels, they’re tested and then ground into various specifications of powder. As Brewster puts it: “This is where we make magic.” Mere decades ago, the peel was cast aside, but now it’s embraced in a sustainable, nutrient-focused way with little going to waste.

Quality and innovation are at the heart of everything we do at AG1 and it all starts at the ingredient level. Trusting the product means trusting every single component and we’re lucky to be able to share that with our partners and our customers.

Farm to Label: How AG1 Sources Citrus Bioflavonoids

To many of us, it seems like vitamins have been around forever. Whether in tablets, drops, gummies, or powder, vitamins have been a constant for many decades. But, in the grand scheme of history, supplementation is a relatively recent innovation.

The first known research on micronutrients—though it wasn’t recognized as such—took place in the mid-1700s, when physician James Lind observed nutrient depletion (scurvy) among sailors returning from long voyages. He conducted one of the first “controlled” clinical trials with various treatments and ultimately found that the subjects treated with citrus, which contained high amounts of vitamin C, recovered enough to take care of other sailors. Though this was a notable development in the field of nutrition, the true birth of vitamins, as we think of them today, took about a century and a half to kick off.

The early 1900s discovery of germ theory—which posited that germs, or microorganisms, can cause infectious disease through their growth in living hosts—contributed to the need for more multivitamin research.

 It was a pivotal moment in medical history, leading to new hygiene practices, vaccines, and antibiotics and the establishment of a link between poor hygiene/dissatisfactory sanitation and disease. As a result, food was sterilized to get rid of bacteria, mold, and toxins. We know now, of course, that sterilizing (like the processing of grains and polishing of rice) also destroys much of the nutrient content, specifically water-soluble B vitamins.

There was much more to learn: During that period, only three essential nutrients were recognized in food: 

. In a 1912 scientific paper, Polish biochemist Casimir Funk coined the term 

 (the “e” was later dropped) and is often credited with discovering vitamins — or at least theorizing that four vitamins existed. (It’s now known that there are 13 essential vitamins.) Funk proposed that introducing vitamins into the diet could have significant health effects and that certain ailments were due to vitamin deficiency.

Although vitamin research in the beginning of the 20th century was still focused on treating disease, vitamins were available for sale to the public starting as early as 1916. Products like Mastin’s Yeast Vitamin Tablets set the stage for what would later become multivitamins along with others which contained vitamins A, B, and C, iron, and calcium. These were sold for ailments like heartburn, digestion, and constipation.

The first commercial multivitamin, Nutrilite, was developed in the 1930s by businessman Carl F. Rehnborg. A decade prior, he had spent time in China, where he had observed what he believed was the effect of a poor diet (lacking in vitamins and nutrients) on overall health. (Rehnborg is also credited with inventing multi-level marketing — he gave his friends the product to try and then earned commission when they sold his products to others.)

With the onset of WWII, American men were called for military service and it was found that one-third were suffering from disabilities known to stem from poor nutrition, likely made worse by the lack of available food during the Great Depression.

 In 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt initiated the National Nutrition Conference for Defense, where experts gathered to discuss malnutrition, specifically in combat troops. The existence of Nutrilite, along with the conference contributed to a new understanding of vitamin deficiency, and what could be done to prevent or treat it.

The result was the first set of government-sponsored Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for 6 vitamins (vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and D) and two minerals (calcium and iron). These historic recommendations set the precedent for nutrition research and policy recommendations.

Alongside the dawn of supplementation, food fortification (the addition of vitamins) was also becoming commonplace in the U.S. The 1920s saw the introduction of iodized salt, and a decade later the fortification of milk with vitamin D. Flour and bread began to be enriched in the 1940s and starting in the 1980s, calcium was added to a number of food products.

 This further reinforced the consciousness of the significance of vitamins in the diet.

In 1943, the ‘One-a-Day” multivitamin was introduced, featuring vitamins A, C, D, and three Bs and by 1946, the National Vitamin Foundation was formed by major vitamin producers, to fund research by academic laboratories.

 In the late 1950s, many multivitamins were advertised as an addition to the table, to be kept alongside salt and pepper shakers as an essential part of the daily routine.

As vitamin manufacturing development evolved, the sugar coating of most tablets was replaced with a thin, tasteless coating for easier swallowing. Packaging design also changed, from the apothecary-style glass jars of early vitamins to a more modern look. And, the audience of supplementation widened: Bayer introduced a children’s vitamin in 1960 called “Chocks” which set the stage for the ubiquitous Flintstones kids multivitamins, which arrived on the market in 1968 and are still sold today.

 By the 1970s, there was a wide array of multivitamins.


Today multivitamins are informed by new and quickly evolving research on nutrition, bioavailability, gut health, and more. Modern multivitamins can accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences of formula and format, including capsules, gummies, chewables, liquids, and powders.

Some aspects of the multivitamin remain unchanged, like the fact that taking a single, once-daily product is more convenient than taking many. Multivitamins are still used to fill in dietary gaps left by food processing, or restrictive and limited diets, but rather than a blunt stopgap, they’re high-tech and fine-tuned. Many people fall short of nutrition recommendations—for example, 75% of the U.S. population over 1 year of age do not consume the recommended intake of fruit and more than 80% do not consume the recommended intake of vegetables. Other factors like aging, stress, exercise, environmental toxins, and modern diets exacerbate nutrient gaps, making foundational supplementation like AG1 — with its vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics — an effective way to help fill nutrient gaps and promote gut health.*

Gut health is at the core of AG1’s innovation: Around 60-70 million Americans are affected by gastrointestinal concerns, which can impact nutrient absorption and overall health. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for breaking down and absorbing nutrients and synthesizing vitamins. Here at AG1, we understand that combining vitamins and minerals with digestive enzymes and probiotics can enhance nutrient absorption.*

From starting out as an essential discovery to becoming a daily health staple, the vitamin has experienced a steady change over the last century. And, as the global population ages and lives longer, there is a growing focus on maintaining health and vitality, making supplementation even more crucial.

We designed AG1 to create a new kind of multivitamin that didn’t previously exist, adding probiotics and prebiotics along with a diverse blend of superfoods. While the vitamin was initially developed as a form of reparative care, AG1 exists to optimize whole body health in an easy-to-incorporate, everyday way. We’ve drawn on the decades of development to become the future of the multivitamin, reimagined as your Daily Health Drink. As research and science evolve, we are evolving right alongside you today, tomorrow, and beyond.

ttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3536506/

 Milne I. (2012). Who was James Lind, and what exactly did he achieve. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 105(12), 503–508. 

Casanova, J. L., & Abel, L. (2013). The genetic theory of infectious diseases: a brief history and selected illustrations. Annual review of genomics and human genetics, 14, 215–243. 

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-genom-091212-153448

Rosenfeld, L. (1997). Vitamine—vitamin. The early years of discovery. Clinical Chemistry, 43(4), 680–685. 

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