Probiotics are a critical component of AG1 Next Gen. These “good bacteria” help with everything from digestion to immune health. It’s critical for people to really know what’s in their probiotics and if it contains the live cells it claims on the label. Live cells are important because only living probiotics can survive in the gut, grow, and do the beneficial work they’re meant to, like balancing the microbiome and supporting digestion and the immune system. Without live cells, the product can’t deliver the full health benefits that define a quality probiotic.

AG1 is always evolving alongside new scientific findings and methodologies in order to reflect the latest advancements in research and technology. Our next leap forward is how we measure and test the live probiotic content in AG1 Next Gen: we’re moving to a DNA-based method called 

.” This switch delivers a clearer and precise picture of the live probiotics you get in every scoop.

For years, most companies have measured probiotic content using 

, and it remains a common approach. CFUs are counted by growing these good probiotic bacteria on a petri dish and literally counting the visible colonies as an estimate of the live probiotics in the product. This method, while useful, has key limitations:

It can take days or even weeks for colonies to grow, depending on the species and strains (Anand, 2011).

When probiotics are counted using CFUs, the test usually only sees the species, not the exact strain (Shehata et al., 2023). So it can claim “this is Lactobacillus acidophilus,” but does not delineate down to the specific strain level — for example, strain GG. That means if a product has multiple strains, the test often ends up giving one total number instead of a breakdown for each strain. This is important because probiotic health benefits are often strain-specific. For example, Granny Smith and Fuji are both apples of the same species, yet taste very different. Similarly, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and HN001 are strains of the same probiotic species, but their studied health benefits are not the same.

Some cells won’t replicate or simply won’t grow in standard lab conditions, so the tally can miss them (Davey, 2011). And, when multiple strains are present, some may thrive while others struggle to grow, depending on their own metabolic needs.

 Plate enumeration is known to have a high rate of variability depending on the bacteria being measured, based on how colonies grow (Jongenburger et al., 2010).

 In complex formulas with many ingredients, probiotic cultivation can be “interfered” with by creating nonsuitable growth conditions in a lab, preventing them from growing in CFU tests (Zarecki et al., 2014).

In complex, nutrient-dense powders like AG1, these limitations make a difference. It is time for improvements based on advancing technologies.

dPCR (digital PCR) is like giving probiotics a DNA check-in. It uses advanced tools to identify and count specific strains with incredible accuracy. Unlike older methods that can take days and miss certain cells, dPCR delivers results with elevated precision and accuracy; it even counts live cells that aren’t actively growing.

Confirms the exact strains in your product

Think of it as upgrading from a black and white TV to a high-definition LED for microorganisms. Ultimately, increased accuracy not only verifies exactly what you’re putting in your body, but it also reinforces the gut health benefits you can expect to feel.

Same trusted dose, now measured with advanced technology


The formula hasn’t changed. AG1 Next Gen delivers 

Because dPCR sees every one of our viable probiotic cells (including those that might fail to form colonies in the lab setting), it tightens our quality checks and further ensures label accuracy batch after batch.

Research shows “viable cells” will become the new benchmark (Kiefer et al., 2020; Hansen et al., 2020). By moving early, AG1 continues to incorporate category-leading testing standards.

A: dPCR is a cutting-edge DNA technology already favored in academic and diagnostic labs for its accuracy and reproducibility (Coccaro et al., 2020; Quan et al., 2018; Yin et al., 2024; Mirabile et al., 2024). We’re bringing that same rigor to your AG1 morning routine (Kiefer et al., 2020; Hansen et al., 2020).

dPCR is still relatively new and requires a significant investment in technology, expertise, and validation. More traditional methods can be faster or less expensive, but at AG1 we believe accuracy and precision matter, and we have a team of expert research scientists working daily to apply new technological advances. We’ve committed to transitioning to the most advanced approach available to ensure our probiotics deliver exactly what is promised.

A: The benefits of AG1 Next Gen remain the same — five clinically studied probiotic strains, now measured with a finer lens. AG1 Next Gen’s clinically studied probiotic strains each play a unique role in the maintenance of digestive and immune health, including regularity and bloating.

A: They’re two different yardsticks. CFU tallies only colony-forming bacteria; dPCR tallies all live, strain-verified cells. Direct number-to-number comparisons don’t tell the whole story. Measuring viable cells gives a more complete picture of all the live probiotics, not just the ones that could grow in a lab test.

A: CFU counts are still recognized by regulators and remain a method we’ll list on some products while the transition rolls out. You’ve always received the probiotic amounts clinically studied for effectiveness — dPCR simply verifies it with greater sensitivity.

When shopping for probiotics, the actual probiotic content in your product makes a difference:

Whether they’re alive and active or dormant and non-viable impacts their metabolic activity

Whether they’re in the amounts needed to be effective

The advancements in dPCR enable that level of transparency. Plus, as probiotic science evolves, it has been underscored that strain matters. Not all probiotic products are created the same. dPCR helps ensure you’re getting what you think you are.

This is another way we’re investing in transparent, next-generation science behind AG1.

 O157:H7 in yogurt and simulated gastric juice, with and without the presence of probiotics. 

 2011;74(5):747-755. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-10-410.

Shehata HR, Ragupathy S, Shanmughanandhan D, Kesanakurti P, Ravichandran S, Newmaster SG. DNA barcoding for viable bacterial cell quantification using propidium monoazide digital PCR. 

 2023;112:104232. doi:10.1016/j.fm.2023.104232.

Davey HM. Life, death, and in-between: meanings and methods in microbiology. 

 2011;77(16):5571-5576. doi:10.1128/AEM.00744-11.

Jongenburger I, Reij MW, Boer EP, Gorris LGM, Zwietering MH. Actual distribution of microbial concentrations in food products: characterizing the heterogeneity. 

 2010;139(3):204-210. doi:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2010.03.016.

Zarecki R, Oberhardt MA, Reshef L, et al. Profound change in the microbiome and metabolic pathways in the gut of mice treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. 

 2014;7(5):467-479. doi:10.1111/1751-7915.12160.

Hansen SJZ, Tang P, Kiefer A, et al. Digital PCR for strain-specific quantification of probiotics in commercial products. 

 2018;9:704. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.00704.

Gobert G, Cotillard A, Fourmestraux C, et al. A pilot study of a probiotic supplement in metabolic syndrome: feasibility and metabolic effects. 

 2018;10(11):1691. doi:10.3390/nu10111691.

Hansen SJZ, Tang P, Kiefer A, et al. Viable cell enumeration of probiotics using dPCR. 

 2020;11:1167. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.01167.

Kiefer A, Tang P, Hansen SJZ, et al. Enumeration of probiotic viable cells by digital PCR compared to traditional CFU counts. 

 2020;8(10):1512. doi:10.3390/microorganisms8101512.

Wang Y, Li X, Xu Y, et al. Advances in digital PCR for microbiome and probiotic quantification. 

 2024;42(3):345-357. doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.004.

Coccaro N, Morciano G, D’Agostino D, et al. Digital PCR applications in clinical microbiology: a review of accuracy and reproducibility. 

 2020;58(9):1419-1431. doi:10.1515/cclm-2020-0415.

Quan PL, Sauzade M, Brouzes E. Digital PCR: principles and applications. 

 2018;64(6):947-958. doi:10.1373/clinchem.2017.277061.

Yin Y, Fang C, Li J, et al. Digital PCR for the detection and quantification of viable bacteria in clinical diagnostics. 

 2024;96(2):1789-1797. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04520.

Mirabile A, Lombardo D, Mazzotti M, et al. Digital PCR as a tool for quantifying probiotics in food supplements. 

 2024;155:110976. doi:10.1016/j.foodcont.2023.110976.

References

Raising the Bar on Probiotic Testing: From CFUs to dPCR “Viable Cells”

Behind every scoop of AG1 is a rigorous scientific process built on quality assurance and transparency. Our partnership with Alkemist Labs—a leader in botanical and nutraceutical testing—ensures that every botanical ingredient meets the highest standards for identity (confirming each ingredient is authentic). Through advanced analytical methods and third-party verification, we validate each batch of AG1 so you can be confident that your daily ritual is backed by science, not shortcuts.

Based in Southern California, Alkemist Labs is one of the world’s leading ISO-accredited laboratories for botanical ingredient testing. Family-owned and operated, Alkemist Labs started nearly 30 years ago and has since grown into a world-class laboratory employing over 50 experienced scientists and technicians.

Alkemist Labs maintains an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, which is the international gold standard for laboratory testing competence. What this means is that their methods, instrumentation, and results meet the highest possible level of scientific rigor and reliability. Their testing capabilities cover a wide range of materials that we ingest or interact with in various consumer goods, including:

AG1 and AGZ are complex formulas and include several botanicals, mushrooms, and plant-based compounds. For these kinds of ingredients, testing precision matters. The active compounds in plants can vary dramatically depending on their species, how they’re harvested, or even which part of the plant is used. Through advanced analytical methods, Alkemist Labs confirms the ingredient supply we receive is the correct plant, fungus, or compound, and not a substitute or adulterated version. In fact, botanicals are one of the most challenging categories in the industry, and thus, precision around testing is key to ensure ingredient validation and efficacy.

Alkemist Labs and AG1 work together on botanical assessments and method development as our formulas evolve and scientific technology advances.

The testing processes at Alkemist Labs are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in the science of plant identification. By combining modern instrumentation with expert human analysis, Alkemist Labs provides a comprehensive profile of every ingredient’s identity and quality. Here’s how they do it:

Microscopy is one of the oldest and still most effective methods for identifying botanicals. Under the microscope, trained analysts can see the microscopic structures of plant materials. It allows experts to verify the plant’s species and part (leaf, root, bark, etc.), detect adulterants such as fillers or incorrect plant parts, and assess the overall quality and integrity of the material.

. This advanced testing method separates the chemical compounds in a sample to create a visual “fingerprint” that represents its unique chemical identity. Think of this as a chemical map of an ingredient. Each plant contains a unique pattern of natural compounds, and HPTLC helps visualize that pattern with remarkable precision.

Alkemist Labs uses HPTLC to confirm the identity of botanical ingredients in AG1 products, detect any unwanted substances or adulteration long before the ingredient is ever used in our formula, and compare samples against verified reference materials.

HPLC is a powerful tool for verifying the strength and quality of complex herbal blends. Think of it as a chemical map of an ingredient. Each plant contains a unique pattern of natural compounds, and HPLC helps visualize that pattern with remarkable precision.

By analyzing the quantity of specific compounds in the plant material, scientists can confirm that each ingredient contains the right marker compounds in the right proportions. This method also helps ensure consistency from batch to batch, supporting AG1’s commitment to quality, precision, and purity in every scoop.

This means every botanical ingredient we use in AG1 and AGZ is authenticated down to its deepest level. For example, some of the many plant-based ingredients that undergo Alkemist Labs testing include:

 A powerful adaptogen traditionally used to support stress management and vitality.* Testing ensures the ingredient is genuine and standardized to contain the right active compounds (like withanolides).

 Known for supporting mood and cognitive health.* Alkemist Lab’s testing confirms the presence of key bioactive molecules, such as 

. This is a key ingredient in AGZ that helps support the natural sleep-wake cycle.

 Ginger provides digestive and antioxidant support.* Testing verifies both identity and purity, ensuring there are no contaminants or substitutions with related species.

Not all supplements are created equal. Ingredient quality can vary widely across the industry, and without independent verification, it can be difficult for consumers to know what they’re really getting. Partnering with Alkemist Labs ensures that AG1 isn’t just tested—it’s third-party tested. Third-party testing ensures that:

Every plant-based ingredient we use in our products is authentic and pure.

Our formula meets our exacting quality and identity standards; otherwise, it's rejected.

Our products remain consistent and effective from scoop to scoop and month to month.

Our rigorous approach to maintaining quality with industry-leading partners assures AG1 members confidence they’re getting a quality, science-backed product. That’s why AG1 is also 

 – the gold standard in independent dietary supplement testing. NSF Certified for Sport® tests dietary supplements for over 280 banned substances, covering a wide range of stimulants, steroids, diuretics, masking agents, and other substances prohibited in sports.

The future of the supplement industry depends on transparency. The more consumers understand what goes into their supplements and how those ingredients are verified, the more trust we can build as an industry. AG1’s partnership with Alkemist Labs is one step towards that mission: to show third-party tested nutrition can help raise the industry standard.

AG1 and Alkemist Labs: Raising the Transparency Bar

Quality sleep is critical for physical, mental, and emotional health, and yet it seems harder and harder to attain these days—

 that about one in three U.S. adults does not sleep the recommended 7–9 hours nightly. Sleep promotes everything from physical recovery to mood balance, ensuring our bodies and minds can take on the day ahead and beyond. It’s a foundational pillar in our lives, and one that should never be (but is often) overlooked. So, after 15 years focused on a singular product that shows up for you in the morning, we’ve expanded our offering to address the essential foundational need: sleep. Welcome to winding down and resting up with AGZ.

AGZ is the nightly drink to help you wind down and rest up. It’s designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural sleep cycle, helping to promote rest quality and relaxation through a blend of clinically studied adaptogens, calming herbs, and high-quality minerals like Magtein® magnesium L-threonate, a clinically tested form of magnesium that has been shown to improve sleep quality and support cognitive function.* As with AG1, we’ve prioritized bioavailability. This means that AGZ is created with ingredients that are optimized for better absorption in forms that your body can use. The result is an easy-to-incorporate, melatonin-free evening ritual that won’t leave you groggy in the a.m.

AGZ is designed to help you feel relaxed within the first night of use. Calming herbs and ingredients like L-theanine work to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, preparing the mind and body for a restful sleep.

 of consistently drinking AGZ, you may notice improved sleep quality and feel more refreshed in the morning.

, your body may be better equipped to manage stress and support balanced cortisol levels.

Over time, establishing a regular wind-down routine with consistent sleep hygiene practices can help improve the overall quality of sleep.

We want to ensure that your AGZ experience is both comforting 

 delicious, so the formula comes in three different flavors**: Chocolate (tastes like cocoa with coconut milk), Chocolate Mint (tastes like cocoa and garden mint), and Mixed Berry (Tastes like ripe berries balanced with subtle herbal notes). And, because we know that tastes and preferences differ, we’re giving you options: AGZ can be combined with four ounces of either water or milk of choice and served cold, room temperature, or warm. After you mix in the packet, you’ll use your AGZ Frother and blend well for a smooth, fully dissolved drink.

Sleep isn’t just about hitting the pillow and waking up the next morning. There are many different phases of rest. AGZ works in three phases:

As you prepare for bedtime, you’ll drink AGZ, cueing your mind and body to start winding down. Aminos and adaptogens like L-theanine and ashwagandha help you relax and prepare for rest.* These ingredients help to manage cortisol levels, helping the nervous system unwind and supporting the mind in managing daily stress.

AGZ optimizes your sleep quality while the lights are out with restorative nutrients like Magtein® magnesium L-threonate and valerian, a well-researched herbal ingredient with clinical evidence supporting its ability to promote relaxation.*

The formula supports natural melatonin production and promotes the activity of GABA—a brain chemical associated with restfulness.

AGZ helps you rise refreshed and ready to begin the day, thanks to ingredients like saffron (sometimes known as the sunshine spice), which is known for its antioxidant properties and has been clinically shown to enhance sleep quality and support a healthy mood.*

Whether it’s AG1 or AGZ, our rigorous commitment to product quality and safety remains the same. AGZ is NSF Certified for Sport®, the gold standard in independent quality and safety certifications. It’s a third-party program that certifies dietary supplements are free from over 280 banned substances including stimulants, narcotics, diuretics, and masking agents.

AGZ also contains no added sugar or binders, making for an easy-to-digest option that you can feel great about.

Together, AG1 and AGZ help create a balanced cycle of energy and restoration, supporting whole body health around the clock. Get ready for relaxing evenings, impactful rest, and empowered wake-ups.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Meet AGZ: The nightly drink for winding down and resting up

Understanding how our latest innovation optimizes sleep

AG1 contains a range of meticulously sourced ingredients that can vary in flavor according to natural botanicals, growing conditions, and regionality. This means that every pouch of AG1 

 taste drastically different. But why doesn’t it? That’s thanks to Glenn Kraemer, Senior Manager of Product Development (and AG1’s resident flavorist), and his team.

A key part of Kraemer’s role is to ensure the flavor and texture remains consistent and easy to drink, so you know you’ll get the subtly sweet, palatable taste of pineapple and vanilla every single morning after shaking up your Daily Health Drink.

Though our priority has always been creating an effective foundation that supports your whole body health, through ingredients like vitamins, minerals, superfoods, and probiotics, we believe that starting your day on the right (flavor) note is also essential. Which is why we devoted 15 years to developing AG1’s unique blend of 

Over the past seven years, Kraemer and his team undertook a new challenge: creating three new AG1 flavors to complement Original. They tested around 300 prototypes, tweaking different ingredients, ingredient combinations, and ingredient amounts and tasting, tasting, and, tasting. After much deliberation, they landed on the three new delicious flavors we’re so excited to launch exclusively on drinkag1.com: 

What do AG1 Flavors taste like? Well, there’s a flavor (or more) for everyone and they’re all without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, erythritol, or MSG.*
AG1 Citrus tastes like a bright, zesty combination of lemon and orange.
AG1 Berry has a crisp, fruit-forward flavor with notes of blueberries and strawberries.
AG1 Tropical delivers a vibrant, sweet flavor with hints of papaya and passionfruit.

What was the basis for these new additions to our product offering? Variety. Being able to try new flavors and mix up your daily AG1 routine can help you build more consistency. And, as we know, consistency is essential to maintaining habits, and AG1’s benefits will compound over time when you drink the formula every day. We knew our passionate community would welcome customized options, and that’s what we aimed to deliver. And, for new members of the community, we wanted to provide even more delicious flavor options to make AG1 a part of their daily routine.

, our latest formula, which features upgrades to the 

, in addition to added vitamins and minerals like boron, choline, and molybdenum. AG1 Next Gen was tested in four 

 and consistently showed its positive impact on closing common nutrient gaps and supporting gut health across a variety of diets and lifestyles.

And, even though they may taste a little different than the OG, the new AG1 flavors are always subject to our rigorous standards and third-party comprehensive testing. Just like our Original flavor, AG1 Berry, Tropical, and Citrus are all 

, considered the gold standard in independent dietary supplement testing.

AG1 Flavors is an exciting evolution of the daily habit that’s made a difference to millions of mornings. Now, your foundation includes even more ways to support whole body health 

Behind the scenes of launching our new AG1 flavors: Citrus, Tropical, and Berry

Your drinkable multivitamin with gut health support is now in multiple flavors

We need a clean up in the supplement aisle. It seems like every day a new powder, pill, or gummy hits the shelf, largely without adequate testing or substantiated claims. In reality, the supplement market has outpaced regulatory oversight — and the speed at which the category is growing adds to the confusion and lack of clarity around which products and brands can be trusted to deliver exactly what their label suggests.

When considering supplements that are available on the market, there are a few important things to look out for. By bringing more visibility and rigor to these considerations, we can collectively push for higher standards in the category and clean up the confusion surrounding supplements. Some important elements include:

 and certification that verify the quality and safety of the product.

. You want to make sure key nutrients make it into the body efficiently.

 Supplements like AG1 are designed to make daily supplementation simpler, replacing multiple single-function products with one foundational solution to support whole body health.

Third-party testing is critical because it provides

 that a product meets the highest safety, quality, and transparency standards—rather than relying solely on a company’s own claims about the product or its label. With trusted independent testing and certification, you can rest assured that the product is safe, and it contains exactly what’s listed on the label.

AG1 is proudly NSF Certified for Sport®, one of the most rigorous independent quality and safety certification programs in the supplement industry. NSF conducts annual audits of our manufacturing facilities, reviews ingredients for toxicology, and ensures AG1 label claims are accurate.

In order to certify a product, NSF conducts extensive audits of productions and production facilities. The final and most rigorously audited round is the NSF Certified for Sport® certification.

NSF Certified for Sport® tests dietary supplements for over 280 banned substances, covering a wide range of stimulants, steroids, diuretics, masking agents, and other substances prohibited in sports. NSF Certified for Sport® also guarantees that products are manufactured in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-compliant facilities, where every batch is tested for contaminants and banned substances.

The certification is a rigorous, ongoing process—one AG1 has upheld since 2019. These align with global anti-doping regulations, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Because third-party testing is vital for ensuring the quality and safety of dietary supplements, it’s important that testing happens throughout the entire product development process, in which AG1 partners with world-class testing and diagnostic organizations to ensure that raw materials and finished products meet our high standard for product quality and safety specs.

Testing every batch of AG1 using state-of-the-art technology and instrumentation.

Validation that every batch of AG1 passes label claims testing.

Product release testing for harmful microbes and heavy metals.

Botanical ID and testing to ensure potency and purity of botanical ingredients.

In addition to NSF Certified for Sport® certification, we’re proud to partner with industry-leading organizations that are committed to excellence in testing, including IEH, Alkemist Labs, and Mérieux NutriSciences.

Here are a few things to look for when it comes to testing, all of which are rigorously tested for in AG1 Next Gen.

Anything that comes from the ground, including fruits, vegetables, and even drinking water, is likely to contain some heavy metals.

AG1 is tested to ensure levels of heavy metals are below the guidelines set by US Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF International, two independent, third-party organizations that set rigorous standards for safety, quality, and compliance. USP guidelines are widely used as a regulatory standard for pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and food ingredients.

Chemicals used in agriculture can disrupt the gut and immune system, decreasing or blocking nutrient absorption.

Rather than relying solely on our suppliers and our rigorous internal standards, we periodically conduct additional third-party testing for over 500 pesticides and herbicides, including:

Glyphosate: This is an herbicide and commonly used weed killer in conventional farming. AG1 is certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project. A third-party ISO 17025 accredited laboratory tests AG1 to ensure it does not contain glyphosate residues, down to government-recognized limits of detection (LODs) for food, commodity, and supplement samples.

Atrazine: The second-most commonly used pesticide after glyphosate.

Microbial testing is crucial for ensuring AG1 is safe to drink on a long-term daily basis.

Harmful bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus.

Molds and yeasts that have been linked to immune disruption.

Microbes that can produce toxic substances like mycotoxins and aflatoxins.

The value of comprehensive research on how a product works cannot be ignored, especially when clinical testing is not a requirement. Since we launched AG1 in 2010, we’ve consistently upgraded our formula, guided by the latest scientific research, and we continue to build on our history of continuous improvement.

When considering a supplement product, here are a few things that signal rigorous research:

Widely accepted as the gold standard in clinical trials, RCTs provide the strongest evidence for a causal link between intervention (the product) and outcome while minimizing bias. RCT methods include:

Randomization, which ensures that participants are assigned to intervention or control groups purely by chance, balancing known and unknown confounders

Control groups (the placebo or standard treatment group), which provide a basis for comparison

Blinding (i.e., preventing participants and/or researchers from knowing who receives the intervention or placebo), which reduces bias from participants and investigators

Predefined outcomes and protocols, which ensure consistency and replicability

Statistical rigor, which helps confirm that outcomes are not due to chance

 These are studies conducted outside of a living organism, typically in a controlled environment such as a laboratory dish or test tube. This includes the industry-leading method for replicating the gut environment. It consists of a series of interconnected sections, called bioreactors, which mimic the physiological and biological conditions of the human gut, including the stomach, small intestine, and different colon regions.

In-Vitro trials are critical to understanding how exactly AG1 works. For example, at AG1, our in-house team of scientists partnered with ProDigest to conduct studies on the effects of AG1 on the gut using a SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model.

 It’s important to ensure the benefits of our products are thoroughly researched and claims are substantiated by research on ingredients. This means the effectiveness of specific ingredients have been tested in human clinical trials, and that select ingredients are in the right dosages for the intended impact. 

Results are most meaningful when there’s a shared understanding of what the results mean and why they are important. To get here, it’s important that brands engage with the scientific community around the results of its studies. At AG1, we work with leading researchers to submit study abstracts and manuscripts to peer-reviewed scientific conferences and journals—contributing to the broader scientific dialogue on the vital role of nutrition and the microbiome in overall health. To date, our peer-reviewed publications include both literature reviews and research on the AG1 original formula. In addition, 

multiple clinical studies on AG1 Next Gen

 have been completed, and several abstracts have been accepted at national scientific conferences. As the leader in foundational nutrition, AG1 is committed to continuing to conduct peer-reviewed, independent research on the complete formula of all future products.

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 looking for supplements that focus on bioavailability is so important. Bioavailability is the extent to which your body can absorb, distribute, and eliminate any given nutrient.

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. This is why AG1 Next Gen includes an upgraded blend of clinically studied probiotics to support gut health and enhanced ingredients for improved bioavailability, including the methylated B complex. Furthermore, a recent clinical study showed that key nutrients in AG1 Next Gen, including folate, vitamin C, zinc, and calcium, were significantly elevated in the blood after drinking AG1 Next Gen versus placebo. In addition, almost 90% of the measured nutrients were significantly elevated in the blood within 30 minutes of drinking AG1.

When it comes to bioavailability, the form factor of a supplement plays a significant role. Powders like AG1 are generally easily absorbed into the body, and with less time required to break down what’s inside. In earlier in-vitro testing using a prior version of AG1, it was found that minerals were more bioaccessible (meaning more available for absorption) when delivered in a powder format compared to a tablet. While this research was done on a previous formula, it supports the idea that the powder format may help the body better access key nutrients.

Part of cleaning up the aisle is helping customers be more efficient with their supplement stack. With so many products and brands flooding the market, it’s easy to default to single-function supplements that help target certain benefits, but don’t always focus on overall health and building the best foundation for everyday nutrition. That’s where AG1 comes in. AG1 Next Gen is a more-in-one solution that replaces separate needs for multivitamins, probiotics, and superfoods, blending them into one formula to support foundational health, including gut health and support for immune defense and energy. It’s whole body benefits in one scoop vs. many:

AG1 supports gut health with easy-to-absorb ingredients that boost digestion and help ease bloating. AG1 Next Gen includes five new clinically studied probiotic strains that play a unique role in digestive and immune health, including maintaining regularity and bloating.*

An enhanced B complex including methylated B vitamins help support energy without the afternoon crash.*

Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants support a healthy mood and the nervous system.*

Your daily dose of antioxidants, probiotics, and functional mushrooms to support overall immune health.*

It’s important to feel more confident when evaluating your current supplement stack, or searching for new ones. Understanding the value and importance of research and testing is critical to making an informed decision, especially when there are so many brands and products available on the market. To learn more about how AG1 is prioritizing quality and testing, check out these additional resources:

 In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial assessing nutrient gaps and bioavailability in 16 healthy adults ages 18–42 over the course of 8 hours.

 Based on an in-vitro study conducted using a previous AG1 formula, with stool samples from three donors and a simulated digestive tract model (SHIME), under controlled laboratory conditions. For more information, visit 

Clean Up Needed In The Supplement Aisle: The Supplement Aisle Checklist

Since we launched AG1 in 2010, we’ve consistently upgraded our formula, guided by the latest scientific research. Now, we’re building on our history of continuous improvement and helping to raise the standard for the supplement category. Clinical research is a pivotal part of where we’ve been and where we’re going, particularly as we release our upgraded formula, AG1 Next Gen.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve heard from millions of customers about how AG1 has impacted their health and lives—but we are setting new standards in supplement research and working to explore *how* the formula works and to ensure the benefits people experience are measurable.

At the heart of AG1 is our Research, Nutrition, and Innovation team—a world-class group of clinicians, scientists, and researchers with expertise in academic and clinical nutrition, physiology, metabolism, microbiology, food science, and more. This team as a whole plays a central role in shaping the scientific foundation of our product. This includes ingredient scoping and validation, formulation feasibility, identifying evidence gaps to be explored through preclinical and clinical research to deepen our understanding of health outcomes, education, and product development to deliver meaningful innovation.

Being part of the scientific community is an important part of our mission, and the team contributes by publishing reviews, thought leadership pieces, and original research in collaboration with academic partners. As part of our broader mission, we are committed to scientific rigor, sharing the results of AG1’s studies in peer-reviewed journals to ensure our methodologies and findings can benefit the wider health and nutrition field.

Over the past few years, we’ve invested millions of dollars in research and development and will continue to do so. In addition to preclinical and observational studies, we have conducted a series of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials (RCTs) with third party research organizations and academic collaborators to both validate our product and drive science forward.

Widely accepted as the gold-standard in clinical trials, RCTs provide the strongest evidence for a causal link between intervention (the product) and outcome while minimizing bias. RCT methods include:

ensures that participants are assigned to intervention or control groups purely by chance, balancing known and unknown confounders

 (the placebo or standard treatment group), which provide a basis for comparison

 (i.e. preventing participants and/or researchers from knowing who receives the intervention or placebo), which reduces bias from participants and investigators

, which ensure consistency and replicability

, which helps confirm that outcomes are not due to chance

RCTs on finished products are rare in the industry, as they’re expensive and time consuming. With our newest formulation, AG1 Next Gen, we invested further and doubled down on our investment in research

: AG1 Next Gen is rooted in clinical evidence with four gold-standard clinical trials.

The supplement aisle is more crowded than ever. But how can you tell which products were actually studied in humans? Clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes measure the impact of consuming a product or ingredients in the human body. They tell us how something actually performs 

AG1 Next Gen was studied across multiple gold-standard clinical trials. The replication of results in multiple studies highlights its effectiveness across different lifestyles and diets. 

Among other results, AG1 Next Gen is clinically shown to close common nutrient gaps and support gut health. (1-4)

 Here, some details on the trials themselves.

A 12-week parallel designed Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in 105 adults who consumed a Standard American Diet. 

(Parallel designed studies, which can be better for longer duration studies, feature different groups, each of whom receives different treatments throughout the study.) This study primarily assessed how supplementation of AG1 Next Gen over 12 weeks influenced nutrient gaps and nutrient status compared to a placebo. The secondary objectives of this study were to analyze the gut microbiome along with assessments of safety and tolerability.

A 2-week crossover designed RCT in 20 highly active adults.

 (In crossover studies, the same participants receive different treatments (Placebo and active) at different points in the study. Within-subject comparison helps isolate the effect of the treatment itself since each participant receives all treatments. This study primarily assessed the ability of AG1 Next Gen to fill nutrient gaps. The secondary objectives of this study were to analyze the gut microbiome along with the change in the microbiome after discontinuing AG1 Next Gen. This study also assessed the tolerability and safety of AG1 Next Gen.

A 2-week crossover designed RCT in 24 healthy adults with occasional GI distress. 

This study primarily assessed the effects of AG1 Next Gen on changes in the gut microbiome in those with occasional GI issues, including the change in microbiome health after discontinuing AG1 Next Gen. The secondary objectives were to assess the ability of AG1 Next Gen to fill nutrient gaps in addition to the tolerability of AG1 Next Gen.

An acute crossover designed RCT in 16 healthy adults.

 This study primarily assessed the bioavailability of key nutrients in 16 healthy men and women between 18 and 45 years old, over the course of 8 hours following AG1 Next Gen ingestion. The secondary objectives of this study were to assess the nutrient gaps and tolerability of AG1 Next Gen in an acute setting.

In addition to our Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials, we’ve established a robust strategy with pre-clinical evidence, like in-vitro trials, to get a better understanding of how AG1 works. Our in-house team of scientists partnered with ProDigest to conduct studies on the effects of AG1 on the gut using a SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model. This is the industry-leading method for replicating the gut environment. It consists of a series of interconnected sections, called bioreactors, which mimic the physiological and biological conditions of the human gut, including the stomach, small intestine, and different colon regions

Since certain biological processes are extremely difficult to examine in humans without invasive procedures, the SHIME model provides a controlled, highly reliable, and repeatable environment to assess the effects of AG1 on the gut microbiome before progressing to human trials.

The SHIME is one of the few gut models that mimics the entire gastrointestinal tract incorporating stomach, small intestine and different colon regions. Using models like SHIME is particularly important for understanding the mechanisms of action.

Just like the trials themselves, the clinical research lifecycle is also rigorous, and it can be lengthy.

We’re proud to share that four clinical trials – rigorously designed, randomized, placebo-controlled trials – on the AG1 Next Gen formula have been completed. This is a major milestone in our scientific journey and one that underscores our long-standing commitment to evidence-based innovation.

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