Four new clinical studies on the AG1 Upgrade deliver measurable results—and set a new benchmark for transparency and efficacy. Here's why clinical studies matter, and why they're still so rare in the world of supplements.
Since launching AG1 in 2010, we’ve continuously developed the product based on the latest scientific insights. Now, we’re taking the next step—with four new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on AG1 and a clear commitment to further invest in clinical research in the years to come. Our goal: to raise the standard in the supplement industry.
Key Terminology
Clinical study: A structured study on human volunteers to test a product’s effect, safety and tolerability.
Randomised controlled trial (RCT): Participants are randomly assigned to test or control groups—making the results more objective and reliable.
Placebo: An inactive substance used to compare against the real product—helps measure actual effectiveness.
Control group: Participants who don’t receive the active product—provides a baseline for comparison.
Blinding / Double-blinding: Participants and/or researchers don’t know who gets what—reducing bias in the results.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP): International guidelines for conducting high-quality, ethical clinical trials.
Countless scientific studies on nutrients, bacteria and holistic health form the foundation of modern supplement development. But theoretical evidence alone isn’t enough—what’s needed are real-world data on real people. That’s our standard.
We believe benefits shouldn’t just be felt—they should be measurable. In an increasingly saturated market, clinical results are key to understanding what actually works. They show how a product performs in practice—not just on paper.
Clinical studies are structured investigations designed to test how a product works, its effectiveness, safety and tolerability. They’re conducted on human volunteers and follow strict scientific and ethical protocols, such as the internationally recognised Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
The aim is to generate reliable, meaningful results under clearly defined conditions—based on sound, verifiable data.
Good to know: while clinical studies are legally required for pharmaceuticals, they remain voluntary—and still uncommon—for supplements.
In addition to preclinical and observational studies, we work with academic partners and independent research institutions to run randomised, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs). Why?
RTCs are widely considered the gold standard in clinical research—and provide the strongest evidence of whether a product truly works.
With the AG1 Upgrade, we now have data from four high-quality clinical trials.
Clinical research is still rare in the supplement industry—for a reason. It requires time, resources, expertise and strict methodological standards. But that’s exactly why it matters. Anyone committed to scientific rigour is also committing to transparency, validation and continuous improvement.
Clinical trials are complex and costly—but they bring clarity. That’s why we’ve chosen to invest in them.
The AG1 Upgrade was studied in four independent randomised controlled trials—all using gold-standard methodology. Key results showed rapid nutrient absorption and a tenfold increase in beneficial gut bacteria.
Here’s a breakdown of the studies:
Alongside our clinical trials, we’ve built a strong foundation of preclinical research—including in vitro studies designed to better understand how AG1 works.
We’ve partnered with ProDigest, a global leader in gut modelling, to explore the effects of AG1 using the SHIME® system (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem).
SHIME is the industry-leading method for simulating human digestion. It mimics the stomach, small intestine and various sections of the colon using a series of connected bioreactors—allowing us to observe how AG1 behaves in the gut, without invasive procedures on humans.
SHIME is one of the only models that recreates the full digestive tract, making it a powerful tool for studying how ingredients survive and function in different parts of the gut.
Here’s a quick reference for the most important ones—clearly explained.
Intervention: The product or treatment being tested in a study—like a supplement, diet or protocol.
Bioavailability: How efficiently a nutrient is absorbed and used by the body.
Gut microbiome: All the microorganisms living in the gut—essential for digestion, immunity and overall health.
Nutrient status: A measure of the body’s current levels of vitamins, minerals or other nutrients.
Microbiome: The full ecosystem of microorganisms living on and in the human body.
Preclinical: Research done before human trials—usually in the lab or on cell models.
In vitro study: Experiments conducted outside the body—in a lab setting like a Petri dish or bioreactor.
SHIME model: A high-tech gut simulation system that replicates the digestive tract—used to study supplement effects.
Shotgun metagenomics: A precise method for analysing the full microbial composition of a sample—down to strain level.
Statistical significance: A measure of how likely it is that study results are due to the product—not random chance.
Want to learn more about our clinical results? This way.
