How AG1 supports gut health and microbiome balance: Key ingredients and the science behind the formula

What is AG1 powder?

Supporting the bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that make up our guts’ microbial community largely comes down to what we eat. A whole foods, plant-based diet includes probiotics that introduce beneficial bacteria and prebiotic plant fibers that feed them. To fuel a thriving microbiome, the American Gut Project recommends eating 30 different plant foods per week. But busy schedules can make consistently hitting that target difficult. While AG1 is not a substitute for whole foods, if you’re concerned about meeting your nutritional goals, AG1 can provide a nutritional foundation to fill in the gaps. Let’s take a look at AG1 for gut health, what’s in it, and if it’s right for you.
More than a greens powder, AG1 is a foundational nutrition supplement that delivers over 75 high‑quality ingredients in one scoop. To support gut health, AG1 contains prebiotics, as well as live microbes (probiotics), and digestive enzymes.* It’s also formulated with vitamins, minerals, and adaptogenic herbs, making this once-daily drink a comprehensive, convenient way to support gut health.*
Our team of scientists and researchers is dedicated to developing AG1 to provide foundational daily nutrition support.* AG1 is free of GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten, and common allergens (eggs, peanuts). It also fits vegan, paleo, keto, and halal diets. Ingredients are sourced from trusted partners for absorption, potency, and nutrient density.

Key ingredients of AG1 powder

AG1 Next Gen ingredients include:

• Vitamins and minerals: AG1 contains a wide range of micronutrients, including vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K2, zinc, selenium, and others.*
• Probiotics: AG1 includes five clinically studied probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus casei LC-11, Lactobacillus plantarum LP-115), with a total of 10 billion CFU per serving. These live bacteria are intended to “seed” the gut with beneficial microbes.*
• Prebiotic fibers: Inulin (from chicory root), apple fiber, and other plant fibers act as prebiotics to nourish gut bacteria.*
• Adaptogens: Herbal extracts such as rhodiola, eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), and ashwagandha support the body’s response to stress.*
• Superfoods and botanicals: AG1 contains greens and superfoods (e.g., spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass), mushrooms (reishi, shiitake), and fruits (papaya, bilberry) that are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients to support cellular health.*
• Digestive enzymes: Bromelain (from pineapple) helps break down proteins and other nutrients in food, which can improve digestion and absorption.*

How AG1 supports your gut

AG1’s biggest impact on gut health comes from its combination of prebiotics and probiotics. This synbiotic pair is crucial for a balanced gut microbiome.*

How do probiotics work?

We typically get probiotics from fermented foods, including yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and others. The key with these foods is that they have to be unpasteurized (and usually refrigerated) to keep the beneficial bacteria alive. There are a lot of versions of these foods that don’t have live cultures, so be sure to read the labels! Probiotics work by actively introducing helpful bacteria into your gut. Clinical studies showed that AG1 enhanced key gut microbial species.

How do prebiotics work?

Prebiotics are high-fiber plant foods that gut bacteria feed on. Because our bodies are unable to digest many plant fibers on their own, gut bacteria step in to ferment these fibers and convert them into SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids). SCFAs serve as a fuel source for cells in the colon and support gut barrier integrity, normal immune function, and metabolic processes, as well as communication along the gut-brain axis. Prebiotic foods include vegetables (onions, leeks, asparagus), fruit (berries, unripe bananas), nuts, whole grains (barley, oats), and legumes.

More ways AG1 supports your gut

Beyond its prebiotics and probiotics, AG1 provides other key vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced ingredients that support gut health.*

Help fill nutrient gaps

Only about 10 to 12% of US adults eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables.¹ As a result, many people may fall short on key micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin A, and selenium, which play important roles in supporting gut lining integrity and overall wellness.
AG1 is designed to help fill common nutrient gaps by providing a blend of vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced ingredients to support gut health as part of a balanced diet.*

Synergistic pairings

AG1’s carefully formulated blend is designed so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, phospholipids support the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, while vitamin C helps recycle vitamin E for greater antioxidant benefits.² Ingredients like matcha, cocoa seed, and grapeseed extracts supply polyphenols, antioxidants that may also act as prebiotics for the probiotic strains.^3,4,5

Overall health balance

AG1’s antioxidants and adaptogens are designed to support general well-being. Herbs like rhodiola have been shown to support stress response.* The blend of vitamins and minerals supports energy production and metabolism, helping you maintain an active lifestyle*.

User reviews and experiences

Reviews of AG1 products highlight their GI benefits, as well as other positive outcomes. Wired’s reviewer “noticed smoother digestion,” while customer Louis C. wrote: “The new formula with advanced pre- and probiotics has really hit the bull’s-eye for me. It has been a big difference in my digestion.” Users also appreciate AG1’s one-scoop simplicity and easy mixing. Fortune said AG1 “by far has the best solubility” on the market, making for a pleasant drinking experience.

While the original flavor of AG1 might not be for everyone, AG1 now also comes in citrus and berry flavors (with no artificial sweeteners). User Frank C. acknowledged that “while this is a more expensive option than most, it’s worth the cost for the peace of mind regarding the aforementioned quality.” See more reviews from AG1 users.

Comparing AG1 to other greens powders

With 75+ vitamins, minerals, herbs, enzymes, probiotics, and other whole-food-sourced ingredients, AG1 isn’t just another greens powder.
AG1 is also NSF Certified for Sport®—third-party tested for contaminants and prohibited substances, and to verify that what’s on the label matches what’s in the product.

Still wondering if AG1 is worth it? There’s only one way to find out! Try it today and see for yourself how AG1 supports gut health.

References:

1. Lee SH, Moore LV, Park S, Harris DM, Blanck HM. Adults meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(1):1–9. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7101a1
2. Packer JE, Slater TF, Willson RL. Direct observation of a free radical interaction between vitamin E and vitamin C. Nature. 1979;278(5706):737-738. doi:10.1038/278737a0
3. Sorrenti V, Ali S, Mancin L, Davinelli S, Paoli A, Scapagnini G. Cocoa Polyphenols and Gut Microbiota Interplay: Bioavailability, Prebiotic Effect, and Impact on Human Health. Nutrients. 2020; 12(7):1908. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071908
4. Morishima S, Kawada Y, Fukushima Y, Takagi T, Naito Y, Inoue R. A randomized, double-blinded study evaluating effect of matcha green tea on human fecal microbiota. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2023;72(2):165-170. doi:10.3164/jcbn.22-81
5. Bordiga M, Montella R, Travaglia F, Arlorio M, Coïsson JD. Characterization of polyphenolic and oligosaccharidic fractions extracted from grape seeds followed by the evaluation of prebiotic activity related to oligosaccharides. Int J Food Sci Technol. 2019;54(4):1283–1291. doi:10.1111/ijfs.14109