Athletic Greens & Sports Supplements: Do They Deliver?

Stefani Sassos

These days, it's hard to scroll through social media without seeing someone scoop a green powder into a smoothie or promote a new performance supplement. At the center of the wellness wave is Athletic Greens (AG1)—a product promising everything from better energy to improved digestion, all in one scoop.

But with fitness influencers, elite athletes, and even doctors jumping on the supplement train, it's worth asking: Do these products truly deliver on their promises, or are we just buying expensive hope?

Let’s take a closer look at Athletic Greens and the broader world of sports supplements to see what’s fact, what’s hype, and what might help you perform better.

What Exactly Is Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens, now rebranded as AG1, is a green superfood powder packed with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, and plant-based nutrients. It's marketed as a daily all-in-one supplement that replaces the need for a handful of pills or multiple products.

The company positions AG1 as suitable for almost anyone—athletes, professionals, busy parents, and wellness seekers alike. One scoop, mixed with water or a smoothie, is meant to support energy, immunity, digestion, and recovery.

So far, the pitch is compelling. But does it hold up?

The Appeal of Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. That’s part of the draw with AG1 and similar supplements.

Rather than sourcing multiple products—probiotics, multivitamins, greens, and digestive enzymes—you get it all in one daily serving. For those short on time or uncertain about nutrition labels, this feels like a simple, foolproof solution.

Moreover, the branding taps into aspirational wellness. Sleek packaging, endorsements from high-performing individuals, and a message of optimization speak to a generation that values efficiency and health in equal measure.

Do the Ingredients Actually Work?

The short answer: some may, but not all for everyone.

AG1 contains over 70 ingredients, including:

• Vitamins and minerals (B12, C, D, magnesium, zinc)

• Probiotics for gut health

• Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola

• Digestive enzymes and herbal extracts

• Whole food powders from spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass

Many of these ingredients have individually been studied for their benefits. For instance, B vitamins help convert food into energy. Probiotics can support digestion and immunity. Adaptogens may help manage stress levels.

However, dosage matters. While AG1 contains many beneficial compounds, it doesn’t always contain clinically proven amounts. Some ingredients may be present in too small a dose to be effective, especially for those with specific health concerns.

What About Absorption?

Not all nutrients are absorbed equally by the body. This is especially true when you're combining dozens of them into one mix.

Although AG1 uses high-quality forms of certain nutrients, the bioavailability—or how well your body absorbs them—depends on factors like timing, gut health, and what you eat that day.

Still, having a product that includes both fat-soluble vitamins and digestive enzymes can support absorption better than traditional multivitamin tablets.

The Cost of “Complete”

One of the biggest barriers for consumers is the price. Athletic Greens costs significantly more than many off-the-shelf multivitamins or even individual supplements combined.

Supporters argue that it replaces several products and eliminates guesswork. Skeptics, however, note that you might not need all the ingredients AG1 provides—especially if you already eat a balanced diet.

If you’re nutrient deficient, AG1 may help fill gaps. But for healthy individuals who eat a varied diet, the benefits might be less noticeable than the marketing implies.

Do Sports Supplements Help Performance?

Zooming out from AG1, there’s a wider question to address: Are performance supplements worth it?

It depends on the supplement, your goals, and your baseline nutrition. Here are a few that are backed by science:

• Creatine: Supports strength and muscle gain

• Caffeine: Boosts energy and endurance

• Protein powders: Help meet daily protein targets, especially post-workout

• Beta-alanine and citrulline: Improve stamina in high-intensity training

However, not every product on the shelf is effective—or even necessary. Many supplements are under-regulated, and some make bold claims with little research to back them up.

Stefani Sassos

Celebrity and Athlete Endorsements

Part of the buzz around AG1 and similar products comes from high-profile users. Pro athletes, podcast hosts, and health influencers often tout the benefits, emphasizing how these supplements have improved their energy, sleep, or recovery.

But keep in mind: endorsements don’t equal evidence. Many of these deals involve financial compensation or brand partnerships. While some testimonials are genuine, others are carefully curated to build trust.

Before buying based on someone else’s experience, it’s worth checking your own needs.

Are There Risks?

Generally, products like AG1 are considered safe for healthy adults. But more isn’t always better. Combining multiple supplements—especially if you’re taking other vitamins—can lead to excess intake of certain nutrients, which can be harmful over time.

Additionally, some ingredients may interfere with medications or underlying conditions. That’s why consulting with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine is always wise.

Who Might Benefit Most?

Those most likely to notice benefits from AG1 or similar supplements include:

• People with busy or unpredictable diets

• Frequent travelers lacking meal consistency

• Athletes with higher nutritional demands

• Individuals recovering from illness or fatigue

• Those with specific deficiencies identified by a doctor

But even among these groups, a food-first approach—prioritizing whole, nutrient-rich meals—should remain the foundation.

Final Thoughts

So, do Athletic Greens and sports supplements really deliver? Sometimes—but not for everyone and not in every way.

They can offer convenience, support gaps in nutrition, and make wellness feel accessible. Yet they aren’t magic powders. Long-term health still depends on your overall habits—how you eat, move, sleep, and manage stress.

If you enjoy the routine of mixing a scoop each morning, and it helps you feel better, that has value. Just remember: no supplement can replace the basics.

Wellness doesn't come in one scoop—but for some, it might start there.