Athletic Greens Vs Multivitamin: Choosing The Right Supplement For You

In this article, we’ll be comparing Athletic Greens and multivitamins to find out which is the best supplement.

No matter where you’re scrolling, you’re sure to come across an ad for some type of supplement. Whether it’s a supergreens powder or an all-in-one pill, which one is best? What kind of supplement do you need? 

Do you even need a supplement?

I’m Kelsey, a Registered Dietitian with a passion for nutrition research. In this article, I’ll help you answer those questions. 

I’ll start by giving it to you straight. You might not even need a supplement. If you eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you shouldn’t need anything else.

However, that type of diet is easier said than done. 

To hit that goal with food alone, you need to be eating four to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. That’s something that only 10% of Americans do! 

So, using some type of supplement to help you consume your daily vitamins and minerals can definitely come in handy. 

The question is, which is best?

At a Glance

When it comes down to all of the benefits, costs, ingredients, and perks, Athletic Greens is the best choice. 

However, multivitamins can still be a good option for those that want a quick dose of nutrients with little to no flavor.

Keep reading to find out how I really feel about each of these supplements and which one would work best for you!

Quick Facts: Face To Face Comparison 

	Athletic Greens	Multivitamin
Major Health Claims	Promotes Gut Health Supports Immunity Boosts Energy Helps Recovery	Can help increase nutrient intakes Can promote better help and chronic disease prevention Can support specific needs
Dietary Preferences	Dairy-free, Wheat-free, Gluten-free, Corn-free, Lactose-free, Sucrose-free, Egg-free, Peanut-free, and Vegan	Varies depending on brand
Ingredient Count	75	Varies depending on brand
Probiotic Count	7.2 Billion CFU	Varies depending on brand
Calories per Serving	50 Calories per scoop	Varies depending on brand
Macronutrient Count per serving	6g Carbohydrate, 2g Protein, No fat listed	N/A
Net Carbs Per Serving	4g	N/A
Serving Recommendations	Take one scoop (12g) per day with 8-10 ounces of water first thing in the morning.	Take one serving (1-2 capsules or gummies, depending) per day with water. Some multivitamins are required to be taken with food.
Price Per Serving	$3.30 – $3.63	~$0.33
Certifications	NSF Certified for Sport Third-party tested by NSF Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities	Might be third-party tested

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Introductions

What is Athletic Greens?

Athletic Greens, also known as AG1, is a greens powder that you mix into liquid and drink. It has a combination of vitamins and minerals, superfoods, probiotics, plant extracts, digestive enzymes, and mushrooms. 

It is meant to be taken once daily for comprehensive nutrition and gut health support.

What are multivitamins?

Multivitamins are supplements that usually come in pill or gummy form. They often contain a full panel of essential vitamins and minerals. 

Sometimes, they even contain other ingredients like fiber, fish oil, or probiotics.

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Standout Features

Here is a quick overview of the standout features of each supplement:

Athletic Greens

• 7.2 Billion CFU of probiotics
• 75 different nutrients
• Comprehensive nutrition one simple scoop
• May promote gut health, supports immunity, boosts energy, and more
• Manufactured in a Therapeutic Goods Association-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities
• Option to buy travel-sized packets
• NSF Certified for Sport
• Backed by a Scientific Advisory Board

Multivitamin

• Can help prevent deficiencies and diseases
• Can purchase specific supplements for specific needs (prenatal, 50+, children’s, etc)
• Quick and easy to consume 
• Little to no taste
• Can be third-party tested

Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens is a supplement company based out of New Zealand. The company makes AG1, also known as Athletic Greens super greens powder.

Athletic Greens is one of the most popular super greens brands on the market, and there is a reason for that! Their comprehensive blend of 75 ingredients, including probiotics, enzymes, and adaptogens, makes for a very nutrient-dense product. 

The company ensures that each of the 75 ingredients in its product is derived from safe, high-quality sources. Each product is also third-party tested.

Main Benefits

75 nutrient-dense ingredients. 

The comprehensive list of beneficial ingredients in Athletic Greens calls for many health benefits, from preventing chronic diseases to even reducing your risk for cancer. 

This study states that greens powders can even improve blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

Contains pre and probiotics to support proper gut function. 

Prebiotics are high-fiber ingredients that feed your gut bacteria, while probiotics are live bacteria that help balance your microbiome. 

When consumed, they can promote better gut health, which leads to improved overall health outcomes over time.

Contains an antioxidant-rich phytonutrient blend. 

Antioxidants are compounds that are mainly found in fruits and vegetables that ward off toxins in our bodies. They help to improve our immune health to keep us from getting sick and even prevent chronic diseases in the long run.

Offers digestive support from enzymes and fiber. 

Digestive enzymes in Athletic Greens can help to break down foods and improve digestion. This can improve gut health, bloating, and other digestive issues.

Might improve immune function. 

Superfood ingredients in Athletic Greens can promote better immune function, which keeps us healthy in the short and long term. Specifically, mushrooms like reishi and shiitake may help support a healthy immune system.

Can improve metabolism, energy, and recovery. 

A past study states that greens powders had the ability to increase vitality and energy in healthy individuals. Athletic Greens specifically contains plant extracts, herbs, and antioxidants that are said to improve metabolic function, energy, and stress.

Pros

• Third-party tested by NSF
• Manufactured in a TGA-registered, NSF (GMP) registered facilities
• Vegan, wheat, gluten, corn, egg, peanut, sucrose, soy, and dairy-free
• All natural, no artificial ingredients
• Option to buy travel-sized packs
• Option to make a one-time buy or sign up for a subscription
• Tested for heavy metals

Cons

• Some customers report a very bad taste and texture or differences in flavor between product batches
• Pretty expensive compared to other supplements

Multivitamin

The term “multivitamin” covers a lot of different brands and types of supplements. 

In general, however, multivitamins are pills or gummies that contain a range of vitamins and minerals. The dosage of vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients depends on the brand.

Main Benefits

Can help increase nutrient intake.

Taking a daily multivitamin can help ensure that you get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals each day. This can help to fill any nutrient gaps and avoid any nutrient deficiencies.

Can help prevent chronic diseases.

Vitamins and minerals have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are key to preventing disease. 

This study mentions that multivitamins can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and even certain types of cancer.

Might improve pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Certain multivitamins may improve birth outcomes for women. Specifically, prenatal and pregnancy supplements that contain folic acid, iodine, and iron can improve fertility and fetal development.

Can support specific needs. 

You can choose a supplement depending on the type of support you need. 

For example, you can pick a supplement for women over the age of 50. This will likely offer specific nutrients like calcium and vitamin K that other groups may not need.

Pros

• Quick and easy to take
• Can consume as a gummy
• Can be more budget-friendly

Cons

• Not always third-party tested
• Not always regulated or certified by the FDA or NSF
• May contain added sugar or preservatives
• Can overdose on certain nutrients
• Oftentimes, they’re not gluten-free, lactose-free, or vegan
• Ingredients are not always natural

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Ingredients Breakdown

Athletic Greens

Athletic Greens contain 75 nutrient-dense ingredients that fall into four complexes. 

These include the superfood complex, containing natural, whole fruits, and vegetables. Next is the extracts, herbs, and antioxidant complex, which contains medicinal herbs like milk thistle and Rhodiola root. 

The other two groups are the digestive enzyme and mushroom complex and the probiotic complex (made with 7.2 billion CFU of probiotics!).

With each of these groups, the dosage of each individual ingredient is not listed, meaning it is a proprietary blend. However, the dosage of each vitamin, mineral, and complex is listed.

List of Ingredients

• Alkaline, Nutrient-Dense Raw Superfood Complex: 7,388 mg
  • Spirulina, lecithin, apple powder, inulin, wheat grass juice powder, alfalfa, chlorella, barley leaf, broccoli flower, papaya, pineapple, bilberry fruit extract, grape seed extract, green tea leaf extract, licorice root, lycium berry extract, ginger rhizome, slippery elm, kelp
• Nutrient-Dense Extracts, Herbs, and Antioxidants: 2,732 mg
  • Alkaline pea protein isolate, citrus bioflavonoids extract, artichoke leaf extract, citric acid, rhodiola root, eleuthero root, milk thistle seed, R, S alpha-lipoic acid, ashwagandha, dandelion, hawthorn berry, beta-glucans, policosanol, coenzyme Q-10, stevia, vitamin K2
• Digestive Enzyme and Super Mushroom Complex: 154 mg
  • Astragalus root, bromelain, burdock root, reishi mushroom, shitake mushroom
• Probiotics 7.2 billion CFUs: 38 mg
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus UALz-01, Bifidobacterium bifidum UABb-10
• 21 Vitamins and Minerals
  • Vitamin A: 555mcg, 62% DV
  • Vitamin C: 420mg, 467% DV
  • Vitamin E: 83mg, 553% DV
  • Thiamin: 3mg, 250% DV
  • Riboflavin: 2mg, 154% DV
  • Niacin: 20mg NE, 125% DV
  • Vitamin B6: 3mg, 176% DV
  • Folate: 680mc DFE, 170% DV
  • Vitamin B12: 22mcg, 917% DV
  • Biotin: 22mcg, 1110% DV
  • Pantothenic acid: 4mg, 80% DV
  • Calcium: 118mg, 9% DV
  • Phosphorus: 130mg, 10% DV
  • Magnesium: 26mg, 6% DV
  • Zinc: 15mg, 136% DV
  • Selenium: 20mcg, 36% DV
  • Copper: 195 mcg, 22% DV
  • Manganese: 400mcg, 17% DV
  • Chromium: 25 mcg, 71% DV
  • Sodium: 45mg, 2% DV
  • Potassium: 300mg, 6% DV

Multivitamin

As we learned, the ingredients and dosage of a multivitamin will depend on the company and specific needs. 

For example, some companies will promote their product for specific purposes, such as better energy, athletic performance, weight management, immunity, or specific organ health. These supplements might contain additional ingredients like herbs, enzymes, or probiotics, in addition to certain vitamins and minerals.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states: 

“The recommended amounts of nutrients vary by age and sex and are known as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and Adequate Intakes (AIs). However, supplement labels use the Daily Value (DV) for each nutrient, which is often, but not always, similar to the RDA or AI for that nutrient. The %DV for each nutrient will show you how much (what percentage) a serving of the product contributes to reaching the DV.”

Therefore, there isn’t a specific ingredient list or dosage for all multivitamins.

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Taste Test 

Athletic Greens Taste

Customers have mixed reviews about AG1’s taste. From reviews mentioning the “pleasant pineapple and vanilla taste” to its “gross, grassy smell and grainy texture,” it seems like Athletic Greens is an acquired taste for certain consumers. 

Athletic Greens does not contain any added sugar, but it does use stevia, a natural, low-calorie sweetener, to help with the flavor. 

Also, some consumers reported a change in flavor and texture of the product depending on the batch. Athletic Greens responded by saying: 

“Because AG1 contains many whole food-sourced ingredients in addition to live probiotics, the flavor can be impacted by the time of the year, the weather conditions, or even where they’re sourced, much in the same way the taste of wine is influenced by the terroir of the vineyard.

We hold our suppliers to the highest quality standards and constantly test and refine our formula to ensure a great-tasting product.”

Multivitamin Taste 

For the most part, multivitamins do not have much taste at all. However, some customers report a bad aftertaste, especially if the supplement contains fish oil.

If you choose to take your multivitamin as a gummy, they usually have a pleasant fruity flavor. However, the best-tasting multivitamin gummies are often made with added sugar. 

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Pricing Comparison

Athletic Greens

• Price
  • A one-time purchase of one container is $99 USD, which is 30 servings
  • For single-serving travel packets, it will cost $109 for a one-time purchase of 30 packets
  • For a discount, you can choose the monthly subscription to Athletic Greens, which will cost $79 per container or $89 for 30 travel packs per month
• Price Per Serving
  • $3.30 per serving
  • $3.63 per travel pack
• Container Size
  • 12.7 oz per container
  • 12g per single-serving travel pack

Multivitamin

*These prices are based on the average product

• Price
  • In 2019, the average price of an over-the-counter multivitamin was around $10 U.S.
• Price Per Serving
  • On average, there are 30 servings in a container, meaning each serving is about $0.33
• Container Size
  • Containers range from 30-200 capsules, which can change the price, dosage, and serving size.

Comparison of Side Effects and Safety

Athletic Greens states that it is not intended for use by children or women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. They also recommend checking with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medicines or have a pre-existing condition.

Some users complained of stomach pain and nausea after using AG1, which might be due to the high amount of probiotics. It’s recommended to reduce your serving size and gradually increase it over time.

Similarly, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, and anyone with medical conditions or who are on medications should talk to their doctor before taking a multivitamin. 

Because they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multivitamins may have too much of a certain nutrient or contain ingredients not listed in the package. This can lead to additional side effects. 

To avoid this, always choose a supplement that is third-party tested and follow the directions for use.

Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin: Which is the best option?

So, if you’ve decided you need a supplement, let’s weigh our options to find the best for you.

Multivitamins are going to be cheaper, and are usually easier to take. However, you’re going to want to choose one that is third-party tested and suited for your specific needs, which could involve a lot more research. 

You may also find that you need to take more than one to hit all that you want. For example, you’ll need to double up if you want a 50+ multivitamin and a probiotic. This could really add up.

Athletic Greens is definitely more expensive, but it may be worth the investment. With its extremely comprehensive panel of nutrients, you should be covering all of your bases no matter what you need a supplement for.

Whether you want to focus on gut health, immune function, athletic performance, or all three, Athletic Greens could improve them in just one supplement.

Why We Think Athletic Greens Is the Better Option

Based on all of the factors above, I think Athletic Greens is the better option. 

Based on its massive list of natural ingredients, potential benefits, and certifications, Athletic Greens is a more reliable supplement to help you fill any nutritional gaps.

I also like that you can purchase travel packs for easier use, which could make it even more portable than a bottle of pills or gummies.

If you want to potentially improve your immune health, gut function, energy, and just overall health in one supplement, then click here to purchase your first order of Athletic Greens.

Final Thoughts on Athletic Greens vs Multivitamin

As I mentioned at the start, you may not even need a supplement. I’ll add to this by saying that even if you do want to use a supplement to help you fill nutritional gaps, you shouldn’t rely on them alone.

For the best health outcomes, you’ll want to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. 

That being said, supplements can help you get all of the essential vitamins and minerals that you need each day. Often, taking a supplement can’t hurt. 

No matter what supplement you choose, make sure it is third-party tested and comes from a reputable source. It’s also not a bad idea to check with your doctor or registered dietitian before starting a new supplement.

If you’re ready to see what Athletic Greens can do for you, make your first purchase now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Popular Product Reviews: