Investigating “Athletic Greens” Supplement
Introduction
I recently became curious about “Athletic Greens,” a dietary supplement containing 72 vitamins and minerals, known for its potential benefits on the intestines, immune system, energy metabolism, and muscles. In this article, I’ll share my experiences and how this supplement affected my blood test.
Author: Enrico Zessin, Physician in further training for internal medicine and sports medicine, medical officer of the German Athletics Association, and qualified molecular biologist
Getting Started with “Athletic Greens”
I order “Athletic Greens” – for a steep price
Obtaining “Athletic Greens” is straightforward, available for purchase on the manufacturer’s website. I opted for a one-month supply at a cost of 107 euros to test it out.
To start, I go to the doctor for a check-up
Before starting my self-experiment, I visited my doctor for a check-up, aiming for a before-and-after comparison of my blood values. After having my blood drawn, I began taking the recommended daily dose of AG1, mixing 12 grams with 150 milliliters of water.
Consistency and Taste
Consistency and taste of “Athletic Greens” – okay but not my favorite
Upon opening the “Athletic Greens” pack, I noticed the powder’s earthy color and texture, reminiscent of healing earth, and its poor water solubility. However, the provided drinking bottle helped mix it efficiently. The taste was like a concentrated vitamin C effervescent tablet, which wasn’t my preference.
Experiencing Gastrointestinal Issues
After a few days, I adapted to my daily “Athletic Greens” routine, but towards the end of the four weeks, I experienced some fatigue with the drink. Additionally, I encountered gastrointestinal problems such as a hard stomach, slight cramps, and digestive issues for a few days, which was unexpected and concerning.
Analyzing Blood Values
At the end of my one-month self-experiment, I had another blood test. While most values remained within the normal range, some changes were noticeable. Notably, my “good” cholesterol (HDL) increased, “bad” cholesterol (LDL) decreased, and blood platelets slightly increased. There were slight elevations in creatinine, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT), although still within acceptable limits.
Expert Opinion
I sought the opinion of nutritionist Dr. Matthias Riedl, who expressed concerns about “Athletic Greens” due to its high dosage of individual ingredients. He recommended obtaining vitamins and minerals through a balanced diet rather than relying on this supplement.
Interpretation of Blood Values
While my blood values seemed to improve during the month of using AG1, it’s important to note that these are subjective interpretations based on snapshots. Minor fluctuations within the normal range are common and don’t guarantee significant positive effects.
Conclusion
After a month of testing “Athletic Greens,” I found the supplement easy to incorporate into my routine. However, personally, I wasn’t a fan of the taste, consistency, and cost. While my blood values showed some positive changes, I’ll continue to focus on obtaining nutrients from my regular diet.