Supplements like Athletic Greens can seem appealing because they promise a boost of vitamins and minerals from various plant sources, all in a scoop. During pregnancy, there is an increased need for nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
However, AG1 contains these nutrients in levels that exceed the safe limits for pregnant women. Thus, we don’t recommend it for pregnant women. Let’s discuss this further here:
Can you take athletic greens while pregnant?
Regarding Athletic Greens while pregnant, advice from health advisors is clear: it’s recommended to exercise caution. To start with, Athletic Greens, on their website, points out clearly that pregnant customers are to stay off their products.
Athletic Greens contains adaptogens such as ashwagandha and eleuthero root, which pregnant women are advised to avoid. Furthermore, the presence of spirulina raises concerns since there are currently no definitive studies that prove its safety during pregnancy.
There is no doubt that AG1 may provide benefits like improved gut health, energy, recovery, and immunity in non-pregnant women. However, when you’re expecting, the priority is the wellbeing of both you and the little one.
High doses of certain vitamins and minerals in supplements can harm your unborn baby and might interact with other medications during pregnancy. That’s why we strongly advise against adding Athletic Greens, or any unprescribed supplement at all, to your routine during pregnancy.
Your prenatal vitamins are a reliable way to meet your vitamin needs. Also, think of adding dark green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits to your pregnancy diet; these can provide the boost you need for a healthier, nutrient-rich journey!
AG1 Alternatives for pregnant women
Finding the right nutritional support is important, but it’s important to do that the right way. We suggest these alternatives to Athletic Greens during pregnancy ;
Prenatal vitamins
Prenatals focus on key nutrients that are super important for your baby’s development. For instance, they’ve got folic acid, which prevents birth defects and irons, keeping your blood healthy.
They also have the right amounts of vitamins and minerals customized to what your body needs now. Doctors often suggest starting these vitamins even before you get pregnant and keeping up with them till your baby’s out, which shows just how beneficial they are.
And even better, they’re usually more budget-friendly compared to some other supplements out there, making them a smart pick for your wallet, too. While these are awesome, they work magic best alongside a healthy diet. Eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains mean a lot while on prenatals.
Single-ingredient supplements
These are just supplements that have one main vitamin or mineral in them. Why might these be a good option? Well, when you’re pregnant, your doctor will often tell you exactly what nutrient you need more of.
Maybe you need extra iron because you’re feeling super tired, or perhaps your blood tests show you could use more vitamin D. Single-ingredient supplements let you target just what you need without getting too much of other stuff.
Food-based nutrition
When you’re pregnant, eating lots of good, healthy foods is one of the best ways to make sure you and your baby are getting all the right stuff your bodies need. So instead of picking something like Athletic Greens, you can focus on food-based nutrition.
This means getting your vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat every day. Fresh fruits for vitamins, leafy greens for iron and calcium, whole grains for energy and lean meats for protein.
Eating a rainbow of foods, all different colors and types, can help make sure you and your baby are healthy. Oranges, berries, carrots, spinach – each color usually means a different vitamin or mineral.
And unlike supplements that you gulp down with a glass of water, foods give your body the nutrients slowly, which can be better for you and the baby.
Smoothies
Smoothies can be that fantastic and yummy alternative to Athletic Greens, giving you lots of good stuff your body needs in a tasty, easy-to-make drink.
They are great because you can throw in a bunch of different fruits and veggies, and voilà, you’ve got a delicious drink packed with vitamins and minerals. For example, you can blend up some spinach or kale, which would certainly sort you out on some iron and calcium.
Adding berries into this mix can boost your Vitamin C intake. A couple of bananas, in addition, can provide potassium. And throwing in a scoop of peanut butter can make up to some healthy fats and proteins. It’s way customizable.
You’re always able to adjust the ingredients depending on what your body needs, or perhaps what you feel like eating. And even some days when your appetite seems to bug out, sipping on a smoothie can be easier to still get nourished.
Consult a dietitian
Seeing a dietitian can be a game-changer. They look at your current eating habits and help tweak them so you’re getting all the important nutrients. It’s more or less like customizing a meal plan just for you.
Let’s say you aren’t really a fan of certain veggies, or you have persisting morning sickness and maybe can’t stand the sight of greens. A dietitian can suggest options to ensure you’re still keeping up to all the good stuff.
They might recommend other foods or show you how to sneak healthy foods into meals you already love. Moreover, they don’t just give you a list of foods and be done with you. They’re there to answer your questions and make changes to your plan as you advance in your journey.
It’s always best to allow your doctor to be part of your decision to incorporate supplements, including Athletic greens into your pregnancy diet. Doctors can help ensure whether it’s necessary to go ahead at this time or just skip them.
FAQs – Can Pregnant Women Take Athletic Greens?
The safety of superfood powders depend on the particular brand and the ingredients it contains. While some are safe to be taken while pregnant, others may contain ingredients which aren’t pregnancy-safe.
Supplements that are very high in Vitamin A, especially in the form of retinol can be harmful to the developing baby and should be avoided. In addition, weight loss supplements and some herbal concoctions should be avoided at this time, unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Plant based proteins such as pea, hemp or brown rice protein can be safe during pregnancy. Whey and soy protein are also safe in moderation. But before taking them, talk to your doctor.
Can You Take Athletic Greens While Pregnant? – Final Say
Bear in mind that during pregnancy, your body’s nutritional needs are pretty specific. You’re not just eating for one—you’re eating for two! While Athletic Greens pack a bunch of nutrients in one convenient scoop, you don’t need them now, much more in such excess amounts. It’s better to stay off AG1 while pregnant and resort to getting your nutrients from vegetables, fruits and other common, nutritive foodstuffs.
References:
Healthline (AG1 Review: A Dietitian’s Take and What We Think After Trying It), Forbes (Athletic Greens (AG1) Review In 2023), Garage Gym Reviews (Best Greens Powder for Pregnancy – 2023)
