Athletic Greens, now known as AG1, is a popular greens supplement that has gained significant attention through social media and endorsements by influencers.
It is a nourishing powder supplement that contains 75 vitamins and minerals, and aims at increasing energy stores, enhancing gut health and supporting the immune system.
As a dietary supplement, AG1 offer these benefits to both athletes and other active individuals. But how does it stand on the health chart for pregnant women?
It is generally considered safe to consume while pregnant but it is important to note that it was actually made without the pregnant mom in mind.
This means that, it may pose some level of risk to some expectant mothers, especially those managing some pregnancy conditions.
The scoop is, when considering taking Athletic greens, or any green supplement during pregnancy, it is advisable to first talk to your OB-GYN.
This becomes very necessary because each pregnancy may have different nutritional needs and certain ingredients in supplements could potentially interfere with pregnancy-related health conditions.
It is worth mentioning that Athletic greens should in no way replace your prenatal vitamins, as these multivitamins are particularly designed for your needs as a pregnant woman.
So even if your health professional gives you the go ahead, do not substitute prenatals for athletic greens.
Can you take AG1 with prenatal?
Athletic Greens, also AG1, is a superfood supplement that offers the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
Prenatals on the other hand, are usually formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women and typically contain essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium that are important for the healthy development of the fetus and the mom’s health.
But before taking them together, talk with doctor. While it’s generally safe for pregnant women to take prenatal vitamins as recommended by their healthcare providers, adding additional supplements like Athletic greens (AG1) should be done with caution and under their guidance.
Here are a few considerations:
Nutrient Overload
Some vitamins and minerals can be harmful in excess. Combining AG1 and prenatal vitamins may result in consuming more of certain nutrients than is safe during pregnancy.
For example, overly having Vitamin A during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you assess your overall nutrient intake and adjust your supplements accordingly.
Potential Interactions
There can be interactions between different supplements and medications. And your doctor can review the specific ingredients in both the prenatal vitamins and Athletic Greens to check for any potential interactions.
Individual Needs
Your doctor can also take into account your individual dietary habits, nutritional needs, and any medical conditions you may have to make appropriate recommendations.
In many cases, a well balanced diet that incorporates a variety of nutrient-rich foods plus your prenatals can offer the necessary vitamins and minerals you need for this journey. Thus, the need to reduce additional supplementing.
But your OB-GYN is the best person to determine whether it’s going to be safe combining these two because they can provide personalized advice based on your unique health and nutritional requirements.
Are green supplements safe during pregnancy?
The safety of green supplements during pregnancy boils down to the specific supplement and its ingredients.
As mentioned earlier, not all those green powders you see out there are preggo-friendly. Some of them might actually be a bit iffy for moms-to be.
For instance, prenatal nutrition plays a significant role in every mom’s health and the little one’s growth, but most green powders are not created targeting pregnant women, which also means varying safety levels.
Though the good ones can help round out any nutritional gaps in pregnant woman’s diet, they should keep these few key points in mind anytime they decide on having them;
- Consulting with your OB-GYN: Before adding new supplement to your pregnancy diet, your doctor should be aware because they can easily evaluate your particular health needs and potential risks that may accompany with a specific supplementing regimen you are considering.
- Choosing a reputable brand: If you and your doctor decides that green supplements might be beneficial at this time, then make sure to choose a reputable brand with a good track record of producing high quality products. Read products carefully to understand the ingredients, and where you don’t, ask for explanation.
- Avoid ingredients that can harm you: Some of these supplements may contain herbs, botanicals or some ingredients like licorice root, blue or black cohosh, caffeine or even high levels of vitamin A which isn’t ideal during pregnancy.
- Balanced diet first: While they can be helpful, it’s important to remember that a well-balanced diet should be your main source of nutrition while expecting. Try to get as many nutrients as possible from whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Complement, don’t replace: Green supplements should rather complement your diet than replacing it. They can be a convenient way to increase your intake of certain nutrients, but they must not be solely relied on as a source of nutrition.
- Monitor for allergic reactions: If you have any known food allergy or sensitivities, be cautious when trying new supplements. Check the ingredient list to make sure you’re not consuming anything that could trigger a reaction.
- Stay hydrated: Some greens are high in fiber which can aid digestion but may also require increased fluid intake or rehydration. So be sure to stay adequately hydrated.
Is blooms greens safe for pregnancy?
According to the Blooms greens company, the product aids with digestion, bloating and immunity but the catch is that these claims have not been evaluated and certified by the Food and Drugs Authority for safety or potency during pregnancy.
Nonetheless, some sources suggest its use in pregnancy but the special sauce is to discuss with your nutritionist or doctor before adding any new supplement to a prenatal regimen because your health needs and sensitivities are certainly different from your pregnant friend.
Are athletic greens safe while breastfeeding?
Athletic greens or AG1 is generally known to be safe to take while breastfeeding. It contains various nutrients that can support your overall health as a nursing mom.
When considering buying, discuss with your doctor first and if he/she gives you the go ahead, heed by the following key notes:
- Combine with a balanced diet
- Drink enough water to continue supporting milk production
- Monitor for allergic reactions
- Be mindful on the dosage
Are greens good for early pregnancy?
Greens such as leafy vegetables and others can be a great addition to your diet during early pregnancy or the first trimester.
They are rich in nutrients that are helpful to you and the developing baby. These are why you require them in early pregnancy;
- Folate: Leafy greens like spinach, collard and kale are great sources of folic acid required in pregnancy. Adequately having folate can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby.
- Fiber: They are high in fiber which is crucial to easing constipation. Fiber can also help digestive health and control blood sugar levels.
- Vitamins: Green leafy veggies are a powerhouse of vitamin C, K calcium and iron which are necessary for baby’s bone and blood health.
- Antioxidants: They are mostly rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene which helps to protect body cells from damage cause by free radicals
- Hydration: Leafy greens have high water content which can help dehydration when combined with the right electrolyte drinks or frequent water intake.
- Low in calories: They have no contribution to weight gain because they barely have any calorie!
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 as well safe in moderation. But before taking them, talk to your doctor.
When pregnant women decides on taking greens powders in, then it’s best idea to discuss with your doctor first; If he or she gives you the go ahead, then consider options like AG1 by Athletic greens, Opti-Greens 50 by 1st Phorm, and Primal Greens by Primal Harvest or better still, choose organic and natural ingredients.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, whether you can chug Athletic Greens, AG1 or any supplement while pregnant depends on a few things: what’s in the bottle, how your body’s doing, and what your doctor says.
Your little nugget’s safety is top priority, so talk to your healthcare pro before you start mixing up any new concoctions during pregnancy.
They’ll give you the lowdown on what’s best for your unique situation, making sure your pregnancy ride is smooth and healthy.
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)
