Bryan Johnson slams popular supplements brand as ‘influencer heist’,
Biohacker Bryan Johnson has lifted the lid on popular AG1 supplements, which he claims ‘show no clinical benefit.’
The 48-year-old biohacker, who claims to be more than a decade younger biologically, highlighted a clinical trial of Athletic Greens (AG1), an influencer-loved supplement powder that claims to support gut health, boost energy production, improve immune health and fill gaps in vital nutrients.
Johnson, who claims to take over 100 supplements every day to lower his biological age, warned against taking AG1 and urged followers to ‘cancel your subscription.’
He pointed to a resurfaced 2024 clinical trial of the product, which looked at 30 healthy adults, half of whom took AG1 for four weeks while the other half used a placebo.
Researchers then took stool samples from the participants and asked them questions about their digestive health.
The study found that people who took AG1, had small improvements to their gut microbiome, the body’s natural hub of healthy bacteria that influences metabolism, immune health and digestive function.
There were also no negative effects, but the improvements were not statistically significant over people taking the placebo, meaning longer term research is needed to determine exact benefits.
Johnson instead pointed toward two cheaper supplements: chicory inulin and resistant starch, both of which are believed to improve gut health, balance blood sugar and maintain weight, though studies only show associations rather than proven benefits.
AG1 powder costs $79 per month with a subscription and $99 for a one-time purchase. Each bag has 30 servings. Chicory inulin powder ranges from $13 to $25 for a 16-ounce container, while resistant starch powder is around $20 to $40 for the same amount, which can last for roughly a month.
This adds up to $2.60 to $3.30 per serving of AG1 and between $0.40 and $1.33 for the alternatives.
Johnson said on X: ‘I’d cancel your AG1 subscription. They just completed a clinical trial and the results show no clinical benefit. This has been obvious for years. AG1 has no real product substance and is fundamentally an influencer heist.
‘AG1 is not worth $79 [per month].’
On X, AG1 responded to Johnson’s post Wednesday and said ‘this year-old study doesn’t say what you’re claiming. It showed improved nutrient status and digestive quality of life, consistent with multiple randomized, placebo-controlled AG1 trials. Data > narratives.’
In a separate reply on X Wednesday the brand said: ‘Contrary to your false claims, our research program includes multiple clinical trials that demonstrate positive impacts. We believe in transparency and stand by the quality and results of our research.’
Daily Mail has reached out to AG1 for comment.
The clinical trial Johnson referenced was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2024. It included 15 men and 15 women between ages 18 and 50 who filled out questionnaires about their digestive health, sent in stool samples before and after and underwent blood work.
The study found AG1 increased the amount of several beneficial probiotic species, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactococcus lactis and Acetatifactor sp.
The team said that while it ‘appeared to be safe for daily consumption,’ the results were not statistically significant, and ‘further investigation of AG1 in a population with GI issues could potentially have a more significant impact on digestive quality of life based on these findings.’
The clinical trial was the most recently published one on AG1. The brand points on its website to that trial and several earlier studies to support its claims that the supplement boosts digestion, immune health, energy and gut health.
Johnson pointed to chicory inulin and resistant starch as alternative supplements to improve gut health.
Chicory inulin is a natural soluble fiber, meaning it dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance during digestion, helping to slow digestion down and promote fullness. It can be found in several foods, including asparagus, bananas, garlic, artichokes, leeks and onions, though it is also sold in supplement form.
Studies suggest chicory inulin helps support regular bowel movements and blood sugar control. One four-week study in 44 adults with constipation found taking 12 grams (0.4 ounces) of chicory inulin each day had softer, easier to pass stools and more bowel movements compared to a placebo.
Another small study suggested taking 10 grams (0.3 ounces) per day increased the number of bowel movements from four to five.
Resistant starch is a form of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and instead ferments in the large intestine, feeding healthy bacteria, regulating blood sugar and increasing fullness.
A 2022 review found that resistant starch may improve insulin sensitivity and fullness but cautioned that it ‘is not a well-studied and documented component of the diet.’
Higher doses of either supplement can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, loose stools and gas.
