Bryan Johnson, a prominent biohacker and advocate for longevity, has recently taken a strong stance against AG1, the popular green supplement that has gained attention through extensive influencer marketing.
In a series of posts from late January, Johnson criticized AG1 for being overpriced and lacking scientific credibility. He referred to it as “one of the lowest value health products in the world, despite its heavy promotion,” and claimed that the company incentivizes influencers with “up to $60 per new subscription and a $30 monthly recurring kickback,” in addition to offering equity in the company.
To back up his claims, Johnson provided a detailed cost analysis that he asserted demonstrated AG1’s profit margins. He compared AG1’s retail price of $79 against an estimated total cost of around $19, resulting in a gross margin of $60, or 75.9%.
Johnson went on to juxtapose AG1’s marketing tactics with those of fast-food chains. He argued that while “McDonald’s openly taunts you,” AG1 instead relies on consumer trust and its “proprietary blend.” He pointed out that the primary ingredients in AG1 are inexpensive greens and emulsifiers, suggesting that higher-value components are present only in minimal quantities.
In casting his critique as a consumer advocacy effort, Johnson expanded it into a moral argument. He declared, “AG1 is bad for the world” and characterized it as “overpriced” and “underdelivering.” He further asserted that science indicates it possesses no clinical effects and accused the brand of damaging consumer trust.
As a humorous twist, Johnson shared a meme featuring Homer Simpson poised to press a button, with a crowd watching. The caption read, “Get ready everyone, he’s about to do something stupid,” accompanied by an Amazon listing for AG1 priced at $110.
Online reactions to Johnson’s statements gained traction on X. @AutismCapital tweeted, “ICYMI: Bryan Johnson getting into a fight with Athletic Greens was one of the funnier things that happened on X today.”
Some speculated that AG1’s sponsorship deals might explain Johnson’s absence from major podcasts. When questioned, Johnson answered cautiously, confirming, “It’s accurate that neither Rogan nor Huberman has invited me on their pods,” but he avoided agreeing with the implication behind the statement.
What the science actually says about AG1’s health benefits
Current research offers a limited view of AG1’s health benefits. A clinical study published in December 2024 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition specifically examined gut health benefits and concluded that AG1 “can be consumed safely by healthy adults over four weeks, with a potential beneficial impact on their digestive symptom quality of life.”
While this study did not indicate significant health transformations, it also did not completely disprove AG1’s effects.
Science communicator Jonathan Jarry, M.Sc., from McGill University, provided additional context. He pointed out that medical professionals often advise against unnecessary supplements, while wellness culture promotes constant supplementation. “AG1 is right for everyone, apparently, ‘just in case,'” Jarry remarked, likening this logic to vitamin marketing from the mid-20th century.
Jarry further noted that many individuals typically meet their nutrient requirements through their diet. He stressed that enzymes, adaptogens, and probiotics often lack solid evidence supporting their benefits for humans. Nevertheless, his criticisms targeted the overall industry mentality rather than corroborating Johnson’s most extreme claims.
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