(OR19-05-25) AG1®, a Foundational Nutrition Supplement, Closes Nutrient Gaps in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Diet quality in the US is poor leading to inadequate intake of micronutrients. The effects of 12 weeks of daily AG1^® consumption on nutrient adequacy in healthy adults with suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake were assessed.

Methods: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial was conducted in 120 healthy adults (41 ± 10 y and 73.3% F) with suboptimal fruit and vegetable intakes, mirroring the standard US diet. Participants were asked to maintain their normal diet and randomly assigned to either AG1^® (daily serving of 13 g) or placebo (maltodextrin matched for taste and appearance), for 12 weeks. ASA24^® was used to assess dietary intake at baseline and endpoint (nutrient values from AG1 or placebo added). Nutrient gaps were defined as the difference between an individual's reported dietary intake and established dietary targets [the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for specific nutrients].  Sixteen micronutrients were included in the assessment based on the following criteria: the micronutrients were present in the study product, could be measured by ASA24^®, and had an EAR.  A combined nutrient gap score was calculated with the summation of nutrient intakes that met the EAR (each nutrient EAR met = 1 for a maximum score of 16).

Results: Of the 120 participants, 98 (41 ± 10 years and 74.5% F) completed baseline and endpoint recalls and were included in the nutrient gap analysis. At baseline, the AG1 and placebo groups met 11.2 ± 3.5 and 10.8 ± 4.3 out of 16 nutrient EARs, respectively with no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Following the intervention, AG1 significantly increased the total number of EARs met compared to placebo [3.8 (95% CI: 2.5, 5.2);  p < 0.0001]. Within the AG1 group, 3.8 (95% CI: 2.7, 5.0) nutrient gaps were closed compared to 0.4 (95% CI: -0.8, 1.6) in the placebo group. Zinc, vitamins A, C, and E were the most common nutrient gaps filled by the AG1 intervention.

Conclusions: AG1^® consumption significantly improves nutrient adequacy by reducing nutrient gaps in healthy adults whose fruit and vegetable intake mirrors that of the average US adult.

Funding Sources: AG1; Carson City, NV 89701, USA