Athletes and fitness enthusiasts know that nutrition is just as important as training. While workouts build strength and endurance, it is the nutrients you consume before and after exercise that fuel performance, support recovery, and protect long-term health.

In the world of superfood blends and all-in-one nutrition powders, two names stand out: AG1® (formerly Athletic Greens) and AEON ONE™. Both claim to provide comprehensive daily nutrition, but how do they compare specifically for athletic performance and recovery?

This article takes a detailed look at the two blends, focusing on energy production, endurance support, muscle recovery, and long-term resilience for athletes. If you are training hard and want to know which supplement better supports your goals, read on.

Why Athletes Need Specialized Nutrition 

Athletes demand more from their bodies than the average person. Training intensity, endurance sessions, and strength work all place stress on muscles, joints, and the immune system. Proper nutrition is essential to: 

1. Fuel Energy Production: Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins provide energy, but vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, magnesium, and iron are required to turn food into usable fuel. 
2. Support Muscle Repair and Growth: Protein and amino acids rebuild muscle tissue after exercise, but nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants also play vital roles in tissue repair. 
3. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Intense exercise increases oxidative stress, which can lead to muscle soreness and slower recovery. Antioxidants from plants and superfoods neutralize free radicals. 
4. Maintain Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are critical for fluid balance, muscle contraction, and nerve signalling during workouts. 
5. Protect Immunity: Heavy training can temporarily weaken immunity, leaving athletes vulnerable to illness. Probiotics, adaptogens, and immune-supportive herbs can reduce this risk. 
6. Enhance Mental Focus and Stress Resilience: The mental demands of training are high. Adaptogens, nootropics, and stable energy sources help athletes stay sharp and balanced. 

Superfood blends designed for athletes should cover all of these bases. 

AG1® for Athletes: Strengths and Limitations 

AG1® is marketed as a daily all-in-one nutritional insurance. For athletes, it provides: 

Strengths 

• Micronutrient Coverage: AG1® includes over 70 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food ingredients. It covers essential nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, and magnesium, all of which are important for energy and muscle repair. 
• Antioxidant Support: Ingredients like spirulina, chlorella, and green tea extract provide antioxidants that reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress. 
• Probiotics: About 7.2 billion CFU of probiotics support gut health and immune resilience, which can be weakened by intense training. 
• Enzymes: Papain, bromelain, and lipase aid digestion and nutrient absorption. 
• Convenience: A single scoop delivers a wide spectrum of nutrients, making it easy for athletes with busy schedules. 

Limitations 

• Lack of Protein or Amino Acids: AG1® is not a protein source and does not provide branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) or other key compounds for muscle recovery. 
• Proprietary Blends: Ingredients are grouped into complexes, so exact dosages are unclear. This makes it difficult to know if levels are high enough to support athletic recovery. 
• Limited Adaptogen Support: While some herbs are included, AG1® does not emphasize adaptogens that help athletes manage stress, cortisol, and endurance. 
• Electrolyte Support: AG1® does not provide significant electrolytes such as sodium or potassium for hydration. 

In short, AG1® works well as a nutritional foundation for athletes but may not fully cover performance and recovery needs. 

AEON ONE™ for Athletes: Strengths and Advantages 

AEON ONE™ positions itself as a functional super blend designed for performance, recovery, and long-term vitality. For athletes, it provides: 

Strengths 

• Micronutrient Density: Like AG1®, AEON ONE™ provides vitamins and minerals, but it places stronger emphasis on bioavailable forms that are easier for the body to absorb. 
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Bacillus coagulans plus prebiotics such as acacia fibre and Jerusalem artichoke improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and gut-immune balance. 
• Comprehensive Enzymes: AEON ONE™ lists a variety of digestive enzymes (e.g. amylase, protease, lipase) that ensure efficient breakdown of carbs, proteins, and fats for better energy delivery, and claims to use bioavailable nutrient forms; refer to the product label for full enzyme range and nutrient form details. 
• Adaptogens for Performance: Adaptogens such as rhodiola and ashwagandha are associated in some clinical studies with reduced fatigue under stress, but effects depend strongly on dose, formulation, and individual response. 
• Antioxidant Power: Turmeric, berries, and green botanicals provide strong antioxidant protection against exercise-induced oxidative stress. 
• Herbs for Recovery: Ginger and licorice root reduce inflammation and support tissue healing after training. 
• Gut-Brain Axis Support: With probiotics and adaptogens, AEON ONE™ supports not just physical recovery but also mental focus and resilience. 
• Sustainable Energy: The blend emphasizes steady, plant-based energy rather than quick spikes, making it ideal for pre-workout preparation. 

Limitations 

• No Direct Protein Source: Like AG1®, AEON ONE™ is not a protein powder, so athletes will still need protein shakes or whole food to meet recovery protein needs. 
• Premium Positioning: AEON ONE™ is a specialized product, so the cost may be higher than basic greens powders. 

In summary, AEON ONE™ contains ingredients that may help build resilience and adaptive stress responses when used consistently, according to preliminary studies on individual ingredients. 

Head-to-Head Ingredient Comparison for Athletes 

Supplement Safety Reminder 
Supplement claims are not evaluated by the FDA the same way drugs are. Both established and newer brands have faced regulatory scrutiny for overstated claims. Always read the Supplement Facts label, look for third-party testing, and consult a healthcare professional before use. 

Lifestyle and Athletic Fit 

AG1®: Great for athletes who want convenience and a broad daily nutrient base. Works well as nutritional insurance but requires additional supplementation for performance, electrolytes, and recovery. 

AEON ONE™: Better for athletes who want a functional edge. Adaptogens, antioxidants, and recovery herbs make it more effective for managing the stress of training, improving endurance, and reducing inflammation after workouts. 

Also Read: 5 Hollywood Celebrities Who Swear By This Ancient Ingredient for Their Health and Wellness! 

Which Blend Fuels Performance and Recovery Better? 

Athletes and active individuals demand more from their supplements than the average consumer. Performance depends on steady energy, efficient nutrient utilization, and strong mental focus, while recovery requires antioxidants, anti-inflammatory support, and stress regulation. When we compare AG1®and AEON ONE™ in this context, the differences become clear. 

AG1®: Solid Foundation for General Wellness 

AG1® provides a broad base of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which are essential for everyday performance. Athletes benefit from: 

• Micronutrients for energy metabolism: B vitamins, magnesium, and iron in AG1® help convert carbohydrates and fats into usable fuel during workouts. 
• Antioxidants for oxidative stress: Spirulina, chlorella, and green tea extract help neutralize free radicals generated during intense training. 
• Probiotics for gut and immune support: Maintaining gut health is critical for nutrient absorption, and AG1®’s probiotics contribute to that balance. 

However, AG1®’s role is primarily nutritional insurance. It ensures athletes do not fall short on daily nutrients but does not provide specialized recovery or performance enhancers. The absence of adaptogens, targeted herbs, and significant electrolyte support makes it less effective for managing the unique stresses of athletic training. 

AEON ONE™: Functional Support for Athletes 

AEON ONE™ takes a layered approach that is more aligned with the needs of athletes. It builds on a nutrient foundation but goes further with targeted compounds that enhance both performance and recovery: 

Energy and Endurance 

• Adaptogens such as rhodiola and ashwagandha help delay fatigue, improve oxygen utilization, and balance cortisol levels during training. 
• Enzymes like amylase, protease, and lipase ensure efficient digestion of macronutrients, making energy more readily available. 

Muscle Recovery 

• Turmeric and berry antioxidants reduce post-exercise inflammation and oxidative damage. 
• Ginger supports circulation and lowers muscle soreness, helping athletes return to training faster. 

Immune Resilience 

• AEON ONE™ includes multiple mushrooms and adaptogens that may modulate immune activity; small studies support immune-modulating effects for certain mushroom polysaccharides, but clinical outcomes depend on dose and product quality. 

Mental Focus and Stress Balance 

• Reishi and rhodiola provide neuroprotective and calming effects, keeping athletes mentally sharp and better able to handle competitive stress. 

Also Read: Link Between Muscle Growth and Gut Microbiome 

Head-to-Head Verdict 

• AG1® is best described as a generalist supplement. It covers essential nutrition and helps maintain health during training, but it is not designed as a performance or recovery enhancer. 
• AEON ONE™ is a specialist supplement for athletes. Its inclusion of adaptogens, comprehensive antioxidants, and targeted herbs makes it better suited to manage exercise-induced stress, accelerate muscle recovery, and support endurance. 

Final Takeaway 

For athletes looking to fill nutrient gaps, AG1® offers broad coverage. AEON ONE™ offers additional adaptogen, antioxidant, and enzyme support, which may benefit those seeking enhanced recovery and resilience. Your ideal choice depends on your priorities, training load, and nutritional gaps. 

FAQs About AEON ONE™ vs AG1® for Athletes 

1. Can either AG1® or AEON ONE™ replace protein powder after workouts? 

 No. Both blends support recovery but are not protein sources. Athletes still need protein shakes or whole food protein for muscle repair. 

2. Do adaptogens really improve endurance? 

 Yes. Research on rhodiola and ashwagandha shows improvements in VO2 max, reduced fatigue, and better strength gains when combined with training. 

3. Which blend is better before workouts? 

 AEON ONE™ may be better because its adaptogens and antioxidant support can reduce fatigue and oxidative stress, while AG1® is more of a general nutrient insurance. 

4. Can probiotics really support athletic recovery? 

 Yes. Studies confirm that probiotics reduce inflammation and help maintain immune strength, which is especially important for athletes under training stress. 

5. Do either of these blends provide electrolytes? 

 Not in meaningful amounts. Athletes will still need electrolyte drinks or foods to replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost during sweat-heavy sessions. 

6. Is AEON ONE™ worth the premium for athletes? 

 Yes, if performance and recovery are priorities. Its adaptogens, herbs, and diverse antioxidants provide benefits AG1® does not emphasize. 

7. How long does it take to notice benefits? 

Some users report improvements in 2–3 weeks; clinical changes may take 4–8 weeks. 

8. Are supplement claims regulated?  

Not in the same way as medications. Supplements like AEON ONE™ and AG1® fall under food regulation, which means companies can market them with limited oversight. 

Conclusion 

Athletes need more than just a multivitamin to perform at their best. They require targeted nutrition that fuels energy, supports recovery, protects immunity, and reduces stress. 

AG1® delivers a solid foundation of nutrients and probiotics, making it a dependable daily option for general wellness. However, its lack of adaptogens, recovery herbs, and electrolyte support limits its usefulness for athletes who demand more from their nutrition. 

AEON ONE™ builds on the basics with a layered approach to athletic performance. By combining micronutrients, Bacillus coagulans, comprehensive enzymes, adaptogens, antioxidants, and recovery herbs, it gives athletes the tools to fuel endurance, repair muscles, and bounce back stronger after training. 

AG1® and AEON ONE™ take different approaches. AG1® emphasizes micronutrient coverage and third-party testing; AEON ONE™ emphasizes whole-food diversity, adaptogens, and mushroom variety. Which is ‘better’ depends on your goals. 

Regulatory Caution: dietary supplement claims are not evaluated by the FDA the same way drugs are, and brands have faced regulatory scrutiny in the past for overstated health claims. Always check product Supplement Facts, third party test results, and consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements. Look for third party testing and certificates of analysis when assessing quality. 

How We Verified This Article 
The details presented were cross-checked against the official Supplement Facts panels for AEON ONE™ (from trueaeon.com/products/aeon-one) and AG1® (from drinkag1.com/product) as of October 2025. Ingredient lists, probiotic strain names, and third-party certifications (such as NSF Certified for Sport) were confirmed using publicly available brand documentation. Pricing information reflects brand-site retail prices at time of review.