Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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It's proven that when you try to be all things to all people, you generally end up missing the mark. The same is true of products. Take, for example, Microsoft Windows Vista, Google Glass, or the Juicero Juicer. Their attempts to cater to every need ended up with mediocrity on every front. That brings us to Morning Complete, a greens powder that claims to also be a prebiotic and a probiotic. True to the mold, it falls short in each of these areas.
So, is Morning Complete worth the money? We've invested the hours and done the in-depth research to answer that question, so you don't have to. Read on for an in-depth analysis of this much-hyped greens powder, complete with a comparison to three leading alternatives.
Every ActivatedYou formula is designed to help the body attain its natural state of vibrant health and features an array of high-quality plant-based compounds, making them...
What is Morning Complete?
Produced by the company ActivatedYou, Morning Complete is a greens powder dietary supplement that also purports to be a prebiotic and probiotic supplement. It is advertised as an all-inclusive solution that offers a blend of nutrients, superfoods, and digestive support to improve overall health and well-being.
There are several different proprietary ingredient blends in Morning Complete. These include a prebiotic fiber blend to maintain gut health and encourage the development of good gut bacteria and a Superfood Greens Blend that includes a variety of green plants, including spinach, kale, wheatgrass, and spirulina.
ActivatedYou Morning Complete Review: Pass or Fail?
Morning Complete immediately got a con from me when I realized it comprised several proprietary blends. This is a slap in the face to the consumer, who deserves to know how much of each active ingredient they're getting. With a proprietary blend, however, that information is hidden from you; that's not a good start!
The other problem with Morning Complete, which I alluded to in the introduction, is that it tries to be all things to all people: a green powder, a prebiotic, and a probiotic. Unfortunately, it provides a mediocre showing at best on each of these counts. The combined effect is slightly better than each aspect taken individually, but not by a long shot. The bottom line is that Morning Complete is an average greens powder with a slight extra edge in pre and probiotics. Still, you'd be much better, both from a wellness and financial point of view, buying a separate greens, pre, and probiotic supplement.
Overall Verdict: Hesitant PASS
Pros
- A greens powder with pre and probiotic benefits
- Contains fiber
- Supports gut health
Cons
- Includes flavorings
- No published 3rd party testing data
Morning Complete Ingredients
Let's now dig into the individual ingredient blends to discover what powers Morning Complete:
1. Prebiotic and high fiber - 4.05 g
This blend combines organic tapioca fiber with cinnamon bark. Tapioca is a starchy food made from the cassava root. Tapioca may be employed as a source of dietary fiber in specific formulations, even though it is not normally thought of as a prebiotic fiber. Dietary fiber helps boost the formation of good gut bacteria and encourages regular bowel movements, among other advantages for digestive health.
Cinnamon bark is derived from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon contains substances with potential health advantages, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
2. Green Superfoods Blend - 735 mg
The Green Superfoods blend is the heart of this product. Here's what you get:
- Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium minerals. It's also abundant in the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein.¹
- Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable that is high in vitamins C, K, and folate, is also a great source of fiber, along with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals such as sulforaphane.²
- Kale is a leafy green vegetable that's high in calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and K.³
- Mulberry leaf extract contains such health-giving compounds as polyphenols and antioxidants. It may help control blood sugar levels as well as act as an antioxidant.⁴
- Alfalfa Leaf is a legume that provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll.⁵
- Barley Grass is a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll.
- Berberine HCL may improve blood sugar management and enhance cardiovascular health.⁶
3. Metabolic enhancing blend - 390 mg
To support metabolism and improve overall metabolic health, Morning Complete's metabolic enhancing blend is designed to support metabolism and improve overall metabolic health. It's made up of the following compounds:
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin, is a chemical found in green tea. It is thought to have thermogenic properties.⁷
- Ginger root is a spice that has been used traditionally for a very long time. Its bioactive substances, such as shogaols and gingerols, have been linked to potential metabolic advantages. In addition to having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, ginger may assist digestion and enhance energy expenditure.⁸
- White tea leaf extract: The young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used to make white tea, which undergoes minimal processing. It contains antioxidants that support the metabolism.⁹
- Turmeric root extract: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric root extract. It is well-recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.¹⁰
- Bitter melon fruit extract: Bitter melon fruit contains compounds that boost insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.¹¹
- Black pepper: Black pepper includes the active component piperine, which may increase the bioavailability of other substances, assist their absorption, and improve their effectiveness.¹²
4. Antioxidant blend - 100 mg
The antioxidant blend is made up of three ingredients:
- Lycium blend: Otherwise known as goji berries, Lycium berries are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and zeaxanthin, and a range of flavonoids.¹³
- Pomegranate fruit extract: Pomegranate contains an abundance of antioxidants, including punicalagin and anthocyanins, that provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.¹⁴
- Polygonum cuspidatum: Otherwise known as Japanese Knotwood, polygonum cuspidatum is rich in resveratrol, a polyphenol with potent antioxidant properties.¹⁵
5. Sugar balancing support - 100 mg
The Morning Complete's sugar-balancing support mix is made up of substances that are thought to support stable blood sugar levels and encourage a healthy glucose metabolism.
Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf: This herb has been employed in ancient Ayurvedic treatment because of its ability to balance blood sugar. Gymnemic acids, which are found in the plant's leaves, are thought to help reduce sugar cravings and support normal blood sugar levels.¹⁶
Fennel Seed: Fennel seeds are frequently used as a culinary spice and are renowned for their aromatic flavor. They are thought to have potential advantages for regulating blood sugar and have been traditionally utilized to help the digestive system. Fennel seeds may support a healthy metabolism and digestion.¹⁷
Pine Bark Extract: The pine trees' inner bark is used to make pine bark extract. It contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a class of antioxidants linked to potential health advantages such as supporting stable blood sugar levels and enhancing antioxidant activity.¹⁸
6. Adaptogens - 55 mg
The adaptogen blend is designed to support the body's response to stress. This blend contains Astragalus Root Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Extract, and Diindolylmethane (DIM), all of which have some research supporting their ability to alleviate stress.
7. Cellular function and liver support - 30 mg
Morning Complete's cellular function and liver support mix is made up of aloe vera leaf and milk thistle extract, both of which are thought to boost cellular health and advance liver function.
8. Probiotic blend - 10 billion CFU
Morning Complete's probiotic blend is made up of a variety of probiotic strains that are thought to enhance gut health and encourage a balanced gut flora. These include B. Coagulans, L. Gasseri, L. Plantarum, L. Rhamnosus, L. Bifidum, B. Longum, L. Acidophilus, L. Casei, and S. thermophilus:
Morning Complete Claimed Health Benefits
ActivatedYou push the envelope when it comes to the claimed health benefits of Morning Complete. Here's what they claim the supplement will do for you.
1. Supports healthy body weight
Morning Complete's ingredients may help indirectly support healthy body weight control, but the link is very tenuous. A balanced gut microbiota, which is linked to an enhanced metabolism and weight control, may be promoted by the supplement's presence of prebiotic fibers.
2. Liver support
Milk thistle seed extract and aloe vera leaf are two substances in Morning Complete that are thought to have potential advantages for liver health. Traditional uses of milk thistle include liver support and potential help for detoxification pathways. Aloe vera contains antioxidant qualities and may improve the general health of the liver.
3. Digestive Health
Morning Complete's prebiotic fibers and probiotics are known to support digestive health. Probiotics deliver live bacteria to the gut, whilst prebiotics provide sustenance for healthy gut flora. These components may improve digestion, encourage regular bowel motions, and maintain a healthy gut microbiota.
4. It helps lower stress levels
Although Morning Complete includes substances like adaptogens (such as Rhodiola rosea), which are thought to promote stress response and resilience, the degree to which it can effectively reduce stress levels may vary from person to person.
5. Increased energy levels
Several ingredients in Morning Complete may contribute to increased energy. Superfoods like kale and spinach, which are rich in minerals and antioxidants that promote cellular energy production, are included in the mixture, for example. Additionally, including adaptogens like rhodiola rosea in the supplement may help boost energy and minimize weariness.
6. Antioxidant Support
Antioxidants aid in defending cells against oxidative stress and free radical damage. Although Morning Complete could help boost antioxidants, it's important to remember that a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods is usually the best way to acquire enough antioxidants.
Side Effects of Morning Complete
Although Morning Complete is typically thought to be safe for most people when used as instructed, some people may have adverse effects or have underlying health concerns that could be impacted by certain ingredients, such as Rhodiola rosea, which may cause headaches, nausea, or dizziness. When taking a probiotic supplement for the first time, digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, or changes in bowel habits are sometimes experienced. As your body adjusts, these symptoms typically go away.
Real Customer Reviews of Morning Complete
Morning Complete has a 3.9-star rating on Amazon, based on nearly 3,000 reviews. The general consensus is that this is run-of-the-mill greens powder that benefits from a pretty good prebiotic blend. Here's a typical Morning Complete review from Amazon:
There are also a number of user reviews for Morning Complete on Reddit, again with mixed results. Here's what one Reddit user said about their Morning Complete experience.
Who should take Morning Complete?
The target market for Morning Complete is often adults who want to boost their overall health and well-being. It might be appropriate for people who want to add extra nutrients, superfoods, probiotics, and other healthy elements to their diet.
How to take Morning Complete?
A serving size for Morning Complete is one scoop, which would be dissolved in 8 oz of water and taken once daily.
Where to buy Morning Complete?
Morning Complete can be purchased from the official ActivatedYou website, as well as from Amazon and other selected retailers. A one-month supply of Morning Complete will cost you $79 on the official website, backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee.
3 Alternatives to Morning Complete
The greens market is highly contested. Here are three popular alternatives to Morning Complete:
1. Transparent Labs Gut Essentials Stack
Transparent Labs Gut Essentials Stack is a combination of dietary supplements designed to support digestive health and promote a balanced gut microbiome. The stack includes three individual products:
Collagen Hydrolysate: Hydrolyzed collagen is a protein source with possible advantages for joint health, skin elasticity, and hair and nail health.
Prebiotic Greens: Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens are designed to maintain gut health and offer vital nutrients. The supplement blends a variety of organic greens, fruits, and prebiotic fibers with the goal of supporting digestion, healthy gut microbiota, and general well-being.
Gut Health Probiotic: This probiotic formula delivers an impressive 100 billion CFUs in every capsule. The potential of the particular strains of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Streptococci used to support a healthy gut microbiome is supported by clinical studies.
Pros
- Three dedicated supplements stacked together
- Considerable cost reduction for a monthly subscription
- Not a greens powder
Cons
- Quite expensive
Transparent Labs Gut Health Series Probiotic is one of the most comprehensive and robust probiotic supplements on the market, featuring an ultra-potent 100 billion colony-forming units (CFUs)...
2. Athletic Greens AG1
With 75 different ingredients, Athletic Greens AG1 provides an all-encompassing combination of nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to enhance general health and well-being. It is advertised as a simple method to add a variety of healthy items to your diet. Athletic Greens AG1 has a range of nutrients that are meant to be provided by the different blends. Key ingredients include spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, barley grass, and alfalfa. These ingredients are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and chlorophyll.
Athletic Greens AG1 also contains antioxidants, including green tea extract, citrus bioflavonoids, and various herbal extracts like milk thistle and ashwagandha. These components offer additional antioxidant support as well as potential health advantages. The prebiotics and digestive enzymes blend contains prebiotics and digestive enzymes that can help with nutritional absorption and digestion, such as amylase, protease, and lipase. Prebiotics like inulin and apple pectin are added to support a balanced gut microbiome.
Pros
- 75 ingredients
- Includes a prebiotic blend
- NSF-certified for sport
Cons
- Proprietary blend
Athletic Greens Ultimate Daily is an all-in-one health drink with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients to help support your...
3. Swolverine Greens+Reds
A combination of organic superfoods, fruits, and vegetables make up Swolverine Greens + Reds. It attempts to deliver a concentrated dose of necessary nutrients, antioxidants, and phytonutrients to support general health and well-being. Known for its potential health advantages, the mixture contains ingredients like spirulina, kale, beetroot, pomegranate, and blueberry.
Pros
- Includes red and green superfoods
- High dose of spirulina
- Transparent labelling
Cons
- Only available in orange flavor
Swolverine's Greens + Reds supplement powder is a high-quality, proprietary blend-free combination of organic super greens and antioxidant-rich reds...
Morning Complete FAQs
Does Morning Complete make you lose weight?
It is unlikely that Morning Complete will make you lose weight. It does not contain any direct weight loss components, with the link only coming through its ability to enhance the metabolism.
What are the side effects of Morning Complete?
Most people will not experience side effects from taking Morning Complete. Some people, however, may suffer from nausea, bloating, gas, or diarrhea due to an allergy or intolerance to one or more of the ingredients.
Where is Morning Complete manufactured?
Morning Complete is manufactured in Santa Monica, California, in the USA.
Does Morning Complete have caffeine?
While Morning Complete does not list caffeine as an ingredient, it does contain the extract of both the green and white tea leaves, both of which contain caffeine. Because Morning Complete contains proprietary blends, we do not know how much each extract contains.
Summary
In this Morning Complete review, we have discovered that this greens powder, though providing the basic greens you'd expect, does nothing to stand out in this area. It redeems itself somewhat with a complete round of pre and probiotics, but there is nothing startling here. It all adds up to a jack-of-all-trades supplement that does a pretty mediocre job on all fronts. Your best bet would be to invest in a dedicated complete greens powder, like Athletic Greens AG1, and then buy a separate gut health supplement like Transparent Labs Gut Essentials Stack.
Athletic Greens Ultimate Daily is an all-in-one health drink with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients to help support your...
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Steve Theunissen
Author