The Truth About Nutrient Deficiencies NO ONE Talks About + Improving REM & Deep Sleep Scores | Dr. Ralph Esposito, Chief Science Officer at AG1

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Optimal nutrition isn’t about perfection - it’s about giving your body what it truly needs to thrive.

In this episode of The Art of Being Well, I sit down with Dr. Ralph Esposito, Chief Science Officer at AG1, to explore what most people get wrong about nutrition and supplementation. We discuss why “food first” doesn’t always mean “food only,” how modern diets fall short on essential nutrients, and what true foundational wellness really looks like.

Dr. Esposito shares the science behind AG1’s NextGen and AGZ formulations - from their upgraded probiotic and B-vitamin complexes to innovative ingredients like matcha, saffron, and ashwagandha - and how these compounds support the gut, brain, and nervous system on a cellular level.

We also unpack how technology and AI are transforming the future of personalized nutrition, why stress and absorption play a bigger role in deficiency than most realize, and how small, consistent rituals can have the greatest impact on your long-term health.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•  Why “optimal” nutrition goes beyond deficiency prevention
• The flaws in RDAs and how they were never designed for thriving health
• How nutrient absorption and assimilation differ - and why both matter
• The relationship between gut health and bioavailability
• The role of AI in shaping future nutrition and functional testing
• The most common nutrient deficiencies Dr. Esposito sees in practice (vitamin D, magnesium, potassium, B12)
• What makes AG1’s NextGen formula clinically unique
• Why food diversity isn’t the same as nutrient diversity
• The connection between antioxidants, sleep, and brain restoration
• How AGZ was formulated to promote deep rest without sedatives
• The critical role of omega-3s, polyphenols, and healthy fats in longevity
• The art of restorative rituals: how sleep, quiet, and pause create wellness

Products Mentioned:

• AG1 NextGen (Daily foundational nutrition)
• AGZ (Sleep support with saffron, ashwagandha & phosphatidylserine)
• AG1 Omega (High-quality omega-3 with EPA + DHA)
• AG1 Vitamin D3 + K2
• Dr. Will Cole’s book “Gut Feelings”

Episode Sponsors:

• AG1 has their best offer ever - If you head to DrinkAG1.com/willcole you’ll get the welcome kit, a free bottle of Omega 3's, free bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, all 3 AG1 Flavor Sampler and you’ll get to try their new sleep supplement AGZ in all 3 flavors for free - which has been a game changer for my nightly routine. That’s $126 in free gifts for new AG1 subscribers!
• Timeline is offering 10% off your order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/WILLCOLE.
• Text ABW to 64000 to get twenty percent off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.
• They’re running their biggest sale of the year from now to December 2nd. Head to MANUKORA.com/WILLCOLE to get $150 off your first order with their Black Friday Starter Kit, which comes with an MGO 850+ Manuka Honey jar, 35 honey travel sticks, a wooden and a guidebook!
• The ultimate gift and personal upgrade. Give the gift of glowing health this holiday season. Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE for yourself and every one on your list at Piquelife.com/willcole.
• If you’re ready to finally understand what your gut has been trying to tell you, ask your provider for the Gut Zoomer by Vibrant Wellness — or find a Vibrant-certified provider today at vibrant-wellness.com/willcole.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

If you like what you hear, please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe and pass it along to a friend.

In Health,

Dr. Will Cole