Update 5/1/23. FORTAGEN is said to skyrocket muscle growth and to be the most anabolic protein on the planet. At least that's what Jaquish Biomedical says. Jaquish Biomedical, the company behind the wildly popular X3 Bar resistance training program has started selling its own line of dietary supplements. The Fortagen supplement is said to be 5x more usable by the body than standard protein. But is it? Is it better at building muscle than whey protein or other supplements? In this unbiased review, you'll learn about the research on this amino acid supplement, including my list of pros and cons.
What Is Fortagen?
It's an amino acid supplement by Jaquish Biomedical, the same company that makes the popular X3 Bar resistance training system. Fortagen contains the 8 essential amino acids needed to build muscle. About the name, my guess is it's derived from the word fortify. In other words, it fortifies the building of muscle. Take it for what it is.
Fortagen Clinical Research
No clinical studies on the Fortagen supplement -itself – can be located. This means it looks like nobody has taken this supplement into the lab yet and tested it against other protein or amino acid supplements. The supplement is said to be derived from a cancer treatment but it's unclear what that treatment was. Some studies are provided as proof and listed on the Jaquish Biomedical website. Here's a summary of two of them:
Study 1
In this small investigation (8 people), researchers noted that the ingestion of 10 grams of leucine resulted in 33% greater protein synthesis. While impressive, this study involved cycling and not resistance training exercises. Also, the study did not compare leucine to whey protein or anything else. It just showed leucine improved muscle protein synthesis.
Study 2
In this investigation, researchers describe the “master amino acid pattern.” This combination is similar to the amino acid pattern used in Fortagen. In this study, 66 people were given 3 different diets:
- Diet A (master amino acid pattern)
- Diet B (amino acids from hen whole eggs)
- Diet C (whole egg hen protein)
Researchers noted greater anabolic effects with Diet A (Master Amino Acid Pattern or MAP) than either egg amino acids or whole egg protein. Specifically, 99% of the master amino acid pattern was found to be used anabolically. In contrast, The anabolic ability was:
- 72% for egg protein amino acids
- 68% for whole egg protein
From this study, it might seem the master amino acid pattern would be better at building muscle. But, there are some problems.
Problems with the study
- This was not an exercise study.
- We don't know if the people exercised or not during the study
- The study did not compare MAP to whey, casein or soy protein
Still, it's an interesting investigation, and it appears to show the amino acid pattern used may be better than either egg protein or amino acids from eggs.
The Jaquish website cites other studies, too but the way they are listed (eg., Luca, et al, 1998) makes them difficult to locate.
Other supplements with the Master Amino Acid Pattern
Fortagen Supplement Facts
One scoop of Fortagen has 4 calories and 10 grams of the following amino acids:
- Leucine
- Valine
- Isoleucine
- Lysine
- Phenalyaline
- Threonine
- Methionine
- Tryptophan
The amino acids are listed in the order they appear on the label. Amino acids listed at the top make up most of the supplement. Those at the bottom make up the least.
The Branch Chain Amino Acids
The amino acid ratios are said to be “optimized for anabolic utility.” What does that even mean? What are the criteria by which these amino acids are optimized? This is marketing speak. The supplement does contain all eight adult essential amino acids. That's good.
Branch chain amino acids (BCAAs) are the first 3 amino acids listed. Therefore, these are the most important. They make up most of what you get when you take the supplement. There are 3 branch-chain amino acids:
- leucine
- isoleucine
- valine
Since leucine is the first amino acid listed, it contributes most to the anabolic effects of the supplement.
Several studies have noted leucine has anabolic effects. How does it work? Leucine activates mTOR, a gene involved in muscle growth. The letters mTOR stand for the mammalian target of rapamycin. It's a cellular signaling pathway involved in cell growth in all mammal cells – including humans.
The activation of the mTOR pathway appears to be at the heart of BCAAs – and leucine's – anabolic effects.
Other Ingredients
The supplement also contains these other ingredients too:
- Malic acid
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Stevia
- Sunflower
- Lecithin
These other ingredients don't play any role in the anabolic effects of the supplement.
Can Lysine Build Muscle?
Watch On My YouTube channel if you prefer
Can Lysine Prevent Osteoporosis?
Here's a quick video I posted to my YouTube channel revealing the research linking lysine supplements to having stronger bones.
As Good As 50 Grams of Protein?
One of the claims is that “one serving of Fortagen (10 g) provides as much usable protein for building muscle as 50 grams of ordinary protein from other sources.”
Also, what is meant by “ordinary protein from other sources” is not clear. Do they mean protein from food? Are they saying Fortagen is better than chicken, turkey, etc.? Given the lack of clinical studies comparing Fortagen to other supplements (or food), this question is wide open for researchers to investigate.
Where Is The Supplement Made
The label states the supplement is manufactured for Jaquish Biomedical. This tells us another company makes the supplement. The name of the company is not given, but it is made in the US. That's good. The company tells me the amino acids are sourced from America too.
That's good as many companies obtain their raw ingredients from other countries such as India and China. This is true for many pharmaceutical drugs too.
The supplement is made in a cGMP facility. cGMP means that the lab meets current Good Manufacturing Practices. These are regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure the quality of supplements. This is good.
Grow Muscle While Cutting Calories?
It's claimed that using the supplement permits users to aggressively grow muscle mass while at a caloric deficit. Is that really true? There's no proof either way. The supplement has not been tested in humans who are fasting or limiting calories to see if they build muscle faster than people who are not restricting calories. It may or may not. This claim needs to be tested in a few clinical studies.
How Much Protein Do You Need To Build Muscle?
Dr. Jaquish has stated that we need about 1 gram of protein per pound to build muscle. Here's the video:
So, if you weighed 180 pounds, you'd require 180 grams of protein.
The math is pretty easy but, is this always true?
Not necessarily.
In one review of 49 previous protein /exercise studies of healthy people who worked out, researchers concluded 0.7 grams per pound was optimal. When it came to protein supplements, the researchers stated “intakes greater than 0.7 grams per pound (about 1.6 g/kg) per day do not promote further strength training gains in fat-free mass (muscle).
This 0.7 grams per pound amount is just a little bit more than the protein RDA, which is 0.4 grams per pound. If you want to make your protein intake math calculation easy and use the 1 gram per pound dose, you can do this. Just know that it may be overkill for some people.
In another study, researchers concluded that for beginners, “consuming supplemental protein likely has no impact on lean mass and muscle strength during the initial weeks of resistance training.” So, if you're a beginner, they are saying you don't need to worry so much about how much protein you eat.
What Does All This Mean?
Several studies have shown that muscle strength and size gains can be obtained by eating less than 1 gram per pound. Amounts used in various studies have ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 grams per pound. Some studies have used more than 1 gram per pound. That said, stressing the muscles with resistance is what's really important. You can do this using free weights, machines – and with the X3 Bar too.
Fortagen And Muscle Recovery
The supplement contains branch chain amino acids – leucine, isoleucine, and valine. In some circles, these amino acids are thought to reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery after exercise. In theory, that might mean Fortagen would too – but it would take research to prove this.
Some research hints that BCAAs might reduce muscle soreness after exercise, but the effect on muscle recovery might be negligible in those who consumed enough protein (0.5 grams per pound).
How Do You Use Fortagen?
Using the supplement once a day, preferably one hour before bedtime is recommended. Also, take the supplement at least one hour before or after consuming other types of protein.
How Much Does Fortagen Cost?
This supplement isn't cheap. Here are the prices listed on the Jaquish Biomedical website:
- One-time purchase: $104.99 (45 servings)
- Auto-shipment: $92.99
Add another $60 if you also want their pre-workout supplement, In-Perium.
If you sign up for automatic shipments, you save $12 per container. Either way you slice it, that's a lot to pay for an amino acid supplement.
For those looking for a bargain, the price will make some want to search for alternatives like this one.
Price Comparison
| Fortagen | Master Amino Acid Pattern | Isopure Dutch Chocolate (1 lb.) | |
| Amount | 1 scoop (13 g) | 5 tablets | 1 scoop (33 g) |
| Calories | 4 | 0.25 | 110 |
| Protein Per Serving | 10 grams | 5 grams | 25 grams |
| Servings Per Container | 45 | 24 | 14 |
| Price | $104.99 | $32 | $27 |
| Price Per Serving | $2.33 | $0.75 | $1.93 |
Return Policy
Unopened bottles have a 30-day return policy. Remember, the guarantee is for unopened bottles only. The company does not accept returns on opened or partially used bottles.
Fortagen Side Effects
Side effects in most people are probably minimal. The supplement contains all eight essential amino acids found naturally in food. Each serving has 10 grams of these amino acids. Here are some things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- BCAAs might cause insulin resistance. Diabetics should talk to their doctor.
- Talk to your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
- If pregnant/breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor first if you have cancer or a history of cancer.
Some say BCAAs are bad for exercise because they raise ammonia levels, which can reduce exercise performance. But, all the amino acids in this supplement add up to only 10 grams. That's less than 1/2 oz. Issues with ammonia are not likely to occur in healthy people.
BCAAs and, in particular, leucine are thought to be anabolic because they activate the mTOR pathway. Some have wondered if activating mTOR might have negative consequences. Remember, mTOR causes cell growth – all cells. Is it possible mTOR may be involved in cancer growth? In support of this, some research finds cutting back on leucine inhibits the spread of breast cancer. Other preliminary research finds leucine supplementation might spread cancer.
On the flip side, however, preliminary research hints that BCAAs might reduce liver cancer. What does all this mean? Cancer biology is complicated. For those with a history of cancer, talk to your doctor.
Fortagen Protein Pro and Con
Here are my opinions of the good and not so good about the supplement. Your thoughts may be different.
| Pro | Con |
| Has all 8 essential amino acids | Expensive |
| No artificial sweeteners or colors or flavors | Bold claims |
| No sugar | No research on the supplement itself |
| Low in calories |
Does Fortagen Protein Work?
No doubt the supplement has a lot of fans. But, where is the clinical proof that it's better at building muscle than whey protein – or eating food? No research on Fortagen -itself- can be located. While quality-made, Fortagen looks like an expensive essential amino acid supplement.
Here's a supplement that costs less.
Hi. On their website it clearly states they are comparing it(fortagen) against optimum nutrition.
Thanks Matt, I wasn’t aware of that. I went to the website and I can confirm this. you have to click the disclaimer below the comparison to see they are comparing Fortagen to Optimum Nutrition and Vega Sport protein powder.
I’m curious. … Did you read & study Weight Lifting is a Waste of Time??? … His text has numerous references on his research claims. … I have purchased the X3 and studied his text to be really informed before I embark on his Resistance Training methods. …
Hi Robert, I did not read his book. It has a provocative title but my hunch is (please correct me if Im wrong) that the book is about the benefits of variable resistance training – such as the X3Bar. I do have a detailed breakdown on the X3 at my other website here is the link https://joe-cannon.com/x3-bar-review/
There are many benefits to resistance training.
Very well put together article, ty. I’ve voiced similar to x3 contact but got not much in response. Opted to go with xbar, great workouts at half cost.
Richard Dustman MS DC DIANM DABFM
Richard, Thanks so much and glad you liked my X3 Bar review too. I’m also so glad you that the XBar is working so well for you 🙂
I think you can buy essential amino acid powder(unflavored) from bulk supplements a lot cheaper than this crap, and can use a few drops of mio to take the vitamin taste down
You can but it still tastes horrible. I’m trying the map tablets from Amazon. I’ve managed to get great definition using bulk supp eaas. But I’m still on the search for the perfect protein I can take in conjunction with whatever protein intake I get from my meals. I don’t like taking something with all the fillers they put in most powders.
Protein is 5 calories a gram from what I know. So how does this supplement contain 10 g of protein and 4 calories?
Hi Debra, protein has 4 about calories per gram (give or take a decimal point). I think the answer to your question can be found in the number of grams per scoop. But that is a really good question. Does anyone want to take a stab at it?
It is 10 grams of Amino Acids not Protein. Amino Acids and Protein are not the same thing. Protein is broken down to into Amino Acids in order to be utilized by the body. Therefore Amino Acids have less calories per gram than Protein. When you take Amino Acids, you are bypassing the breakdown process required for Protein, thus allowing them to be absorbed at a much faster rate. Usually 30 minutes or less for digestion.
An example of Amino Acids not being protein is this. L- Carnitine and Beta Alanine are Amino Acids not found in Protein or even in EAAS. You have to add them into your diet if you require them. The 9 Amino Acids are used to make Protein in your body and used for growth of muscles and repair of tissues but only provided that all 20 amino acids are present. Essential, Non-Essential and even sometimes Conditionally-Essential at some points.
Brenden, thats true amino acids are not proteins. The question I have is does “faster absorbed” equal “works better.”
Here is my video interview about the Master Amino Acid Pattern supplement:
https://youtu.be/muVtCXlZ2js
The podcast will soon follow. I’ll post the podcast version here also when It goes live. My podcast is Joe Cannon Health if you want to subscribe and get it automatically delivered
found the patent for MAP, the product whose makers published the science Fortagen leans on. here is the somewhat relative formula cited: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5132113A/en
A nutritional composition which consists essentially of in grams per 10 grams of composition:
(a) from 1.217 to 1.647 isoleucine;
(b) from 1.827 to 2.735 leucine;
(c) form 1.260 to 2.359 lysine;
(d) from 0.232 to 0.778 methionine;
(e) from 0.843 to 1.314 phenylalanine;
(f) from 0.970 to 1.287 threonine;
(g) from 0.208 to 0.467 tryptophan; and
(h) from 1.260 to 1.900 valine.
the product of the original research was designed to be a (nearly) calorie free way to get all essential AAs. a replacement for dietary protein. they focused on nitrogen usage/waste.
in this study [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02850090] they used (track and field) athletes and followed for 28 days. the group receiving the 10g supplement once a day and twice on heavy training days (MWFSun) had an increase of 907g of lean mass. the second group didn’t change anything and lost 437g … it would have been interesting to see a third group who used normal protein supplements once or twice a day depending on training.
looks like that patent expired. maybe this is why we see a number of these products out there now.
Cheers!
Blevo, my podcast this week will be on the master amino acid pattern (MAP). Ill share the link here when the podcast is posted
I know this is an old thread, but with the information in the patent and the composition numbers you posted, no reason I could not purchased the 8 aminos and mix myself?
Neal, I understand. Let me know what happens if you try that. I update the review when needed so if you come across anything new let me know.
Hi, Thanks for the review.
You didn’t mention that Fortagen (and apparently some other amino acid supplements) are “pre-digested” which purportedly increases the rate and amount of absorption. Any opinion on that claim? It seems to be a significant difference compared to most alternative supplements you suggested.
Aaron thanks so much! It is true we would absorb the predigested amino acids a bit faster. But does that make a difference? If you don’t have digestion problems, would it matter? Fortagen does contain essential amino acids. They are superior to non-essential amino acids for building muscle. That’s good. But the bigger question is whether Fortagen or other essential amino acid supplements build muscle and strength better than eating protein or using a quality protein powder? Does being better absorbed = it works better? I’m is not convinced they mean the same thing.
I’m always open to seeing clinical studies on this.
I have a hard time finding evidence of ‘pre-digested’ – I think that’s marketing for “these are pharmaceutical Amino Acids” with the idea being they took 8 AAs and tossed them together. each AA would have been lab created by whatever means they usually are. That means is what they are calling ‘pre-digested’ due to whatever yeast was made to create it.
there’s likely room for further experimentation as Joe, our Author, also indicates when he says they need more (better) research.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see better research come out along with better products in the next few years. who knows? maybe it will combine with some of the other health-related benefits/needs for Amino Acids (like Dr. William Walsh of Nutrient Power) as well as genetic discrepancies (strategene) and one day we’ll be able to order a tailor made cocktail to optimize whatever we want. that sounds nice…
Blevo, for what its worth, Ive been skeptical of the “predigested” claim too.
Hi Joe. I’ve read your review about both the X3 bar as well as Fortigen. Your no-nonsense approach that doesn’t play to sensationalism is appreciated and needed.
I have a question for you in regards to Fortagen. Your review brings up a number of valuable insights. I have two questions that I would appreciate your thoughts on.
1. How does Fortagen compare to Advanced Bionutritionals Perfect Amino Powder?
2. How does Fortagen compare to Montiff’s Super-Sports?
In contacting Jaquish Biomedical Customer Support and asking about Fortagen, I was told:
“Most protein powders are made out of whey or vegetable matter. Whey is only 18% usable by the body and 82% of it is secreted as waste. Vegetable sources are even lower in usability being the highest as 16% and at times below 9% depending on the vegetable. This means that for an athlete trying to supply the body with protein for the purposes of lean tissue growth, more than 8 out of every 10 grams of whey protein they consume may not be used for its intended purpose.
Fortagen on the other hand is made of pure pharmaceutical grade amino acids ( the building blocks to make protein), combined in a very specific ratio which has been shown in clinical trials to be optimal for absorption. This which means that it has nearly 100% utilization rate by the body.”
I look forward to your insights.
Thanks.
Hi Jeffrey, Thanks so much, I’ve looked at those supplements, and here are my thoughts:
Advanced Bionutritionals perfect amino powder: 1 scoop has 5 grams of 9 of the 10 essential amino acids. The only essential amino acid missing is histidine but that’s not a big deal since histidine is only essential for babies. For use adults, it’s non-essential (adults can make histidine ).
As Montiff’s super sports, this is a capsule supplement. While it contains the essential amino acids, it also has others too – like taurine, arginine, glutamine, etc – which are non-essential. We can make glutamine for example. I also noticed the Montiff’s supplement facts label doesn’t tell the amounts of each amino acid or the total amount. Rather the label just lists the amino acids. On the front of the bottle, it says 750 mg. I assume that means it has 750 mg of all the amino acids listed.
I do like that both of those supplements – and fortagen – provide a broad spectrum of amino and not just the branch chain aminos. Muscle building needs more than just leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
That said, because Fortagen has not been compared to other amino acid supplements, we can’t know for sure if its better or the same as others out there. My opinion is Im not convinced taking amino acid supplements is better than eating food or using a protein powder.
They say the amino acids are 100% utilized by the body. Great. What does that mean? Let’s assume they are correct. Does that 100% utilization mean Fortagen builds muscle better?
The real test would be to give amino acid supplements (fortagen etc) or a placebo to seasoned weight lifters (not beginners) and put them on a weight lifting program for a few months. Let’s see who gets bigger and stronger. It’s possible that study is out there but I have not seen it.
I hope that helps Jeffrey. If you have any other questions just ask and I’ll try to help.
A big thank you for the article.
It’s excellent! Once again, your straight-forward approach helps set the tone.
After reading the article, I hope I’m not out of line in asking a few follow-up questions:
1. How does Fortagen compare to Kion Aminos
2. In your opinion is there a difference between Fortagen and Essential Amino Acids (EAA), and if so, what is it?
Jeffrey, I looked up Kion Amino Acids. They have powdered supplements and capsules. 1 scoop of the powder provides 5 grams of essential amino acids. if you’re taking the capsules, then taking 5 tablets gives you 5 grams. Either way, both their supplements contain all 8 essential amino acids just the same as Fortagen does. I also noticed the order of amino acids listed in Kion aminos are the same as forgegen. Since the order is the same then the amounts of each amino may be the same too. In other words since leucine is listed first in both Fortagen and Kion, then this tells us Leucine makes up most of the amions listed.
One difference between them is a scoop of Kion aminos gives you 2 grams of carbs while forgagen is carb free. While carbs do help with protein absorption, I dont think 2 grams of carbs would make a big deal unless maybe if you were eating a ketogenic diet.
Both forgagen and Kion are essential amino acid supplements. Remember essential amino acids are found in meats and poultry. Fruits and veggies also have essential amino acids although usually they don’t have the full spectrum found in meats/poutry. As an aside, corn has a LOT of leucine.
In his book, Dr. Jaquish explains “as good as 50 grams of protein from other sources.” The other source is whey protein and the difference is based on the latter’s low absorption rate.
I got a jar two days ago and the taste is hard to stomach. I’m not a fan of the Stevia and I wish it had been left for me to sweeten myself.
Hi Darin, When he says it’s as good 50 grams of whey protein, is he talking about boosting muscle protein synthesis in humans? Does he give proof it builds muscle faster in humans?
you probably already figured this out elsewhere.
I’m fairly certain fortagen and kion are both MAP EAA formula. They probably licensed, or maybe didn’t have to even, just read the research and made their own. You can find it in patents if you go looking. I may have even broken it down in a prior comment.
when you make that realization you can tell just from the MAP marketing that 10g of MAP EAA at full nitrogen utilization “equals” 50g of Whey. Although eggs would be different (equivalent of 20g eggs) and I imagine the yolk has better utilization than the white though I’m not sure I’ve seen it broken down like that. I wonder if you could defat an egg yolk and eat that 10g if the “NNU” (net nitrogen utilization) then magically becomes the same as MAP.
gonna check out your MAP review video this week, Joe.
Blevo, that’s an interesting point. My guess is they just made their own but I’m not sure. There is some research that eggs are better at producing protein synthesis than egg whites.
What do you think about essential aminos from pure encapsulations as an alternative? I have to admit I get a pro deal and get this brand for half off. Roughly $20 for 180 capsules.
Daniel, I think that should work just as well. I’m not convinced fortagen is better. Honestly, I think a quality protein powder – like this brand – would be even better
Such a good review. Thank you for being so balanced. I’m looking at your recommended product and there’s no description of how many grams of protein each serving has. Where do I find that info?
Elizabeth, thanks so much! In the isopure protein I like, each scoop has 25 grams of protein. Since 28 grams is 1 oz, your getting almost 1 oz of protein. That’s a good amount.
For the Master Amino Acid supplement, 5 tables have 5 grams of protein (5000 mg = 5 grams).
The protein RDA for most people is about 60 grams a day. If you multiply your body weight (in pounds) by 0.4. That will tell you YOUR RDA. Since exercise seems to increase protein need a little bit, you can also multiply your body weight (in pounds) by 0.7 and that should give you a good amount for most people who work out.
Any other questions, just ask 🙂
Should you trust a review that cannot spell the amino acids it is researching?
Jake I don’t see any errors in spelling but since I may be wrong (I’ve made my share of typos), kindly point out what the misspelling is.
As for trusting the review, I’ll let my biography speak for itself.
Jake, This is the most legit review of Fortagen I’ve seen and you slam it because of a spelling error – which I can’t find either. Joe doesn’t worry about him. You are doing a huge service to X3 Bar users. Ditto about your review of the X 3 Bar too!
Thanks, Stephanie, I appreciate your feedback. 🙂
Hi Joe, I want to echo what the others have said. Your review is SO objective and honest – and that’s so rare these days.
Kelly thank you so much for saying that!
This is the BEST review I’ve seen so far. Thank you so much for all the time you spent putting this together. Your efforts are appreciated.
Ben, thanks so much! I’m so glad my Fortagen review was helpful to you.
I REALLY like your analytic review. That’s what I call objective evaluation. Keep it up !
Jack, thanks so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to say that. You made my day 🙂