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AG1 vs. Protocol X: Which Supplement Is Actually Worth It?

We all want to live for as long as possible, but other than eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and reducing our stress, what else can we do to extend our lifespans?

Naturally, many of us turn to supplements, of which there are many.

AG1 (by Athletic Greens) is a daily greens powder packed with vitamins, probiotics and superfoods, marketed as an all-in-one health boost. Protocol X (by Xandro Lab), on the other hand, is a newer, science-focused supplement with nootropics and performance-enhancing ingredients, aiming for mental and physical edge.

Both are pricey but claim superior benefits over basic multivitamins, so let’s go over them!

What Is AG1 (Athletic Greens)?

Let’s be real, most of us don’t eat enough veggies. 

Enter AG1 (Athletic Greens), the bright green powder that promises to fill those nutritional gaps and boost energy, digestion and immunity, all in one scoop. Is it really the superhero supplement it claims to be? Or just a fancy (and expensive) multivitamin in disguise?

AG1 Ingredients: What’s Actually in That Scoop?

AG1 packs a lot into its formula:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Mega-doses of vitamins C, B12 and biotin (1,100% of your daily needs?!), plus zinc, magnesium, and more.
• Superfoods and Antioxidants: Spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass and even cocoa bean extract.
• Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes: For gut health, with strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus to keep things moving smoothly.
• Adaptogens and Mushrooms: Ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi for stress support and energy.

Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the catch: many of these ingredients are in ‘proprietary blends,’ meaning you don’t know exactly how much you’re getting. So, while AG1 contains good stuff, we can’t be sure if it’s enough to actually do anything.

AG1 Benefits: Does It Actually Work?

The company claims AG1 helps with:

• Energy: Thanks to B vitamins and adaptogens (though caffeine-free).
• Digestion: Probiotics might help with bloating (if you’re deficient).
• Immunity: Vitamin C and zinc could give your defences a nudge.

But here’s the truth: Most people taking a decent multivitamin and probiotic would see similar results, and while some users swear by AG1, others notice zero difference, especially if they already eat a balanced diet.

Is AG1 Basically a Multivitamin?

Yes… and no.

• It’s stronger than most multivitamins: with higher doses of certain vitamins and added probiotics/adaptogens.
• But it’s missing key nutrients: like iron and vitamin D, which many people actually need.
• And it’s expensive: the AG1 price is $79/month ($99 if you buy it just one time), you could buy a lot of fresh greens instead.

Further Reading: Are Multivitamins Worth It?

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Try AG1?

Good for:

• Busy people who never eat enough veggies.
• Those wanting an ‘all-in-one’ instead of separate vitamins and probiotics.
• Anyone who likes convenience (just mix and go).

Skip if:

• You already eat a nutrient-rich diet.
• You need iron or vitamin D (AG1 won’t help).
• You’re on a budget (this stuff costs more than some gym memberships).

Is AG1 actually worth it? AG1 isn’t a scam, it’s a high-quality greens powder, but is it worth the price? Only if you’ll actually use it (and your wallet can handle it). Otherwise? You might be better off with a solid multivitamin… and an extra salad.

Looking for an AG1 alternative? Read our article about AG1, covering AG1 reviews, benefits and alternatives.

What Is Protocol X (Xandro Lab)?

Ageing sucks. Wrinkles creep in, energy dips and suddenly, “I’m just tired" becomes your daily mantra. Protocol X is a supplement from us at Xandro Lab that has been developed to help fight ageing at the cellular level. But is it legit? Or just another expensive hope in a bottle?

Protocol X Ingredients

This isn’t your standard multivitamin. Protocol X packs 21 high-tech ingredients, some well backed by science, others with promising early studies. Here’s the breakdown:

The Heavy Hitters (Science-Backed)

• NMN (250mg): Boosts NAD+, a molecule linked to cellular repair and energy. Solid research, but human trials are limited.
• Quercetin (100mg): A senolytic that may clear out zombie-like ‘old’ cells. Promising, but optimal doses are still debated.
• Creatine (1000mg): Proven for muscle strength and brain health. 
• CoQ10 (30mg) & Vitamin D (25mcg) – Heart and immunity staples.

Further Reading: All About NMN for Longevity

The Wild Cards (Exciting Early Studies with More Human Studies Underway)

• Spermidine (1mg): May trigger autophagy (cellular ‘cleanup’). 
• Ergothioneine (3mg): An antioxidant. 
• CaAKG (500mg): Hailed as an ‘anti-ageing salt.’ 

Xandro Protocol X does contain a propriety blend of 1000mg of Whole Food Complex, and while you don’t know exactly how much of each ingredient you’re consuming, this helps protect the formula and also allow us to add a diverse range of ingredients that work together to give you broader health benefits, such as through the beetroot powder, pomegranate fruit powder and cranberry powder, while also adding natural flavours. 

Read more about the scientific studies backing Protocol X’s ingredients.

How Protocol X Differs from AG1

AG1 is like a nutrient-packed smoothie (vitamins, greens, probiotics). Protocol X? More like a biohacker’s longevity multivitamin.

	AG1	Protocol X
Focus	Daily nutrition	Longevity and anti-ageing
Ingredients	Greens, vitamins, probiotics	Senolytics, antioxidants, NAD+ boosters, nootropics
Best for	Gut health, energy	Cellular repair, cognitive support
Taste	Earthy (mix with water)	Citrusy (mix with water)

Biggest difference? AG1 fills gaps in your diet. Protocol X may help to slow ageing.

Who’s Protocol X REALLY For?

Try It If You’re:

• Over 35 and feeling the creep of ‘old age’ symptoms (low energy, brain fog).
• A Biohacker who already takes NMN, fisetin, or resveratrol.
• Skeptical of Greens Powders (AG1’s earthy taste isn’t for everyone).

Skip It If You:

• Want Instant Results: This isn’t caffeine. 
• Are on a Budget: At $134/month, it may be pricey for some.

If you’re interested in longevity and love cutting-edge supplements, Protocol X is a great supplement to try. Just make sure you take it alongside an anti-ageing lifestyle of sleep, stress management, exercise and a balanced diet.

AG1 vs. Protocol X: Head-to-Head Comparison

Category	AG1 (Athletic Greens)	Protocol X (Xandro Lab)
Form	Powder (scoop or travel pack)	Sachet powder (pre-measured)
Primary Focus	Daily nutrition, gut health, energy	Longevity, cellular repair, anti-ageing
Key Ingredients	- 75+ vitamins/minerals (B12, C, zinc) - Greens (spirulina, wheatgrass) - Probiotics (7.2B CFU) - Adaptogens (ashwagandha, reishi)	- NMN (250mg)  - Creatine (1g) + Taurine (1g) (energy) - Collagen (2g) + Hyaluronate (50mg) (skin/joints) - CoQ10 (30mg) + Vitamin D3 (25mcg)
Missing Nutrients	No iron, vitamin D	No probiotics, minimal fibre
Proprietary Blends?	Yes (doses unclear for greens/adaptogens)	Yes (e.g., ‘Whole Food Complex’ blend)
Science-Backed?	Basic nutrition (vitamins/probiotics = proven)	NMN/creatine = solid; fisetin/spermidine = emerging
Benefits	- Better digestion - Fewer energy crashes - Immunity boost	- Mental clarity - Skin/joint improvement - Exercise recovery - Cellular repair
Price (Monthly)	$79 (subscription)/$99 (one-time)	$134 (no subscription option)
Cost Per Serving	$2.63 (subscribed)	$4.47
Best For	- Busy people - Veggie-skippers - Gut health focus	- Biohackers - Over-35s - Longevity seekers
Taste & Mixability	- Earthy, sweetened with stevia - Mixes okay (shaker needed)	- Citrus flavour - Sachets dissolve easily
Convenience	Scoop or travel packs	Pre-portioned sachets (no measuring)
Ideal User	Someone who wants a greens safety net’	Someone investing in anti-ageing

Take AG1 if you want to get your daily nutrition, although you can get this from a cheaper multivitamin, and take Xandro Lab Protocol X if you want a ‘multivitamin’ for longevity.

Further Reading: Comparison of Longevity Blends

End Note

Neither AG1 nor Protocol X replaces real food. Take AG1 if you want a daily nutrition boost and then Protocol X if you’re serious about longevity.

If you’re curious about Protocol X’s benefits on improving your healthspan, such as through cognitive, heart and joint health, read more about it here!

Protocol X may be your ticket to helping you age with the vitality and mental clarity you need to enjoy life with your family.If you’re looking for another way to boost your cognitive health as you get older, you can try LPC Neuro, which includes a form of omega-3s that actually reaches your brain!