“Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate?”Here!AAKG
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As a supplement
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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A compound formed by combining the amino acid arginine with alpha-ketoglutaric acid, a molecule involved in normal cellular energy metabolism. It is typically made synthetically for supplement use and is common in pre-workout blends.
Why it’s used
Taken by people hoping to support blood flow, exercise performance, or muscle pump during training, on the idea that extra arginine raises nitric oxide production.
What the evidence says
Evidence specific to this salt form is thin and mixed. A widely cited small trial (Campbell et al., Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2006) found a modest improvement in one strength measure but no change in aerobic capacity, and several other trials have found no meaningful performance benefit over placebo. Oral arginine's ability to meaningfully raise nitric oxide in healthy people is also questioned, since arginine is broken down substantially before it reaches circulation.
Dose studied
12–12 g — dose used in an 8-week trial testing strength and body composition outcomes.
Context
The Campbell 2006 trial used about 12 g/day for eight weeks in resistance-trained men; results were inconsistent across the outcomes measured, and later work has not consistently replicated a performance effect.
Rumors
AAKG increases libido and helps with sexual dysfunction.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- supersmart.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
AAKG supplements can cause dizziness, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- mensjournal.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
AAKG helps muscles work harder and recover faster, leading to more muscle growth.
Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence
Measured as an outcome.
- Acute L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate supplementation fails to improve muscular performance in resistance trained and untrained men (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked · No conflicts declared
- Effects of Co-Ingestion of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-Ketoglutarate on Jump Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not clearly stated · No conflicts declared
Who’s saying this
- mensjournal.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
AAKG increases blood flow and endurance and boosts the muscle pump during workouts.
Does not support — establishedhealth and safety evidence
Measured as an outcome.
- Effects of 7 days of arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on blood flow, plasma L-arginine, nitric oxide metabolites, and asymmetric dimethyl arginine after resistance exercise (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked
- Acute L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate supplementation fails to improve muscular performance in resistance trained and untrained men (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not checked · No conflicts declared
Who’s saying this
- Applied Nutrition — a brand: makes and sells sports and wellbeing nutrition supplements
How we know who this is
- “Applied Nutrition was founded in 2014 by CEO and fitness enthusiast, Tom Ryder.” (their page)
- “We formulate and create premium nutrition supplements for professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, the gym lifestyle community and people looking to supplement their diet with the highest quality health, wellbeing and beauty nutrition.” (their page)
AAKG causes digestive side effects such as bloating, diarrhea and nausea.
Does not supporthealth and safety evidence
Studied in: adolescent (14-17 year old) medium distance runners given 10 g AAKG/day for 12 days.
Measured as an outcome.
- Effects of Co-Ingestion of β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate and L-Arginine α-Ketoglutarate on Jump Performance in Young Track and Field Athletes (Peer-reviewed) · Funding not clearly stated · No conflicts declared
Who’s saying this
- Life Lab — a brand: sells sports supplements and healthcare products
How we know who this is
- “Life Lab is your trusted supplier of the highest-quality sports supplements and healthcare products.” (their page)