AAKG Benefits + Side Effects & Dosage

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a dietary supplement used by athletes and bodybuilders to improve sports performance, reduce muscle fatigue, and enhance recovery. However, AAKG supplementation may also have added benefits for various diseases. Read on to find out more about how AAKG works, and 12 ways it’s claimed to help improve health. What Is Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)? Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a modified version of the amino acid arginine [ 1 ]. Alpha-ketoglutarate is an intermediate compound in the series of reactions that produce energy for the body. It is the source of the amino acids glutamate and glutamine . Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and can increase bone formation. Glutamine is the main source of energy for cell division [ 2 , 3 ]. To improve absorption in the stomach, alpha-ketoglutarate supplements come in the form of various salts . The most common combination is ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate [ 4 , 5 ]. Alpha-ketoglutarate also regulates amino acid synthesis, energy production, and formation of free radicals. It functions as a messenger molecule in many chemical reactions in the body [ 4 ]. Glutamine enhances protein, muscle development, and immune function [ 4 ]. Arginine, also known as L-arginine, apart from being a component of proteins, stimulates the release of hormones such as insulin , glucagon , prolactin , and growth hormone . Arginine also plays a critical role in maintaining normal blood pressure, heart function, and immunity. These functions are mediated through the production of nitric oxide. Arginine is broken down into ornithine and creatine . Ornithine is essential for cell growth and division, while creatine is important for muscle contraction [ 6 ]. Arginine is obtained from food and synthesized in the body. It is therefore referred to as a semi-essential amino acid. […]

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