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Arginine alpha ketoglutarate is a combination of naturally occurring substances: L-arginine and alpha ketoglutarate. Because very few AAKG side effects have ever been reported, it is a popular supplement favored by bodybuilders and other athletes that desire enhanced performance.
AAKG is in high demand in the athletic world because of its effects as a vasodilator and because it raises levels of Nitric Oxide.
It increases the diameter of blood vessels, making them able to accommodate increased blood flow volume without causing elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures.
The increased volume of blood carries more oxygen, nutrients, hormones and proteins to the muscles during and after workouts. The performance results are increased strength and muscle mass gains, endurance and capacity for healing.
L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate is also beneficial in medical settings, often administered during heart surgeries to ensure sufficient blood flow throughout the procedures. Additionally, it has various beneficial uses for enhancing overall health.
It does all of this without serious risk of health side effects or dangerous long-term results which can occur when using steroids and other types of bodybuilding supplements
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What is AAKG Composed Of?
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The L-form of arginine is one of the 20 most prevalent amino acids known. Arginine was initially isolated in the late 1880s and is now known to be an integral component of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid).
For humans, it is classified as a “conditionally essential” amino acid, since developing fetuses are not able to manufacture it. It is essential for developing babies to derive this nutrient from their mothers.
Once born, we are able to synthesize arginine internally, which means it is no longer essential. The majority of adults manufacture all of the arginine that they require, making deficiencies almost unheard of.
However, for bodybuilder and athletes, using an AAKG supplement to increase levels can result in performance enhancement.
AAKG also contains Alpha ketoglutarate, which is an anion (negatively charged) ketone derived from glutaric acid. It serves many important biological roles in the human body, including being a required intermediate in the Kreb’s cycle.
This cycle accommodates the breakdown of energy sources like glucose, other sugars, fatty acids and amino acids. The Kreb’s cycle is utilized by every aerobic organism to create energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Arginine AKG Benefits
Aside from those listed above, AAKG also presents the following benefits when taken as a dietary supplement:
- Increased sexual energy with enhanced performance;
- Enhanced elimination of ammonia and other toxins;
- Efficient regulation of the urea cycle;
- Enhanced immune system functioning;
- Accommodates protein synthesis;
- Prevents muscular wasting;
- Treats infections of yeast and certain bacterium;
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AAKG Side Effects
Supplementation with AAKG is known to be quite safe. Very few serious side effects have ever been noted. In general, the human body is very tolerant of AAKG pills.
Studies from New York University indicate that doses of 20 grams daily presented no adverse effects except for minor gastrointestinal issues. It stimulates the production of acids in the stomach and may have an effect on potassium levels.
Also, there is evidence that AAKG supplementation interferes with commonly prescribed treatments for herpes.
It is notable that various AAKG supplements also contain other substances that may cause additional side effects. These include performance enhancing substances as well as inadvertent contamination resulting from careless manufacturing standards.
Further, there is a correlation between people that use supplements to enhance performance and people who use anabolic steroids.
Of course, if the two are combined, serious, even life threatening, side effects may result. However, AAKG side effects are minimal for healthy individuals when it is used in isolation.
AAKG is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. There has not been enough research conducted to be sure that it is safe for developing babies and infants. Likewise, it is not recommended for those who are going to be undergoing surgery within 2 weeks.
Always discuss AAKG adverse effects and proper dosages with your doctor before beginning any programs.
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Clinical Studies on Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Various clinical tests show a significant increase in the synthesis of nitric oxide when AAKG supplements are introduced. Nitric acid is used extensively by athletes, especially bodybuilders, because of its vasodilation capacities.
It has been repeatedly shown to increase the longevity of muscular pumps, as well as significantly decreasing recovery times after workouts. The healing process if accentuated. Increases in muscle size, strength and durability are also noted.
In short, muscles are able to work harder, for longer time periods, with less pain and decreased time required for healing from post-workout side effects.
Arginine AKG is also used in clinical setting to treat fatty liver disease, certain kidney issues, a variety of intestinal and stomach conditions, erectile dysfunction and cataracts.
Its primary action as a vasodilator offers advantages for medical uses as well as athletes. Further, arginine alpha ketoglutarate supplementation of between 10 and 15 grams daily has been shown to increase body insulin levels by as much as 25%.
Elevated body insulin is also associated with increases in muscle mass, muscle power and enhanced recovery.
With very few negative AAKG side effects noted and an appreciable list of possible benefits, this natural substance continues to gain popularity among athletes and healthcare professionals alike.
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- Willoughby DS, Boucher T, Reid J, Skelton G, Clark M. 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. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2011
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Article last updated on: May 12th, 2018 by Nootriment