AAKG Supplement Effects, Dosages & Research Review

Taking an AAKG supplement may offer several important benefits for human health. Also known as arginine alpha ketoglutarate, AAKG is a combination of alpha ketoglutarate, a negatively charged ketone, and L-arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid.

L-arginine is found in a variety of foods and is also manufactured within the bodies of adult humans. Preterm babies cannot yet produce it; making it “conditionally” essential for humans.

The L-form of arginine is directly associated with the synthesis of nitric oxide, a substance known for its vasodilation capacity. Because of this, AAKG supplements are popular with weightlifters, bodybuilders and other athletes that demand enhanced performance.

Alpha ketoglutarate is a simple compound that contains a double carbon/oxygen bond (ketone) with a negative charge. Via the Kreb’s cycle, it is a byproduct of the production of adenosine triphosphate, the main energy source used for cellular metabolism.

AAKG

Bodybuilding Supplement

Pre- Workout

Muscle Growth

Circulation

How It Works:

• Increases Nitric Oxide levels
• Improves nutrient delivery to muscles
• Boosts athletic performance

Dosage:

Between 1.5 - 3.5 g per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Benefits of Taking an AAKG Supplement

AAKG supplements are known to increase the amount of nitric oxide in the body, thereby accommodating generalized vasodilation.

Vasodilation is the widening of the blood vessels. As the vessels are opened wider, more blood is permitted to flow through without any increase in intravenous blood pressures.

The result is improvements in circulation, without dangerous side effects associated with rising blood pressure. This action allows for increased delivery of nutrients that lead to gains in muscular strength, endurance and size.

Additionally, taking an AAKG supplement will likely lead to increased body insulin levels. It is known that having more bioavailable insulin also promotes muscular growth, strength and healing abilities.

Hence, taking AAKG will likely accommodate longer, less painful workouts that take less time to recover from.

Medical Uses for AAKG Supplements

Arginine alpha ketoglutarate is used by heart surgeons to ensure adequate blood flow during operations. The sedative effect of generalized anesthesia slows down the heart rate.

AAKG enhances blood flow, counteracting potential side effects. Also, AAKG is used for many post-operative patients to prevent muscle wasting during inactive periods of recovery.

Clinical studies show that L-arginine levels are low in those with type II diabetes and other chronic conditions including hypertension. This is because these conditions often cause increases in arginase, an enzyme that has a degrading effect on L-arginine.

AAKG is also used by doctors to treat liver and kidney disease as well as to treat certain bacterial infections. Women who suffer with recurring yeast infections also find relief via AAKG supplementation.

Further, clinical studies are underway addressing the effectiveness of AAKG as a general immune system strengthener.

Safety and Side Effects of AAKG

AAKG capsules are known to be safe and free of any serious side effects. In fact, the only side effects that have been observed are minor gastrointestinal disturbances, like upset stomach and burping.

There are a few cases reported where heart palpitations and dizziness were reported, but those cases involved other substances in addition to the AAKG.

Further there are no reported food interactions or known drug interactions. However, it is still advisable to talk with your doctor about any supplementation programs you may be considering.

Clinical Studies on AAKG Supplements

In one double-blind, placebo-based clinical study, 16 weightlifters were monitored for 8 weeks. The treatment group received 4 grams of arginine alpha ketoglutarate 3 times daily. The following was observed:

• No side effects reported;
• No changes in heart rate or blood pressure;
• Standardized blood screens showed no abnormalities;
• No negative changes in sex drive, sleep, mental health and/or generalized health;
• More studies are needed to ascertain whether or not increases in muscle size and strength were directly related to AAKG;

L-arginine is a basic constituent of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). As such some physicians believe it to be capable of stimulating replication of certain viruses, including the herpes virus. For this reason, AAKG supplementation may not be recommended for those with this virus.

There have been various clinical studies that suggest that AAKG delivers longer lasting muscle pumps in athletes.

When the muscles are worked, more blood floods into the muscles, resulting in bigger, harder pumps. Over time, tighter, stronger, larger muscles may develop which require less time to heal in between workouts.

Another important benefit of taking an AAKG supplement stems from the fact that it would require a lot of food ingestion to supply the same bioavailable amounts as a tablet or powder.

It is possible to increase your L-arginine and alpha ketoglutarate levels through diet alone, but it would not be feasible. For instance, L-arginine if plenteous in red meats, but eating enough to supply an additional 12 grams daily would be quite unhealthy for various reasons.

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