What Does Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AAKG) Do?

AAKG, also commonly known as Arginine AKG or arginine alpha ketoglutarate, contains the essential amino acid, L-arginine. Human biochemistry depends on arginine to perform various important functions.

It assists with the elimination of ammonia by regulating the urea cycle. Arginine also serves to promote healthy functioning of the immune system. Further, it is known to be a key player in protein synthesis.

Alpha ketoglutarate is vitally important for the efficient metabolism of certain amino acids, as well as for accommodating the production of energy. AAKG is also used during heart surgeries for its vasodilator properties, helping to ensure that there are no blood delivery issues during the procedures.

It is also administered to many post-surgery patients to prevent muscular breakdown. Finally, it is effective at treating certain bacterial infections, and recurring yeast infections.

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

Top AAKG Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Therapeutic Benefits of AAKG

Arginine AKG is therapeutically used to treat liver issues, kidney disease, cataracts and various stomach and intestinal disorders.

Further, it is effective at relieving symptoms of erectile dysfunction and sterility in men. AAKG is also used to increase sexual desire and performance.

However, the most common usage of AAKG supplements is for bodybuilding and athletic performance purposes. Because it assists the liver in breaking down harmful substances, like ammonia, it allows for longer, less painful workouts.

L-arginine, being an amino acid, is also beneficial for the development of lean muscle mass. AAKG is favored by weightlifters, bodybuilders and various other performance athletes because it increases nitric oxide production, which in turn increased generalized vasodilation.

Clinical Support for AAKG Benefits

L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate supplementation has been researched extensively in various laboratory settings. It is known that when arginine is released into the bloodstream, there is a significant increase in nitric oxide production.

With more nitric oxide present, extended muscle pumps, enhanced work capacity, elevated libido and improved recovery times are likely.

Research Results

In one 2011 study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 24 active males were administered an AAKG supplement, along with either 12 grams of NO, or a placebo.

The study lasted 7 days. Elbow flexor resistance exercise sessions were performed before and after based on 15 repetitions over 3 sets. The weight used was between 70-75% of what each subject was able to lift for 1 repetition only.

Information about each subject was collected immediately prior to, PST (immediately afterward) and 30PST (30 minutes afterward) each exercise session. The following results were observed:

• Blood pressure, heart rate and blood flow volume all increased PST in both the treatment and control groups, but there were no differences in elevation between the groups.
• Nitric oxide levels increased in both groups at PST (p=.001) and also at 30PST. Again no differences were noted between the groups.
• ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) levels increased in the treatment group, but not the control (placebo) group.
• What this study showed is that nitric oxide is effective at increasing muscular endurance while AAKG is effective at increasing overall strength in movements.

Additional Effects of AAKG

There is also clinical proof that shows L-arginine is a catalyst for protein synthesis. The synthesizing of various protein chains is required for growing, strengthening and repairing muscle tissue.

It is associated with increases in muscle size, power and endurance. Taking 10 to 15 grams daily of a high quality AAKG supplement increases insulin in the body by roughly 25%.

Higher body insulin levels (as long as not hyper-elevated) are known to be effective at assisting with growth and strength increases in muscles.

These growth and strength increases manifest in the following manner:

1. Nitric oxide works inside blood vessels as a vasodilator, making them larger in diameter.
2. The larger diameter accommodates more blood flow without causing dangerous increases in blood pressure.
3. More blood reaches the muscles, delivering higher amounts of nutrients and oxygen.
4. Likewise, more carbohydrates, muscle building hormones and various protein chains are delivered to the muscles in higher quantities.
5. The results are increases in muscle size, strength and endurance, accompanied with decreases in recovery time.

Arginine AKG Side Effects

L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate is considered very safe for human supplementation. There are no reported ill side effects associated.

It is recommended that pregnant and nursing women do not use any type of supplementation with the express knowledge and consent of the pediatricians or other primary healthcare providers.

Additionally, anyone with an upcoming surgery scheduled should discontinue all supplementation prior to the procedures as directed by the surgeons.

It is always advisable to consult with your physicians before beginning arginine AKG supplementation, or others types of supplementation programs.

Rate This Article

(10 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5, rated)