arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate

Arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt formed from the amino acid L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate, a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle. AAKG is primarily marketed and used as a dietary supplement, especially among athletes and bodybuilders, for its purported ability to enhance muscle performance, improve exercise recovery, and increase nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and enhanced blood flow. The combination of arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate is alleged to improve the stability and availability of arginine, potentially augmenting its performance-enhancing effects compared to L-arginine alone. Mechanistically, arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator, while alpha-ketoglutarate participates in energy metabolism and may support protein synthesis and muscle recovery. Despite claims, clinical evidence supporting AAKG's effectiveness for athletic performance enhancement and other health conditions is limited and inconsistent. AAKG is not approved as a pharmaceutical drug and is used as an oral dietary supplement in sports and wellness contexts[7][8][9].

Other names

AAKG