Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt of the amino acid arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid. It is marketed as a body building supplement. The components are intermediates in the metabolism of nitric oxides, but no reputable scientific evidence shows any benefits from taking AAKG as a dietary supplement.

"At present, there is no research published in peer-reviewed journals to support the assertion that an increase in nitric oxide levels promotes greater muscle protein synthesis or improves muscle strength. There is also no evidence that the arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in “nitric oxide” supplements have any effect on nitric oxide levels in muscles."[1][unreliable source?]

A recent study examined the effects of AAKG supplementation on heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, NOx/NO2 levels, and l-arginine levels. Minimal observed changes were attributed to resistance exercise used in the experimental design, not to AAKG supplementation, although arginine levels were found to have been elevated.[2]

Another recent study found "acute" AAKG supplementation made no difference in endurance or blood pressure during the course of exercise. In fact, participants that took AAKG prior to exercise had compromised endurance and strength. "Because AAKG supplementation may hinder muscular endurance, the use of these supplements before resistance training should be questioned." [3]

[edit] References1.^ High Intensity Training by Drew Baye - NO Supplements? No Way!
2.^ Willoughby, DS; Boucher T, Reid J, Skelton G, Clark M (Aug 2011). "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". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 21 (4): 291–9. PMID 21813912.
3.^ Greer, BK; BT Jones (Jul 2011). "Acute arginine supplementation fails to improve muscle endurance or affect blood pressure responses to resistance training". Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 25 (7): 1789–94. PMID 21399536.
Bill Campbell, M.S. et al. 2006. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of l-arginine a-ketoglutarate in trained adult men. Nutrition, 22(9), 872-881.

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Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt of the amino acid arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid. It is marketed as a body building supplement. The components are intermediates in the metabolism of nitric oxides.

Does taking Arginine Alpha Keto show up in urinalysis?

Benefits of the Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Intake
If you are interested in learning how to accelerate muscle growth, increase strength and endurance, you'll want to learn about AAK. Why? Because it's imperative to the health of bodybuilder, athletes, or anyone who wants to strengthen their muscles, recover much faster from strenuous exercise, and increase stamina.

What is AAKG?

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, also known as AAKG and L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate is a popular ingredient in many cell volumiers. It is an advanced form of Arginine, an amino acid widely used by bodybuilders and athletes to accelerate muscle growth, increase strength and endurance. AAKG also helps to recover much faster after physical excercises as well as improve sexual performance. As Alpha-Ketoglutarate helps improve the delivery of arginine, it is widely used as one of the most important nitrogen (NO2) transporters that positively affect metabolic pathways. Shortly saying, Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate controls hormones, builds muscles and is a part of the amino acid group.

Who Uses AAKG?
L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is widely used by bodybuilders, athleters and regular gym users who want to gain muscle size and increase strength, as well as sexual vigour.

What is L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Is Used For?
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate acts as a stimulant of nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide is an important element directing and ordering a complex array of activities, including blood flow regulation, muscle contraction, and muscle growth. And these are just a few benefits of this element. However, nitric oxid isn’t widely available and you cannot simply buy it at drug stores. Instead, people use arginine alpha ketoglutarate, a natural, non-medicated method for building nitric oxid in the human body.

What Are The Key Benefits of AAKG?
L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate has the following key benefits:

• It increases muscular strength and growth,

• It can improve energy levels and endurance,

• It is a popular NO2 supplement

AAKG contains both L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate:

L-arginine is an essential amino acid with a number of vital roles in the human body. It also acts as an active substance in the protein synthesis.

Alpha-ketoglutarate is also an important biological compound. It helps the body to create usable energy from carbohydrates, fats and protein.

AAKG vs L-Arginine
In numerious studies, L-Arginine has demonstrated its ability to increase the NO (nitric oxide) production in blood vessels and widen their diameter. This increases blood flow without elevating blood pressure. When blood vessels are widened, more blood reaches muscles and tissues and delivers increased amounts of carbohydrate, protein, and the various anabolic hormones (for instance, testosterone and growth hormone). All this helps increase muscle strengths and volume. With the increased nitric oxide in the muscles, the muscle-building mechanism is activated and maintained. This is known as the synthesis of protein.

When you take pure l-arginine supplements or foods such as red meat, which is rich in arginine, this won’t have the same result. An effective supplement that boosts NO levels continuously must have some kind of extended-release delivery system, which can be achieved by using a combination of L-Arginine and AAKG. The most effective and almost immediate benefit from this combination is the enhanced muscle pump.

Several studies showed that the use of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate by bodybuilders promoted larger and longer lasting pumps. The muscles were tighter and stronger. Some of the bodybuilders literally felt pumped all day long, though this can be a side effect of AAKG. What really matters is that this supplement can rapidly increase strength, generate new muscle growth, and accelerate recovery in all the muscles. Scientists still aren’t aware of why nitric oxid stimulates protein synthesis in the muscle, but there are numerious evidences that protein moves on to form muscle tissues. As a result, bodybuilders and athlets get bigger muscles, broader shoulders, stronger chest and powerful-looking legs.

There are also evidences that L-arginine boosts the production of growth hormone, which helps the body to build muscles, which increases their size, strength and endurance.

In addition, L-arginine is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction and can restore sex drive and confidence.

What Is An Effective Dosage of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate?
As L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is a dietary supplement, it is sold in a number of forms: tablets, pills, or powder. The suggested AAKG dosage is 2 or 3 tablets once or twice a day on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning and at least 30 minutes before workouts.

If you use AAKG powder, the recommended dose will be anywhere between 1500 and 3500 milligramms of the supplement. It is also recommeded to use AAKG powder with a combination of creatine and amino acids.

You can also increase the AAKG dosage to 1500mg 3 times a day and use creatine-based products. This will more effectively aid muscle growth. Note that to avoid possible side effects, this substance is not recommended for continious, high-level use for more than 60 days and you should not drink powdered NO2 drinks, which contain many of these ingredients.

What can AAKG powder be combined with?

Many athlets and bodybuilders report more effective results when AAKG l-arginine is combined with creatine-based products. You can find arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in several pre training pump products as well as in a combination drinks.

Pure AAKG Research Data

Pure AAKG consists of L-Arginine and alpha ketoglutarate. L-arginine is an amino acid with several vital roles in the body. It assists in wound healing, helps remove access ammonia, stimulates immune function and promotes several hormones’ secretion, including insulin, growth hormone, and glucagon.

At least one study showed that the combination of AAKG l-arginine promoted greated decrease in body fat only after 5 weeks of the supplement’s consumption. Another study demonstrated that 3 grams of pure AAKG powder, taken orally 30 minutes before physical exercise, increased growth hormone production, whereas when taken without alpha-ketoglutarate, L-arginine failed to affect this hormone and even may have impaired the release of growth hormone in younger adults.

As l-arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide, the use of this substance in a combination with AKG may keep blood vessels dilated, allowing the heart to receive a substancial amount of oxygen. AAKG is now researched in people suggering from angina and congestive heart failure.

Due to its positive effect on nitric oxide metabolism, pure AAKG powder can also be used to treat interstitial cystitis, a condition of the bladder. At least one study showed that the use of this supplementation during six months led to a significant decrease in most symptoms, including pain. Short-term consumption wasn’t very effective even at higher AAKG doses (3-10 grams a day).

There are a few evidence that l-arginine may help regulate cholesterol levels due to its role as a natural blood thinner.

When Will You Need Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate?

Normally, the body produces enough arginine, even if you do not receive this amino acid in your everyday diet. However, when your body is stressed (including infection, burns, and injury), it may not be able to keep up with increased requirements.

Are There Any Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) Side Effects Or Interactions?
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) has so far appeared to have no side effects, however due to the absence of long-term studies, there is no guarantee that this substance is completely safe. Short-term studies demonstrated that AAKG did not influence body composition and its aerobic capacity.

If you have problems with kidney or liver, consult your doctor before taking AAKG. Some physicians believe that people with herpes should not take supplements containing arginine, due to its possible role as a stimulant of the virus replication.

In doses of L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate that are higher than normal (over 9 grams), people with diabetes may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, though this study does not relate to pure AAKG powder.

One study showed that large doses of arginine may increase cancer cell growth in humans, though arginine in normal doses has been found to stimulate the immune system. It is still unclear whether arginine is bad or helpful for people with cancer.

There are no reported drug interactions with AAKG, however there are a few reports that when taken with products containing ephedrine, they may act as a vasoconstrictor reducing AAKG effects.

Is Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Safe?
At least one study (refer to Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in trained adult men. Campbell B, Roberts M, Kerksick C, Wilborn C, Marcello B, Taylor L, Nassar E, Leutholtz B, Boden R, Rasmussen C, Greenwood M, Kreider R. Nutrition. 2006 Sep;22(9):872-81.PMID: 16928472) shows that arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is safe and effective for trained adult men. If you are looking at arginine alone, the compound proved to be safe when used in normal doses (3-6 grams), though at larger doses diabetic patients suffered from gastrointestinal problems.

Is Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate AAKG Safe For Children?
AAKG supplements (ranging from 10 to 15 grams per day during 5 months) have demonstrated its ability to improve growth rates in small children. The intake of this substance resulted in elevated concentrations of anabolic hormones (known as growth hormones) and amino acid metabolites that included insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), glutamate and and glutamine (refer to Jeevanandam M, Petersen SR. Substrate fuel kinetics in enterally fed trauma patients supplemented with Arginine alpha ketoglutarate. Clin Nutr 1999 Aug;18(4):209-17). If not overdosed, AAKG shows no or little side effects and is safe for children, although lack of studies cannot guarantee this safety.

Can AAKG Cause Insomnia?
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a rather safe supplement and its health benefits has been thoroughly researched and documented in numerous scientific journals and bodybuilding forums running for decades. However, large doses of AAKG may lead to several unwanted side effects, including insomnia, stomack upset, and restlessness.

There are several reports that when used before bed, AAKG can lead to difficulty in falling asleep. If you experience such insomnia problems, try to avoid the AAKG intake before bedtime or reduce your normal dose.

Remember, that AAKG is not recommended for continuous, high-level use for more than 60 - 80 days.

Does Alpha ketoglutarate Contain Glutaminine?
In numerious studies, AKG demonstrated its ability to promote the secretion of anabolic hormones such as growth hormone and insulin. It can also increase amino acid metabolism (including glutamine and arginine production).

When arginine is bonded to alpha ketoglutarate, it improves absorption, bioavailability, and potency. To be more specifical, you will get all the properties of arginine plus a number of health benefits from alpha ketoglutarate (AKG), which make arginine more stable, bioavailable and easily absorbed. In addition, AKG serves as a transport medium for arginine and makes it available at the cellular levels for optimal synthesis. Furthermore, AAKG improves the endogenous production of glutamine and glutamic acid that both play an important role for muscle growth and the immune system.

And important fact is that arginine alpha ketoglutarate binds to toxic ammonia in muscle cells, the liver, and the brain, thus it converts ammonia into glutamic acid, which improves glutamine levels and assists in elimination of toxic ammonia from the body.

How Many Grams of AAKG Powder Are In A Teaspoon?
Teaspoon of AAKG powder is equal to approximately 3 grams. ½ teaspoon corresponds to 1300 – 1350 milligrams.

How to Use AAKG?
Depending on your needs, AAKG dosage may vary from 2 to 15 grams per day. Bodybuilders and athletes usually take ½ tablespoon of AAKG powder, which equals to approximately 4 grams, 3 times a day, thus the total recommended dosage is as high as 12 grams of this powder.

If you take AAKG for general and cardiovascular health, consider taking 1 teaspoon (approximately 1.33 grams) 2-3 times a day with the total amount between 2 and 4 grams a day.

Remember that AAKG be it pure powder or a drink combination, is not recommended for continuous, high-level use for more than 80 days.

Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate vs Arginine Ethyl Ester
Esterification (as in the case of arginine ethyl ester) or bonding with alpha ketoglutarate (as in the case of arginine alpha ketoglutarate) demonstrates its ability to absorb. Such compounds are more stable and bioavailable. In addition, alpha ketoglutarate has many other properties that esterification would not deliver, including all the endothelial-lining-support and vasoldilation properties of arginine plus a number of benefits of alpha ketoglutarate (like making arginine more stable, bioavailable and absorbable). Beyond this, AKG can serve as a transport medium for arginine, which becomes directly available at the cellular levels, adding to the optimal protein synthesis. Furthermore, arginine alpha ketoglutarate can improve the endogenous production of glutamic acid and glutamine that both act as important stimulants for muscle growth and the immune system.

Toxic ammonia are also bound by AAKG in the liver, muscle cells, and in the brain. This converts ammonia into glutamic acid and improves glutamine levels, assisting with the elimination of toxic ammonia from the body.

AAKG is a preferal substance for many users, not just because it is a more natural compound, but because it has a number of other important properties. To be more specific, arginine that is bonded to any of the Krebs Cycle intermediate, including malate, citrate, succinate, alpha ketoglutarate, fumarate, or other compounds that are involved indirectly in the energy cycle (e.g. pyruvate, orotate, etc.) adds to a better bioavailability, potency, and absorption.
When it comes to the dosage, arginine alpha keto-glutarate compound ensures that arginine absorbs optimally and is also available for its ergogenic properties. This means that you will need less of arginine alpha keto-glutarate (about 3 grams per dose) if compared with the base arginine.

Can you take arginine alpha-ketoglutarate before bed?
When you take AAKG before and after physical excercises, this will also boost growth hormone levels when those hormones can really enhance muscle growth and fat burning.

Another important time to consume your dose of this powder, is in the morning. This will raise growth hormone (GH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels and will help you start your day in an anabolic state. It is also important to take AAKG before bed about 30-60 minutes before you go to sleep. This will bump up the levels of GH while you sleep and will help your body recover and grow muscles.

Be sure to take arginine alpha ketoglutarate before 30-60 minutes before your meal or at least an hour after.

And one thing you should remember: try not to overdose AAKG as it may lead to insomnia or other sleep related disorders.

Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate How Long Does It Take To Work?
AAKG provides a constant and steady release rate of nitric oxide (NO) and maintains its concentrations in the blood near 24 hours. The controlled release technology has just opened up the unlimited muscle and performance enhancing potential of NO, which can be a good news for million of the substance’s users. You will feel the effect in about 30-60 minutes, thus you should take your AAKG powder before your workouts to improve strength, muscle pump, and endurance. As with other arginine compounds, AAKG powder should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before your meal or after it.

Does l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate affect liver?
According to several studies of l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate, this substance in relatively high dosage (3x3 grams orally on a daily basis), produced a great lowering of plasma ammonia and free serum phenols with a high-protein diet in patients with liver cirrhosis comparing with a previous day without AAKG.

The reduction of ammonia could be understood by a significant increase in urea synthesis, measured by the urea nitrogen content of the 24-hour urine. The simultaneous lowering of pathologically raised serum levels of free phenols was explained by the scientists as the improval of oxidative decomposition of these substances. (Refer to the study by Müting D, Horback L. [Effect of arginine ketoglutarate on the detoxifying capacity of the liver in cirrhosis of the liver (author's transl)]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr. 1977 Apr 22;119(16):535-8. German. PubMed PMID: 405572)

Does arginine alpha-ketoglutarate affect heart?
According to a recent 2009 study published in a Human Toxicology journal (refer to Prosser JM, Majlesi N, Chan GM, Olsen D, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. Adverse effects associated with arginine alpha-ketoglutarate containing supplements. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2009 May;28(5):259-62. PubMed PMID: 19755457) three patients with heart diseases were reported to have adverse reactions caused by arginine alpha-ketuglutarate. A 33-year-old man with symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and syncope, was taken to an emergency center after the use of NO2 platinum. His electrocardiogram was normal, however the dizziness persisted for 24 hours. Another case of a 21-year-old man with similar sypmtoms was reported. The man used a nitric oxide supplement and was tachycardic to 115 bpm. A 24-year-old man was presented after taking NO-Xplode with palpitations and a headache. The active ingredient in the consumed products was arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), which is claimed to increase the production of nitric oxide (NO) by supplying the precursor L-arginine. The symptoms could be caused by the vasodilation from increased NO levels, though other reasons must be accounted as well.

What is the max dose for arginine-alpha ketoglutarate?

The recommended dosage for arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is anywhere between 3 and 4 grams. To get the maximum effect, take the supplement prior to (before 30-60 minutes) workout.

AAKG is usually well tolerated in doses as high as 3 – 6 grams per day. To affect the growth hormone production, a dosage of 3 – 4 grams daily is needed. You can take l-arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate in a combination with creatine and amino acids. However, if you already take nitric oxide powdered drinks, there’s no need to take other substances except AAKG.

If taken twice a day at a quantity of 5 to 10 grams, AAKG is still acceptable and safe. Alternately it may be taken before bed at a max dose of 10 to 15 grams.

Where can I buy pure arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate?

In most cases, pure arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate is available in pills, tablets, powder. In addition, AAKG can be included to some other supplements. If you’d like to buy arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, a good idea will be to apply to the many pharmaceutical companies. However, there are several things you should consider:

1. Pure arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate USP must meet the FDA manufacturing standards.

2. The quality of the AAKG powder depends on its purity. Many companies add extra ingredients to their supplements and you should find a well-known and respectable company to buy your pure AAKG from.

3. See if the manufacturer claims its product’s pharmaceutical grade. Pure arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate must have the highest pharmaceutical grade.

4. Buy supplements only after reviewing quality control documents.

5. If you buy pure AAKG powder online, check the supplier’s transportation types or call them prior to actually ordering the product.

6. Check the expiration date on the product’s package. If it’s expired, return it to the supplier and do not use it.

Can alpha ketoglutarate be taken if you have high blood pressure?

Several trial studies demonstrated that the use of 4 grams of arginine alpha ketoglutarate 3 times a day had no significant side effects and showed no changes in blood pressure or heart rate. There were no abnormalities on general health rate (refer to the study by Vacanti T, Campbell B, Baer J, et al. Effects of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on markers of catabolism and health status.Sports Nutr Rev J2004;1:S10–S11).

As AAKG stimulates the production of nitric oxide, it improvs blood circulation throughout the whole body. NO also acts as a hemodilator that relaxes the smooth muscle of arteries. This not only decreases blood pressure but improves blood flow, resulting in increased oxygen and nutrients flow to all parts of the body.

Note that several cases were reported when AAKG was presumed to affect heart in 3 people. See details above in the section “does arginine alpha-ketoglutarate affect heart”.
Can you drink coffee while taking larginine-alpha-ketoglutarate?

A combination of coffee or any other drinks containing caffeine (tea, energy drinks like red bull) with larginine-alpha-ketoglutarate halts enzymes, phosphodiesterase (PDE) (the susbtances that limit your muscle pump and sex drive) may bring back your energy, stamina in the gym as weel as the bedroom.

Large doses of caffeine taken with larginine-alpha-ketoglutarate can bring a stimulating boost of energy, resulting in fatigue-fighting activity. It helps you to attain a state of increased readiness at the very beginning of the training session. Coffee consumed with the AAKG powder provides an increased motivation, concentration and focus on muscle work. Caffeine stimulates full and longer lasting effect through the most intensive training and enhances its effectiveness.

Does alpha ketoglutarate work?

According to numerous studies, alpha ketoglutarate does work in many pathways in the body and helps pump muscles, as weel as heal wounds and improve erectile function. In addition, arginine ketoglutarate stimulates immune function and promotes growth hormone secretion. AAKG was also found to be effective when used as a part of fat loss programs.

For more effect, take alpha ketoglutarate 30 – 60 minutes before workouts. To stimulate growth hormone, it is also recommended to take the supplement before bed. If you have any problems with falling asleep, take AKG in smaller doses and 1 – 2 hours before going to bed. For more information, refer to the sections “Pure AAKG Research Data” and “Can AAKG Cause Insomnia”.
Does l-arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate increase NO production?

L-arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a sustained release formula which ensure maximum substance absorption. L-arginine is released into the bloodstream, resulting in a dramatical increase in the nitrix oxide (NO) production. Nitric oxide is a very powerful vasolidator. Its increase in blood circulation may lead to the following benefits: extended and enhanced muscle pump after workouts, improved endurance and recovery time, greater workout capacity, and increased sexual drive. If combined with creatine ethyl ester (CEE), AAKG makes an excellent stack for a very effective and powerful muscle-building combination.

How fast 12 grams of arginine alpha ketoglutarate work?

A 2009 study published in the Nutrition Journaldemonstrated that the use of 12 grams of arginine alpha ketoglutarate works in about 30 – 60 minutes after the intake of this supplement. The doses were 4 grams three times a day, thus the total amount of AAKG was 12 grams daily. The clinical research showed that arginine alpha ketoglutarate improved muscle endurance, anaerobic power, total body water, and psychometric parameters. As a result, AAKG supplementation appeared to be safe, well tolerated and effective in the increased workout performance.

How long does it take for arginine alphaketoglutarate to get in your system?

As L-arginine alphaketoglutarate is a dietary supplement, it can be found in a number of forms. The usual dosage of this supplement is anywhere between 1,5 and 3,5 grams. And to have more effect on muscle growth, it is recommended to use AAKG powder along with other amino acids and effective forms of creatine (e.g. creatine ethyl ester). You should take the substance 2 – 3 times a day on an empty stomach and at least 30 minutes before workouts, because arginine gets in your system and starts working only after 30 minutes from its consumption.

How much arginine alpha ketoglutarate should I take per day?

The recommended dosage of arginine alpha ketoglutarate is 12 grams per day. The usual dose of this substance starts at 1.5 – 4 grams and it is recommended to use AAKG 3 times a day on empty stomach 30 – 60 minutes before physical exercises.

How much insulin is in l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate?

L-arginine alpha ketoglutarate doesn’t actually contain insulin. It optimized glucose and insulin function and promotes their production. The effectiveness of AAKG can be greatly diminished if your diet includes much food that causes other amino acids or significant amounts of insulin to be present in the bloodstream. That is why l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate should be taken before 1 hour or three hours after a meal. AAKG works best if you keep your daily carbohydrate intake above 40% of your total caloric intake per day.

How much l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate will help with ed?

Research shows that l-arginine alpha ketoglutarate may help improve the symptoms of male infertility caused by erectile dysfunction (ED). Arginine itself has a good reputation for restoring sex drive and confidence.

Most companies recommend an effective dose to help with ED to be in the region of 6 grams per day. Typically, AAKG is consumed in two - three seperate daily doses of 3 grams at a time.

If you have any serious health problems or suspect you are deficient, consult your physician before taking this supplement.

How to consume l-arginine alphaketoglutarate?

There are several forms of L-arginine alphaketoglutarate that you can take as a dietary supplement. Such forms include pills, tablets, and pure AAKG powder, which can be added to your protein drinks or mixed with juice to make the substance more palatable and easier to ingest.

Is arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (a-akg) bad for you?

Several studies demonstrate that larger doses of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (a-akg) (over 15 grams a day) may cause several unpleasant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. It is not recommended to use AAKG for a period larger than 60 – 80 days.

Does aakg have a bitter taste?

AAKG powder has a specific smell and a mildly bitter taste, which can be hidden by a large amount of water. Alternatively, the substance can be added to a small amount of pro-biotic yoghurt or be mixed mix with orange juice instead of water to completely hide its smell and taste.

Can aakg and creatine be mixed together?

AAKG and creatine is a good combination for a more effective muscle pump. Both acting as endurance and growth hormone stimulants, these substances add value to each other making them a perfect muscle building combination.

Can you mix aakg and ornithine?

AAKG can be mixed with ornithine to promote increased nitric oxide (NO) production and enhance blood circulation, which results in a better delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles. Several supplements’ manufacturers found value in providing the combination of these substances and sell L-arginine-AKG L-ornithine-AKG that represent a combination of the L-ornithine amino acid and l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (A-AKG). L-ornithine is good to improve performance, while A-AKG is a precursor to the amino acid glutamine and plays a vitally important role in the physiological process (known as the Krebs cycle), responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in the body to produce energy.

Can you mix aakg and bcaa?

There exist three branched chain amino acids (BCAA): l-leucine, l-isoleucine, and l-valine, which are all essential amino acids and must come from the foods we eat. BCAA play a very important role in the body: they help conserve stores of glutamine, a major amino acid that helps to grow muscles. In addition, BCAA is a great source for skeletal muscle when in metabolic stress that often happens when you exercise intensely. When the body is under stress, BCAA affect muscle cells and promote protein synthesis. Furthermore, BCAA help prevent muscle breakdown (protein catabolism).

When mixed with AAKG, BCAA become a powerful blend of branched chain amino acids and muscle sparing and recovery compounds that work synergistically to maximize your workouts, significantly reduce muscle recovery time, preserve lean muscle tissue and increase protein synthesis. The mix of bcaa and aakg is usually taken for superior uptake and absorption that may further enhance muscle recovery.

Can aakg cause stomach cramps?

AAKG is a more bio-available form of l-arginine, which is made to prevent bloating and stomach cramps. AKG aids in absorption and uptake l-arginine and is a precursor to glutamine, an essential amino acid required for muscle growth.

AAKG powder is absorbed by the intestines, which eliminates gastrointestinal problems associated with other forms of arginine. However, if taken in high dosage (12 – 15 grams or more), AAKG may cause such side effects as nausea, stomach cramping and diarrhea. Sensitive people may experience unwanted effects at lower doses.

Does aakg affect kidneys?

L-arginine, as one of the main components in AAKG, is naturally found in the body and it is produced to a large extent in the kidneys, and a small amount in the liver. L-arginine is important for urea metabolism, a process that prepares toxic ammonia for safe excretion by the kidneys. You’re your body is not at its optimal health, the kidneys and liver cannot naturally produce the required amounts of l-arginine, thus you should increase the intake of l-arginine-rich foods (e.g. milk, yogurt, meet, seafood, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts, etc.). If you do not want to consume large amount of these foods, but would like to have a far quicker and more effective way to restore l-arginine in your body, an alternative suggestion will be the use of AAKG. However, do not forget that any foods and supplemental powders have to be processed by kidneys and other organs as well, so make sure your doses are in moderation.

Does aakg arginine produce growth hormones?

Being an important part of the NO production process, AAKG arginine produces growth hormones and optimizes hormone secretion, which in its turn encourages muscle growth, strength and endurance. Furthermore, the primary role of growth hormone in the body is building tissues (especially in a younger age). It is involved in the turnover of muscle tissue and is particularly important for those individuals, wishing to add lean muscle mass, as well as the remodeling of bone and collagen tissues. More over, growth hormone helps with the regulation of metabolisms.

Sources:

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