Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (also known as arginine or AAKG) is an amino acid that has been steadily gaining popularity in the bodybuilding community and endurance-training circuit. The product itself is a chemical mixture, a salt from the amino acid L-arginine combined with alpha-ketoglutaric acid. L-arginine is found in a variety of foods (particularly protein-rich foods like red meat) and is also manufactured within the bodies of human adults.
It is known as a ‘conditionally essential’ amino acid, meaning that not all humans can produce it in their systems naturally (pre-term infants are among the sub-group who lack the ability for L-arginine production). Visually, in its supplement form, it is a white or yellowish crystalline powder. AAKG is known to boost certain physiological functions as well as averting potentially challenging deficiencies, which is why it is termed as one of the most resourceful amino acids.
Who Manufactures And Distributes AAKG?
Many companies currently exist on the market whose purpose is to grow, research, produce, and distribute chemical and botanical supplements. Each company has quality assurance indicators, a personal philosophy, and a mission statement. Additionally, many of these manufacturers publish their own research studies related to product safety and efficacy. Several of these corporations grow, manufacture, and distribute the raw ingredients necessary for AAKG, and create the finished product.
Nutra Green, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the production and manufacturing of biochemical and plant products, is one company that manufactures and supplies arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. Nutra Green is a full-service company that researches, cultivates, harvests, and studies botanicals and their biochemical derivatives. Their mission statement boasts high standards of quality control, carefully monitored and standardized raw materials, and a team of research scientists to ensure continual quality and progress.
This product is marketed by a wide array of distributors. Many nutrition supplement companies geared to the bodybuilding circuit, such as BulkSupplements, Nutricost, and Primaforce, carry AAKG as a product in their inventories. And with a huge demand for the supplement, there is no telling as to how many more companies may soon begin manufacturing it.
Is AAKG Necessary For Our Bodies?
The human body needs arginine alpha-ketoglutarate to produce nitric oxide in the liver. Sufficient levels of the amino acid L-arginine can be obtained from a diet rich in protein, particularly lean cuts of red meat. The incidental levels of AAKG that can be acquired through diet alone are sufficient for protein synthesis.
When bodybuilders want to reap the benefits of increasing their AAKG production, they can look to supplementing their intake. In theory, the production of nitric oxide increases blood flow, oxygen transport, and delivery of nutrients to skeletal muscle during strength and resistance training. Fans of the AAKG supplement claim that this results in dramatic increases in muscle size and strength.
Potential Health And Therapeutic Benefits
Therapeutically, AAKG assists with the elimination of ammonia by regulating the urea cycle. It helps the body to sufficiently metabolize certain amino acids. It is a natural vasodilator and blood-thinner, so it can be useful during vascular and heart surgery, and can also assist in preventing muscular atrophy and breakdown in post-surgical patients. It aids in the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps blood flow to the body’s muscles.
Medically, AAKG can also be used to treat cataracts, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver and kidney disease. It has been shown to increase the production of growth hormones in the body, as well as speed collagen production to promote wound healing. It has also been employed to relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction and sterility in men.
The Appeal For Bodybuilders
Vasodilation is the widening of the blood vessels. As the vessels widen, 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.
Weightlifters and bodybuilders are constantly in search of that ‘pumped’ look and feel that is unique to a post-workout physique. As blood flows to the body’s muscles, tissue expands, blood vessels dilate, and muscles bulge. When arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is taken pre-workout, it has been reported to increase the duration of time that an athlete’s body remains in the ‘pumped’ state.
Taken pre-workout over time, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is also said to increase the rate of muscle repair and improve muscle-building capacity, strength, and endurance. The vasodilator properties of AAKG deliver more blood to the body’s muscles to deliver higher amounts of proteins and oxygen and speed recovery time post-workout. Athletes have claimed increases in muscle size and strength and easier recovery with a longer ‘pumped’ period.
Potential Interactions And Side Effects
There are not many adverse side effects associated with the use of AAKG. Pre-surgical patients are told to discontinue the supplement prior to surgery due to its potential blood-thinning properties. In cases where adverse side effects were reported, they usually consisted of symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
People taking blood thinners are advised not to take AAKG, and some studies have led to the belief that people with the herpes virus should avoid this supplement due to a potential increase in viral load and interference with prescribed herpes treatments that can reduce their efficacy. Caution is recommended to pregnant and nursing women with this and most other supplements.
One study from NYU reported some gastrointestinal side effects, probably due to increased production of stomach acids. AAKG can also potentially increase potassium levels in the body. Life-threatening conditions can result from the combination of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate and anabolic steroids.
What The Clinical Studies Have Concluded
Many studies show a definitive increase in nitric oxide synthesis and vasodilation when arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is used as a pre-workout supplement. Certain levels of the amino acid have been linked to increased blood insulin levels (as much as a 25% increase). It has been proven to increase the duration and quality of muscular ‘pumps’ and aid in decreasing recovery time after workouts. Very few serious side effects have been associated with the introduction of this supplement, and the human body appears to be quite tolerant of it.
Dosage And Delivery
AAKG is sold in tablet, pill, and powder form. Athletes are told to take two or three tablets, once or twice a day, approximately thirty minutes before a workout. The supplement should preferably be taken on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. The recommended powder-form dose is anywhere from 1,500 milligrams to 3,500 milligrams and can be taken along with an athlete’s creatine-based products. There are even some suggested benefits to combining the two.
Arginine Alpha Ketogutarate Review Summary
Although actual studies regarding an increase in overall muscle mass on a regimen of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate have been somewhat limited and inconclusive, anecdotal accounts boast remarkable responses to the supplement for many bodybuilders. The dilation of blood vessels due to the vascular effects of AAKG can account for a longer, more intense ‘pumped’ period post-workout. However, results regarding the actual increase of muscle mass, strength, and rapidity of healing have been somewhat more subjective.
Fans of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate swear to feeling increased stamina, higher workout output, and improved strength. Many bodybuilders claim a dramatic increase in lean muscle mass and speed of muscle recovery and production. Supporters of the supplement also report enjoying an increase in that ‘veiny’ look for which many athletes strive.
While the scientific community seems to be a bit noncommittal regarding proof of the benefits of pre-workout AAKG supplementation, enthusiasts of the product swear that it has drastically changed their workouts, honed their bodies, and consistently yielded concrete results, helping them to look and feel better and quickly transform their bodies into the best shape of their lives.
