Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is a combination of L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate, which are naturally occurring compounds.
Very few AAKG side effects have ever been reported, making it a popular supplement favored by bodybuilders and other athletes that long for enhanced performance.
Alpha-ketoglutarate is also used for intestinal and stomach disorders, kidney disease, bacterial infections; liver problems; cataracts; and recurring yeast infections.
It is also used to improve the way kidney patients receiving hemodialysis treatments process protein.
Studies have shown that extra ammonia in the body can combine with alpha-ketoglutarate to reduce problems associated with ammonia toxicity in the body.
Healthcare providers and surgeons sometimes give alpha-ketoglutarate intravenously for preventing injury to the heart caused by blood flow problems during heart surgery. It is also used for preventing muscle breakdown after surgery or trauma.
AAKG is in high demand in the athletic world because of its effects as a vasodilator that increases the diameter of blood vessels, making them able to accommodate increased blood flow volume without causing elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures.
The increased volume of blood ensures that more oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and proteins are carried to the muscles during and after workouts. This results in increased strength and muscle mass gains, endurance and capacity for healing.
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AAKG Composition
The L-form of arginine is one of the 20 most prevalent amino acids known to be an integral component of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid).
The majority of adults manufacture all of the arginines that they require, making deficiencies uncommon.
For bodybuilder and athletes, using an AAKG supplement can result in performance enhancement.
AAKG also contains Alpha ketoglutarate, which is a negatively charged ketone derived from the glutaric acid that serves many important biological roles in the human body.
It is also involved in a cycle, known as the Kreb’s cycle, which accommodates the breakdown of energy sources like glucose, other sugars, fatty acids and amino acids.
This Kreb’s cycle is utilized by every aerobic organism to create energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Alpha-Ketoglutarate Uses And Effectiveness
- Used in improving kidney failure treatment (hemodialysis).
- Preventing blood supply problems during heart surgery, since administering alpha-ketoglutarate intravenously seems to reduce blood supply problems during heart surgery.
- Plays a role in preventing muscle breakdown. AAKG seems to reduce muscle breakdown after surgery or trauma.
Aside from those listed above, AAKG also presents the following benefits:
- Increased sexual energy and enhanced performance
- Improve elimination of ammonia and other toxins
- Regulation of the urea cycle
- Boost immune system functioning;
- Plays a role in protein synthesis
- Prevents muscular wasting
- Treats infections of yeast and other bacteria
AAKG Side Effects
Supplementation with AAKG is known to be quite safe, and very few serious side effects have ever been recorded.
Studies from New York University indicate that doses of 20 grams daily presented no adverse effects except for minor gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
It also stimulates the production of acids in the stomach and may have an influence on potassium levels.
Evidence suggests that AAKG supplementation interferes with commonly prescribed treatments for herpes.
It is notable that various AAKG supplements also contain other substances that may cause additional side effects, however, AAKG side effects are minimal for healthy individuals when it is used in isolation.
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and there has not been enough research conducted to be sure that it is safe for developing babies and infants.
Experts do not recommend it for those who are going to be undergoing surgery within 2 weeks.
It is recommended that you always discuss AAKG adverse effects and proper dosages with your doctor before beginning any programs.
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