AKG Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)

Arginine is an essential amino acid that is used to synthesize protein and nitric oxide inside the body. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt of arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid that has become widely popular in Men’s Health regimens as well as Sports Nutrition, most notably in bodybuilding, to improve muscle contraction and strength. While we do produce arginine in small amounts, supplementation is the only way to obtain the levels necessary for bodybuilding support. As a pre-workout supplement, AAKG can play an important role in oxidation reactions involving molecular oxygen, and increase nitric oxide production, thereby enhancing vasodilation during resistance exercise. Indeed, research into AAKG has shown that AAKG supplementation increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow, as well as nitric oxide production. More concretely, this translates into enhanced muscle contraction strength, more intense and longer reactive hyperemia (pumps), and gains in muscle and muscle size.

Benefits of Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

• Energizes Workouts
• Improves Peak Athletic Performance
• Increases Nitric Oxide Production/Vasodilation
• Prevents Muscle Wasting
• Stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis

Who Needs Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate?

AAKG is a great supplement to help rid the body of excess ammonia, as well as stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is ideal for those seeking to enhance body composition (shed fat, while preserving existing muscle and building new muscle). AAKG is also a great addition to an athlete’s supplement regimen to increase energy production as well as support optimal immune function.

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Supplements

AAKG supplements are offered in powder and capsule form in a range of different potencies. Typically the recommended dose is 3000 to 3500 mg, often dosed twice daily, once pre-workout, and the other post-workout.

Final Thoughts

AAKG is prized in the athletic world because of its effects on vasodilation and because it raises levels of nitric oxide(NO). It thus increases the diameter of blood vessels, making them able to accommodate increased blood flow without elevating systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures. An increased volume of blood carries more oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and proteins to the muscles during and after workouts, which results in better performance, increased strength and muscle mass gains, and better endurance and capacity for healing. In short, muscles can work harder and for longer, with less pain and decreased recovery time. Last but certainly not least, AAKG has been shown to have very few negative side effects.