Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) refers to the modified version of the amino acid arginine. It is an intermediate compound in the series of reactions that produce energy for the body. It is the source of amino acid glutamate and glutamine. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and can increase bone formation. Glutamine is the main source of energy for cell-division.
Alpha-ketoglutarate comes in the form of various salts. It increases absorption in the stomach. The most common combination is ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate. It is also regulates amino acids synthesis, energy production and formation of free radicals. It functions as a messenger molecule in many chemical reactions in the body. It has been observed that glutamine enhances protein, muscle development and immune function.
Arginine is also known as L-arginine, apart from being a component of proteins, stimulates the release of hormones such as insulin, glucagon, prolactin and growth hormone. It also plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, heart function and immunity. These are mediated through the production of nitric oxide. Arginine is broken down into ornithine and creatine. Ornithine is essential for cell growth and cell division while creatine is important for muscle contraction.
Arginine is obtained from food and synthesized in body. It is hence referred to as semi-essential amino acid. In healthy adults, food and synthesis in the body is sufficient to meet the necessary demands for this amino acid. These demands include tissue repair, synthesis of proteins and maintenance of immune function.
But during the time of rapid growth, physical stress, injury, etc. the supply of L-argnine may fall short to meet the body’s need. That is the reason it is required for the bodybuilders and athletes who train intensively for their sport. For such people, L-argnine taken as a dietary supplement can help maintain muscle mass and improve bodily function. This is the reason it has been manufactured and marketed to athletes for its performance-enhancing and potential.
Composition
Arginine alpha-ketogluatarate is formed when two arginine molecules combine with one molecule of alpha-ketoglutarate. The combination of alpha-ketoglutarate and arginine improves the stability of arginine. This is supposed to improve its performance-enhancing abilities and its role in energy production.
Benefits
L-arginine is broken down into nitric oxide in various tissues. Depending upon here it is produced, nitric oxide plays a critical role in regulating diverse functions in the body.
- It is the messenger molecule between nerves in the brain.
- It mediates the activity of white blood cells in the immune system.
- It has protective effects by relaxing blood vessels. This increases blood supply and oxygen delivery around the body, aids in the removal of waste.
L-arginine also stimulates the secretion of growth hormone and this results in the production of insulin like growth factor 1. IGFC-1 enhances protein synthesis and thus, increases muscle development.
It is also involved in removal of the toxins by forming urea, which is filtered out of the body in the form of urine. L-arginine is converted into glucose and alpha-ketoglutarate in the liver. Hence, it becomes a potential source of energy.
Dosage
The suggested dosage of AAKG ranges from 1.2 to 3.5 grams per tablet, taken 2 to 3 times a day on an empty stomach. The tablets should be taken preferably in the morning, at least 30 minutes before workout. Up to 20 grams of L-arginine per day is considered safe and non-toxic. The user recommended dose of powdered form ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 grams per day.
References
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Rajul Tiwari is the Editor-in-Chief at bodyandstrenth.com and has 18 years of experience in media, content, publishing and education. She has worked with media houses like Daini..
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