How much aakg is too much

April 28, 3 min read. AAKG is an acronym for the compound arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate. It is a natural substance that plays several essential roles in the body, including the creation of creatine, the formation of signalling molecules, and of most importance in sports nutrition, is an essential part of the nitric oxide cycle. AAKG can increase energy levels and improve blood flow which is why it is often found int pre-workout supplements, providing that great pump feeling. AAKG is effectively a nitrate supplement.

Nitrate is a naturally occurring organic compound of nitrogen and oxygen which can be found in many natural foods we eat especially leafy greens like spinach, silverbeet and even bok choy. Nitrate supplements work through various pathways to increase nitric oxide levels in our blood. Nitric oxide relaxes and opens our blood vessels, promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery to our muscles. AAKG can be mixed with water, juice, or electrolyte drinks — pretty much anything you want, however, be aware that you may still be able to taste it in these fluids.

The optimal dose of AAKG is g. One g tub of AAKG has 66 3g serves. It is best to take the AAKG powder about 20 minutes before training to give it time to enter the nitric oxide cycle and start working. Amino acids tend to take on moisture. Once your AAKG is opened, it should be stored in a cool dark location to keep it as moisture free as possible.

It is highly recommended to be consumed within 60 days once it is opened. Even though research is lacking at this time, some people may find that AAKG works for them. Click here to purchase AAKG powder now. The human body takes care of its own A-ketoglutarate requirements.

It also produces arginine. However, arginine is still widely available in many types of foods such as:. A daily serving size of AAKG powder is 2, mg. Users can take this dosage up to 3 times per day for up to 80 days at a time x. AAKG powder is best when mixed with water, protein shakes , or juice. When used appropriately, AAKG is considered safe for healthy people to use x. Side effects of AAKG are generally the same as side effects of l-arginine and can include upset stomach due to an accumulation of extra stomach acid.

When side effects are experienced, they range from minor stomach pains and bloating to gout. It should not be used by people who are pregnant or nursing.

Due to the l-arginine, AAKG may interact with the following types of medications x :. These include herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure and slow blood clotting. Here are some examples of herbs and supplements that may interact with AAKG:. Be sure to talk to your doctor before supplementing with AAKG.

There is insufficient evidence surrounding AAKG use during pregnancy, so women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use it. Anyone who will soon undergo surgery should discontinue all supplementation beforehand. Athletes commonly use l-arginine as a dietary supplement. Alpha-ketoglutarate enhances bone formation. It regulates the synthesis of collagen possibly by increasing the number of molecules available for synthesis.

Collagen is a significant component of bone tissue. Alpha-ketoglutarate stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone. These are both hormones that regulate bone recycling and formation of new bone tissue [ 4 ]. Alpha-ketoglutarate also has immune-enhancing properties and is potentially useful in delaying aging [ 2 ]. L-arginine is broken down into nitric oxide NO in various tissues. L-arginine also stimulates the secretion of growth hormone.

This results in the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 IGF IGF-1 enhances protein synthesis and thus increases muscle development [ 21 ]. L-arginine is also involved in the removal of toxins by forming urea, which is filtered out of the body through urine [ 22 ]. In the liver, L-arginine is converted to glucose and alpha-ketoglutarate. Therefore, it acts as a potential source of energy [ 23 ].

AAKG is claimed to combine the potential benefits of both molecules , L-arginine , and alpha-ketoglutarate. There is limited research regarding the combination of arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate Most of the reported benefits of this combination are anecdotal.

The effects of supplementing with arginine alpha-ketoglutarate for 7 days were studied in 24 physically active men after performing resistance training. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate combined had no effects on heart rate , blood pressure, blood flow, or nitric oxide levels. However, the amount of L-arginine in the blood was increased [ 24 ]. Supplementing arginine alpha-ketoglutarate mg in 16 healthy men did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit, regardless of their exercise training status [ 1 ].

In a clinical trial on 12 trained men, AAKG did not improve muscle endurance or significantly affect the blood pressure response to anaerobic work [ 25 ]. In another trial on 35 resistance-trained men, arginine was safe and well-tolerated and positively influenced muscular strength and peak power performance. AAKG did not influence body composition or aerobic capacity [ 15 ]. Although there is limited evidence that the combination of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate has health benefits, the individual molecules L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate have been researched for their health benefits.

Supplementing alpha-ketoglutarate may be useful in improving severe trauma , infections , surgery , and wound healing, although the evidence is very limited [ 4 ]. Supplementation of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in 54 burn patients significantly improved wound healing [ 26 ].

Similarly, a study of 60 burn patients who were given ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate for 21 days showed significant improvements in wound healing [ 27 ]. In rats suffering from burns, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation increased glutamine levels, resulting in improved wound healing [ 5 , 28 ]. Although the results are promising, the evidence to back the use of alpha-ketoglutarate in wound healing comes from two clinical trials and some animal studies.

Further clinical research is needed to confirm these preliminary results. In 21 people who underwent surgical trauma, supplementing alpha-ketoglutarate in a controlled trial prevented muscle breakdown and increased protein synthesis [ 29 ]. Abdominal surgery reduces muscle protein synthesis and increases fatigue.

In 22 adults who had stomach surgery, supplementing alpha-ketoglutarate improved glutamine supply in the muscles and prevented muscle loss [ 30 ]. Two small clinical trials cannot be considered sufficient evidence to claim that alpha-ketoglutarate prevents muscle loss. Larger, more robust clinical results are required. Alpha-ketoglutarate increases collagen production and iron absorption, which may increase bone density and strength [ 2 ].

In 76 menopausal women with bone weakness, intake of alpha-ketoglutarate for 24 weeks prevented bone loss and reduced the symptoms of menopause. It also reconstructed the bone tissue [ 31 ]. A number of animal studies have indicated that supplementing alpha-ketoglutarate improved bone density [ 32 , 33 ]. Again, only a single clinical trial and a few animal studies support the use of this amino acid to promote bone health. Their preliminary findings should be replicated in more clinical trials on larger populations.

Alpha-ketoglutarate may improve immune function. In the body, it is converted into glutamine. Glutamine can increase levels of white blood cells macrophages and neutrophils [ 34 ]. Supplementing ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in old, nutrient-deficient patients successfully improved overall health.

This was seen by increasing appetite and improving motor skills. It also shortened recovery time from severe illnesses and surgery [ 35 ]. In mice, alpha-ketoglutarate added to drinking water improved immunity in the stomach and lowered body weight [ 36 ]. Once again, the number of studies supporting the use of alpha-ketoglutarate to stimulate immune function is insufficient. Additional clinical studies are needed. No clinical evidence supports the use of alpha-ketoglutarate for any of the conditions listed in this section.

Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts.

However, the studies listed should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit. Supplementation with alpha-ketoglutarate delayed aging in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans [ 37 ].

In rats, oral supplementation of alpha-ketoglutarate blocked the effects of cyanide, a toxic poison that can be fatal [ 38 ]. Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with alpha-ketoglutarate or any other supplements. If you want to use it as a supportive measure, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions. In multiple animal studies, supplementing alpha-ketoglutarate reduced blood supply to tumors, resulting in tumor death [ 39 ].

In cell-based studies, alpha-ketoglutarate prevented the multiplication of cancerous cells [ 40 , 41 ]. L-arginine has been investigated regarding its potential health benefits for a variety of conditions such as diabetes , high blood pressure , and erectile dysfunction [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The daily intake of L-arginine for 45 days reduced muscle fatigue and increased athletic performance in 56 male soccer players [ 42 ]. In 8 healthy people, L-arginine supplementation before exercise improved strength and exercise capacity by reducing blood levels of lactate and ammonia.

Both are breakdown products associated with muscle fatigue [ 43 ]. Long-term 3-week L-arginine supplementation in 16 healthy males reduced blood lactate levels and oxygen consumption during exercise [ 44 ]. L-arginine supplementation for 6 months in 11 postmenopausal women also improved muscle force and power [ 45 ]. Although a bit limited, the existing evidence suggests that L-arginine may promote muscle helth.

You may discuss with your doctor how supplementing with this amino acid may help in your case. A meta-analysis of 7 studies concluded that L-arginine may reduce blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure [ 16 ]. Arginine supplementation reduced the platelet reactivity in a clinical trial on 14 adults with high cholesterol levels. In turn, this reduced blood clotting [ 46 ]. In rabbits, supplementing with arginine benefited atherosclerotic conditions by widening blood vessels, thinning vessel walls, and preventing the buildup of fat [ 47 , 48 , 49 ].