Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt produced by combining two molecules of arginine to one molecule of alphaketoglutarate. Arginine is a substance that increases nitric oxide production therefore it is usually taken by athletes or body builders who undergo intense exercises and workouts to increase muscle mass and strength. On the other hand, alphaketoglutarate is a substance that plays a major role in amino acid metabolism and in harnessing energy.
AAKG contains arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid that has a number of vital roles in human biochemistry. Arginine plays an important role in the urea cycle, helping to rid the body of excess ammonia. This amino acid is also important in protein synthesis as well as for the support of healthy immune function. AAKG has arginine with alpha-ketoglutarate, another key player in amino acid metabolism, as well as in energy production.
People who benefit much from AAKG supplements are body builders and athletes. AAKG is produced by the amino acid L-arginine that increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the body and it is believed that the presence of AAKG also causes the same effects thereby relaxing and enhancing the flow of blood to the muscles. It is important to remember though there are no scientific evidence that has been presented yet. However, a double-bind trial showed that it can improve some strength and power from weight training.
Several studies have shown that bodybuilders who used AAKG produced larger and longer lasting pumps. Their muscles were tighter and stronger. Taking in this supplement showed positive result in rapidly increasing strength, producing new muscle growth and accelerate recovery in the muscles. As a result, they acquired bigger muscles, stronger chest and broader shoulders.
It is also said that AAKG is taken to stimulate the immune system. The immunomodulatory properties found in AAKG can enhance host-defense mechanisms, particularly during injury and severe stress. In addition, AAKG is also taken by people who want to increase their sexual vigor. It has also been used in patients experiencing burns, surgery, and malnutrition. The intermediary metabolites of AAKG, which are glutamine and praline, may also contribute to promoting recovery from trauma.
AAKG may boost athletic performance, but evidence from large studies is lacking. The journal Nutrition published two small double-blinded studies in its September 2006 issue that showed positive results. The study participants were healthy men between the ages of 30 and 50. Researchers found that supplementing with AAKG increased arginine levels and beneficially influenced peak power output on wingate and bench press tests. Both of these are anaerobic exercises, which refers to short-duration, high-intensity movements common in nonendurance sports such as bodybuilding and sprinting. AAKG has not been shown to have benefits for endurance exercise.
People take AAKG because arginine increases nitric oxide, a signaling molecule your body produces that causes blood vessels to expand. This property may offer benefits for blood pressure. Researchers conducting a small study found that taking arginine temporarily lowered blood pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes and mild hypertension. The authors suggest the effect is due to arginine increasing the amount of nitric oxide in the blood vessels. The study was published in the October 2002 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
The best time to take AAKG is before a workout, to reap the full benefit of its action. 3-6g of AAKG 30 minutes before a workout is a standard dose for this supplement. AAKG can be taken throughout the day if consistently high arginine levels are desired, but single doses of more than 10g are likely to generate the aforementioned side effects.
This is a relatively safe, naturally occurring supplement, but side effects have been noted. These include stomach upset and diarrhoea, and some people may experience dizziness, heart palpitations, and headache, likely as a result of vasodilation. These side effects are most likely to occur with higher doses of the supplement.
Post time: Apr-03-2020