Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate for Sports & Fitness
What is it?
The amino acids ornithine and glutamine are combined to form ornithine
alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG).
Where is it found?
Although the amino acids that comprise OKG
are present in protein foods such as meat and
poultry and fish, the OKG compound is
found only in supplements.
Why do athletes use it?*
Some athletes say that ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
- helps improve muscle growth.
What do the advocates say?*
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is used by the body to make many substances related to
cell growth and repair. It has been used in medical research to treat severe burns, improve
healing after surgery, and other clinical situations. Unfortunately, no research has explored
the effects of OKG in athletes.
How much is usually taken by athletes?
OKG is formed from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine and is believed to facilitate
muscle growth by enhancing the body’s release of anabolic hormones. While this effect
has been found in studies on hospitalized patients and elderly people,1
2 no studies on muscle growth in athletes using OKG have been published.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported with the use of OKG.
No clear interactions between OKG and other nutrients have been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate.
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for ornithine
alpha-ketoglutarate based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual
opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or
published scientific articles on ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate. For more complete and detailed
information, including references and safety information, see Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate as a nutritional
supplement.
References:1. Le Boucher J, Cynober LA. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate: the puzzle.
Nutrition 1998;14:870–3 [review].
2. Brocker P, Vellas B, Albarede J, et al. A two-centre, randomized,
double blind trial of ornithine oxoglutarate in 194 elderly, ambulatory, convalescent
subjects. Age Aging 1994;23:303–6.