Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) for Sports & Fitness
What is it?
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is the nitrogen-free portion of the amino acids known as glutamine and glutamic acid. It is formed in the Krebs
cycle, the energy-producing process that occurs in most body cells. AKG is used by cells
during growth and in healing from injuries and
other wounds,1 and is especially
important in the healing of muscle tissue.2 A controlled study found that
intravenous AKG prevented a decline in protein synthesis in the muscles of patients recovering
from surgery.3 4 For
these reasons, it has been speculated that oral AKG supplements might help improve strength or
muscle-mass gains by weightlifters, but no research has been done to test this theory.
Where is it found?
AKG is present in many foods and is synthesized for use in dietary supplements.
Why do athletes use it?*
Some athletes say that alpha ketoglutarate (AKG)
- improves the results of weight-training.
What do the advocates say?*
Advocates point out that AKG is important for cell growth and is used in patients
undergoing surgery to help maintain normal muscles’ protein synthesis and to protect the
heart muscle.
How much is usually taken by athletes?
Manufacturers recommend 1 to 2 grams prior to workouts.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported with the use of AKG.
No clear interactions between AKG and other nutrients have been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with alpha ketoglutarate (AKG).
*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for alpha
ketoglutarate (AKG) 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 alpha ketoglutarate (AKG). For more complete and detailed
information, including references and safety information, see Alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) as a nutritional
supplement.
References:1. Aussel C, Coudray-Lucas C, Lasnier E, et al. Alpha-Ketoglutarate
uptake in human fibroblasts. Cell Biol Int 1996;20:359–63.
2. Wernerman J, Hammarqvist F, Vinnars E. Alpha-ketoglutarate and
postoperative muscle catabolism. Lancet 1990;335:701–3.
3. Blomqvist BI, Hammarqvist F, von der Decken A, Wernerman J. Glutamine
and alpha-ketoglutarate prevent the decrease in muscle free glutamine concentration and
influence protein synthesis after total hip replacement. Metabolism
1995;44:1215–22.
4. Hammarqvist F, Wernerman J, von der Decken A, Vinnars E.
Alpha-ketoglutarate preserves protein synthesis and free glutamine in skeletal muscle after
surgery. Surgery 1991;109:28–36.