AAKG supplement, benefit, side effects, dosage and research studies by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

AAKG supplement dosage, safety, risks, side effects and benefits by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

AAKG contains arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid that has a number of vital roles in human biochemistry. Arginine plays a pivotal 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.

Human studies
As of April 2009, the last human study I could find with this nutrient was from 2006.

Now Foods AAKG 3500, 180 Tablets

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AAKG dosage
3500 mg per 3 Tablets
Vegetarian Formula
A Dietary Supplement

NOW AAKG contains arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid that has a number of vital roles in human biochemistry. NOW AAKG has paired Arginine with Alpha-Ketoglutarate, another key player in amino acid metabolism, as well as in energy production. Consumers will find that NOW AAKG compares favorably to similar products on the market, but with the additional benefit of a 3500 mg dose and value pricing.

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 or 3 tablets once or twice daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning and one hour before workouts. Not recommended for continuous, high-level use for more than 60 days.

Now Foods AAKG 3500 Supplement Facts
Serving Size 3 Tablets
Servings Per Container 60
Amount Per Serving %DV
AAKG (L-Arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate) 3.5 g (3,500 mg) *
* Daily Value not established.

Q. What is the differences in L-Arginine Alpha-Keto Glutarate AAKG 1:1 and 2:1?
A. AAKG 2:1 consists of two parts-L-Arginine and one part Alpha Keto Glutarate Acid, and AAKG 1:1 consists of one part L-Arginine and one part Alpha Keto Glutarate Acid. There probably is little difference in these two forms in terms of their physiological effect.

Safety, risks, side effects
No major AAKG side effects have been reported in medical journals.

AAKG research study
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate AAKG in trained adult men.
Nutrition. 2006 Sep;22(9):872-81. Campbell B, Roberts M, Kerksick C, Wilborn C, Marcello B, Taylor L, Nassar E, Leutholtz B, Bowden R, Rasmussen C, Greenwood M, Kreider R. Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory at the Center for Exercise, Nutrition, and Preventative Health Research, Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA.
We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) in trained adult men. In study 1, 10 healthy men (30-50 y old) fasted for 8 h and then ingested 4 g of time-released or non-timed-released l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. Blood samples were taken for 8 h after AAKG ingestion to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of L-arginine. After 1 wk the alternative supplement was ingested. In study 2, which was placebo controlled, 35 resistance-trained adult men (30-50 y old) were randomly assigned to ingest 4 g of AAKG (three times a day, i.e., 12 g daily) or placebo. Participants performed 4 d of periodized resistance training per week for 8 wk. At 0, 4, and 8 wk of supplementation the following tests were performed: clinical blood markers, one repetition maximum bench press, isokinetic quadriceps muscle endurance, anaerobic power, aerobic capacity, total body water, body composition, and psychometric parameters tests. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. In study 1, significant differences were observed in plasma arginine levels in subjects taking non-timed-release and timed-release AAKG. In study 2, significant differences were observed in the AAKG group for 1RM bench press, Wingate peak power, blood glucose, and plasma arginine. No significant differences were observed between groups in body composition, total body water, isokinetic quadriceps muscle endurance, or aerobic capacity. AAKG supplementation appeared to be safe and well tolerated, and positively influenced 1RM bench press and Wingate peak power performance. AAKG did not influence body composition or aerobic capacity.

AAKG supplement questions
Q. I have read information on AAKG from different websites. One site says, "Dramatically Increases Nitric Oxide Production For Increased Muscle Pump! AAKG is arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in a sustained release formula which is pH buffered to ensure maximum absorption. Arginine released into the bloodstream will dramatically increase nitric oxide production. An increase in nitric oxide may lead to the following benefits: extended and enhanced "muscle pump" after training, improved endurance and recovery time, improved workout capacity, and increased sexual vigor." Is this statement true?
A. A review of Medline in April 2009 revealed one human studies with AAKG supplements, I await results of a couple of more studies to have a better idea of the benefits and side effects of AAKG supplements.