Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a modified version of the amino acid arginine.
Alpha-ketoglutarate is an intermediate in a series of reactions that produce energy for the body. It is a source of the amino acidsAmino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and play a key role in biological processes. There are a total of 22 standard amino acids used for protein synthesis in living organisms. glutamate and glutamine. Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and can increase bone formation. Glutamine is the main source of energy for cell division.
To improve absorption in the stomach, alpha-ketoglutarate supplements are available in various salts. The most common combination is ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate.
Alpha-ketoglutarate also regulates amino acid synthesis, energy production, and free radical formation. It functions as a messenger molecule in many chemical reactions in the body
. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is formed when two arginine molecules combine with one alpha-ketoglutarate molecule.
The combination of alpha-ketoglutarate and arginine improves the stability of arginine. This is expected to improve its ability to increase productivity and its role in energy production.
Mechanism of action
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AACG) – it is a compound consisting of the amino acid arginine and a salt of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (alpha-ketoglutarate). This substance is used in sports nutrition, medicine and rehabilitation therapy due to its unique properties. Let’s look at its main characteristics, mechanisms of action, and areas of application.
Properties and composition
- Arginine:
- It is a conditionally essential amino acid that plays an important role in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide promotes vasodilation by improving blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.
- Arginine is also involved in the synthesis of protein, creatine, ornithine, and other important compounds.
- Alpha-Ketoglutaric acid (alpha-ketoglutarate):
- It is a key metabolite of the Krebs cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle), which plays an important role in the energy metabolism of cells.
- Alpha-ketoglutarate is also involved in the synthesis of amino acids, detoxification of ammonia and regulation of redox processes.
Mechanisms of action of AACG
- Improving energy metabolism:
- Alpha-ketoglutarate promotes the production of ATP (the main source of energy in cells), which is especially important during intense physical activity.
- Stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis:
- Arginine increases nitric oxide levels, which improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles and other tissues.
- Immune System support:
- Arginine is involved in the immune system, promoting the activation of T cells and the production of cytokines.
- Faster recovery from exercise:
- AACG helps reduce lactic acid levels in the muscles, reducing fatigue and speeding up recovery after exercise.
- Anti-catabolic effect:
- Alpha-ketoglutarate can reduce protein breakdown (catabolism), which is important for maintaining muscle mass.
Application of AACG
- Sports nutrition:
- AACG is popular among athletes and bodybuilders because it increases endurance, improves blood flow, and accelerates recovery after training.
- It can also increase pumping (filling the muscles with blood) during training.
- Medicine:
- It is used in rehabilitation therapy after operations, injuries or serious illnesses to improve tissue regeneration.
- It can be used to support patients with cardiovascular diseases due to its ability to improve blood circulation.
- Antiage therapy:
- AACG is sometimes used in anti-age programs to improve energy metabolism and slow down age-related changes.
Dosage and release form
- AACG is available in powder, capsule, or tablet form.
- The recommended dosage varies depending on the purpose of use:
- For athletes: 3-6 g per day, divided into several doses (usually before and after training).
- For medical purposes: the dosage is determined by the doctor.
Side effects and contraindications
- AACG is usually well tolerated, but in rare cases it is possible:
- Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, diarrhea).
- Reduced blood pressure (due to increased nitric oxide synthesis).
- Contraindications:
- Individual intolerance.
- Severe liver or kidney diseases.
- Pregnancy and lactation (requires a doctor’s consultation).
Conclusion
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is an effective compound that combines the benefits of arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate. It is widely used in sports nutrition to increase endurance and recovery, as well as in medicine to support immunity and tissue regeneration.
Alpha-ketoglutarate improves bone formation. It regulates collagenCollagen is a fibrillar protein, one of the main building elements of the body. It constitutes a significant part of connective tissues such as skin, tendons, joints, bones, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and structural integrity to these tissues, giving them the ability to resist stretching. synthesis, possibly by increasing the number of molecules available for synthesis. Collagen is an important component of bone tissue.
Alpha-ketoglutarate stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone. These are both hormonesHormones are biologically active substances that are produced by specialized cells or glands (such as endocrine glands) and regulate various physiological processes in the body. They act as chemical signals that are transmitted through the bloodstream to organs and tissues to control and coordinate a wide range of functions, including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, mood, and more. Examples include insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and adrenaline. that regulate bone recycling and the formation of new bone tissue.
Alpha-ketoglutarate also has immune-boosting properties and is potentially useful for slowing down aging.