Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) for Sports & Fitness

What is it?

AKG (alpha-ketoglutarate) 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 synthesised 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).

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*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.

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Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.

2007-09-01

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