Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha ketoglutarate
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, playing a central role in cellular energy production. Its use as an athletic and exercise aid is primarily justified by scientific rationale, although the strength of the evidence is modest. AKG supplementation has been theorized to enhance energy metabolism, delay fatigue, and improve muscle recovery by facilitating amino acid metabolism and reducing ammonia buildup during intense exercise.

Several small-scale studies have evaluated AKG's effects on exercise performance. Some research suggests that AKG supplementation may reduce post-exercise muscle soreness and support nitrogen balance, but robust improvements in strength, endurance, or muscle mass have not been consistently demonstrated. For example, a few clinical trials in resistance-trained individuals have reported minor benefits in terms of muscle protein synthesis and exercise-induced recovery when AKG is combined with other amino acids. However, these effects are generally modest and may not be solely attributable to AKG.

Overall, while the biochemical rationale for AKG use in athletic contexts is plausible and there is some preliminary clinical research, the evidence base remains limited and does not strongly support its widespread use as a stand-alone ergogenic aid. More rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to clearly establish its benefits for athletes and exercisers.

More about Alpha ketoglutarate
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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Alpha ketoglutarate

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