Synopsis

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

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is sometimes used as a supplement with claims of supporting athletic performance, muscle growth, and exercise recovery. The rationale for its use is based on its components: ornithine, an amino acid involved in the urea cycle (important for ammonia detoxification), and alpha-ketoglutarate, a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (energy production). Theoretically, OKG could support exercise by reducing ammonia buildup (which contributes to fatigue) and enhancing protein synthesis.

Scientific evidence for OKG’s effectiveness as an athletic or exercise aid is limited and mixed. Some small clinical studies, particularly in hospitalized or catabolic patients, have shown that OKG supplementation can reduce muscle breakdown and promote positive nitrogen balance. However, these results do not necessarily translate to healthy athletes. Most research in athletic populations is either preliminary or shows minimal benefit. For example, a few early studies suggested modest improvements in muscle mass or reduced exercise-induced fatigue, but these findings have not been robustly replicated in larger or well-controlled trials.

Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence suggesting possible benefits for muscle protein metabolism, the quality and quantity of evidence specifically supporting OKG as an effective exercise aid in athletes is low. It is not a mainstream or widely recommended supplement for this purpose, and more well-designed human trials are needed to establish its efficacy.

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