Evidence supporting the use of: Citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate
For the health condition: Body Building

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Synopsis

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

Citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate (CAKG) is a compound sometimes marketed for bodybuilding and exercise performance. The core of the evidence for its use comes from research on citrulline (particularly as L-citrulline or citrulline malate), with much less direct evidence regarding the specific alpha-ketoglutarate combination. L-citrulline is a non-essential amino acid involved in the urea cycle and nitric oxide (NO) production, which can enhance blood flow and potentially improve exercise performance by reducing fatigue and improving muscle endurance. Some studies with L-citrulline or citrulline malate supplementation have shown modest improvements in exercise performance (such as increased repetitions or reduced muscle soreness), but results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes or methodological issues.

Alpha-ketoglutarate itself is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle and is sometimes claimed to support energy production or muscle recovery, but there is little direct evidence supporting these effects in humans, especially in combination with citrulline. Overall, while there is some mechanistic rationale and limited human trial data supporting citrulline supplementation for bodybuilding, the specific formulation of citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate is not well studied. Therefore, the evidence is best described as weak to moderate, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.

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Other health conditions supported by Citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate

Athletic and Exercise Aids
Body Building
Circulation (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Hypertension

Products containing Citrulline alpha-ketoglutarate

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.