Evidence supporting the use of: Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a compound formed by combining the amino acid ornithine with alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. It has been investigated primarily for its potential to support muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle wasting, especially in clinical settings such as trauma, surgery, and chronic illness. The rationale for its use in supporting muscle tone (or preventing muscle wasting) is based on its metabolic roles: ornithine is involved in the urea cycle, while alpha-ketoglutarate participates in amino acid metabolism and energy production.
Several clinical studies from the 1980s and 1990s reported that OKG supplementation could reduce muscle protein breakdown and promote nitrogen retention in hospitalized patients, particularly those with burns or major trauma. Some small trials also suggested improved muscle mass or strength in elderly or malnourished individuals. However, the overall quality of evidence is limited—most studies are small, short-term, and conducted in specialized patient populations rather than healthy individuals or those with mild muscle tone issues. There is limited to no high-quality evidence for its use specifically to improve muscle tone in healthy adults or athletes.
In summary, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some early clinical data suggesting a benefit of OKG for muscle protein metabolism, the evidence is modest and not robustly established for the general population. Larger, well-controlled studies are needed to confirm its efficacy for this indication.
More about ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
More about Muscle Tone (lack of)
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Egg
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
Other health conditions supported by ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Athletic and Exercise AidsBody Building
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Debility
Exercise
Fatigue
Injuries
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Wounds and Sores
Products containing ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Pure Encapsulations
Growth Hormone Support
Vitabase
HGH Complex