Evidence supporting the use of: Leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Leucine alpha-ketoglutarate (Leu-AKG) is a compound combining the essential branched-chain amino acid leucine with alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. This ingredient is marketed to support muscle growth and recovery, particularly among athletes and in clinical nutrition. The justification for its use is primarily based on the established roles of its individual components. Leucine is well-documented to stimulate muscle protein synthesis via activation of the mTOR pathway, and supplementation with leucine or leucine-rich proteins has been shown in numerous studies to support muscle maintenance and growth, especially in response to exercise or in the elderly. Alpha-ketoglutarate is involved in amino acid metabolism and energy production, and has been investigated for its potential to reduce muscle protein breakdown and support recovery in catabolic states.
However, direct scientific evidence for the use of Leu-AKG as a combined supplement to support muscle health is limited. Studies on branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, are plentiful, but research on Leu-AKG specifically is sparse. There are a few animal and in vitro studies suggesting potential benefits on muscle metabolism, but high-quality human clinical trials are lacking. Thus, the scientific rationale for using Leu-AKG in muscle support is extrapolated from its components, especially leucine, rather than unique findings for the compound itself.
In summary, there is a scientific basis for the use of leucine (and to some extent, alpha-ketoglutarate) in muscle health, but robust clinical validation for Leu-AKG itself is not yet established.
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