Synopsis

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

Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (KAKG) is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support muscle health, particularly in the context of exercise and aging. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, which is central to cellular energy production. Some research suggests that AKG supplementation may help reduce muscle protein breakdown and support muscle protein synthesis, particularly in catabolic or muscle-wasting conditions. For example, studies in older adults and in patients with chronic illnesses (such as in clinical nutrition or recovery scenarios) have examined AKG’s potential to preserve lean body mass.

However, in healthy individuals, especially athletes, the evidence supporting significant muscle-building or performance-enhancing effects of KAKG is limited. Most human studies are small, show modest effects, or are focused on specific populations (elderly, hospitalized, or malnourished individuals). There is some mechanistic support—since AKG is involved in amino acid metabolism and energy production—but robust clinical trials demonstrating clear benefits for muscle strength or growth in general populations are lacking.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence for the use of Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate in supporting muscle health, especially under conditions of muscle wasting, the overall strength of evidence is modest (rated 2/5), and further research is needed.

More about Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
More about Muscles

Other ingredients that support Muscles

acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-proline
l-taurine
l-threonine
l-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
wheat germ
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
17a-di methyl-bol
11-Ketotestosterone
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Animal Tissue
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Biopeptide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Black Gram
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
Coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
Deer Velvet
Date
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
Epistane
Egg
Erythrina
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
glucose
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
Quinoa Protein
salt
Soy Protein

Other body systems supported by Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Gastrointestinal Tract
Immune System
Intestinal System
Mitochondria
Muscles

Products containing Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

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