Evidence supporting the use of: Leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
For the health condition: Wasting

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Synopsis

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

Leucine alpha-ketoglutarate (Leu-AKG) is used to support or treat muscle wasting (cachexia, sarcopenia) primarily based on scientific reasoning extrapolated from the known roles of its components—leucine and alpha-ketoglutarate—in muscle metabolism. Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid recognized for its role in stimulating muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway. Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle and may have roles in nitrogen metabolism and anti-catabolic processes.

Some clinical studies and preclinical models suggest that leucine supplementation can attenuate muscle wasting in certain conditions (e.g., aging, chronic illness), and alpha-ketoglutarate has been explored as an adjunct in nutritional support, particularly in critical care or post-surgical settings. However, direct research on Leu-AKG as a compound is limited. Most evidence is based on studies of leucine or alpha-ketoglutarate individually, rather than in the conjoined form.

A few small studies and reviews have explored the anabolic and anti-catabolic effects of amino acid alpha-ketoglutarate salts, including Leu-AKG, in animal models and in some human clinical settings. The overall quality, size, and reproducibility of these studies remain limited, and robust, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. As such, while there is scientific rationale and limited preliminary evidence supporting its use, the overall strength of evidence is modest—hence a rating of 2 out of 5.

More about leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
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Other health conditions supported by leucine alpha-ketoglutarate

Body Building
Convalescence
Wasting

Products containing leucine alpha-ketoglutarate

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