Evidence supporting the use of: Ornithine ketoglutarate
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Ornithine ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt formed from the amino acid ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate. It has been studied for its potential to support muscle mass and function, particularly in clinical settings like trauma, surgery, or malnutrition. Scientific investigations suggest that OKG may help reduce muscle protein breakdown and promote anabolic processes. Its mechanisms are thought to include stimulating the secretion of anabolic hormones (such as insulin and growth hormone) and providing substrates for protein synthesis and energy production.
Several clinical trials, especially in elderly or critically ill patients, have shown that OKG supplementation can help preserve muscle mass and improve nitrogen balance. However, the evidence base is not robust for healthy adults or athletes—most research focuses on patients recovering from illness or injury. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recognizes some benefits in catabolic states but notes that more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to confirm efficacy in broader populations.
In summary, while there is scientific evidence supporting the use of ornithine ketoglutarate for muscle preservation in specific clinical scenarios, the magnitude and generalizability of these effects remain uncertain. Its use is best justified in settings of muscle wasting rather than general muscle enhancement.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 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)
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2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
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Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
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Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
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Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
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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
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banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
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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
Eurycoma Longifolia
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
Fish
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Glycerol
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
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Shellfish
salt
Soy Protein
Tribulus Terrestris
