Synopsis

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

Glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate (GAKG) is used in some athletic and exercise supplements with the rationale that combining glutamine (an amino acid important for muscle metabolism and recovery) with alpha-ketoglutarate (a Krebs cycle intermediate involved in energy production) may enhance performance or recovery. Glutamine itself is a well-studied amino acid; it is abundant in muscle tissue and plays a role in protein synthesis, immune function, and intestinal health. Alpha-ketoglutarate is central to cellular energy production and ammonia detoxification.

Some small studies have examined glutamine supplementation in athletes, with mixed results. While early studies suggested glutamine might reduce muscle soreness or support immune function after intense exercise, more recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that oral glutamine supplementation does not consistently enhance muscle mass, strength, or performance in healthy adults. Evidence for GAKG specifically is even more limited. A few early studies, such as Lambert et al. (1994), explored the effects of GAKG on weight training outcomes but found no significant benefits on muscle strength or composition compared to placebo. There is also insufficient evidence to support enhanced recovery or reduced muscle breakdown in athletes using GAKG.

Overall, while the theoretical basis for GAKG use in exercise exists, robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy as an athletic or exercise aid is lacking. Thus, its use in this context is only weakly supported by current scientific literature.

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