Synopsis

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

Glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate (GAKG) is a compound combining the amino acid glutamine with alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. It has been marketed as an athletic and exercise aid, purported to support muscle recovery, increase strength, and enhance exercise performance. The rationale is that glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid involved in muscle metabolism, immune function, and nitrogen transport, while alpha-ketoglutarate plays a role in energy production.

However, current scientific evidence supporting the use of GAKG for athletic performance is limited. Some small studies have investigated glutamine supplementation in athletes, with mixed results—most have not shown significant benefits for muscle mass, strength, or recovery in healthy subjects. Research specifically on GAKG is even scarcer; a few small trials have examined its effects on exercise performance, but results are inconclusive or show no significant improvements compared to placebo.

Systematic reviews and expert panels (such as those from the International Society of Sports Nutrition) generally conclude that while glutamine is important for overall health, supplementation (including in the form of GAKG) does not consistently enhance exercise performance, muscle recovery, or strength in healthy, well-nourished individuals. GAKG is not a traditional remedy, and its use is driven by modern commercial interests and theoretical mechanisms rather than robust clinical evidence.

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