Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha ketoglutarate
For the health condition: Energy (lack of)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, which is central to cellular energy production. The rationale for its use in supporting or treating low energy is based on its fundamental role in this metabolic pathway. Several animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated that AKG supplementation can support mitochondrial function, enhance ATP (energy) production, and reduce oxidative stress under certain conditions. For example, AKG has been shown to improve endurance and delay fatigue in animal models, and to enhance energy metabolism in muscle cells. Some small human studies have explored AKG supplementation in the context of exercise, with mixed results—some reporting reduced muscle catabolism and improved recovery, but not consistently showing direct improvements in perceived energy levels or performance. Overall, while the mechanistic basis for AKG’s involvement in energy metabolism is strong, direct evidence from high-quality human trials specifically supporting its use for treating general fatigue or low energy is limited. Most human studies have been conducted in the context of clinical nutrition (e.g., for patients with burns, trauma, or critical illness) or sports performance, not for general energy enhancement. Therefore, while its use is scientifically plausible, the clinical evidence for efficacy in treating lack of energy in healthy individuals is currently modest.
Other ingredients used for Energy (lack of)
7-Keto-DHEAacai berry
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
aspartic acid
beta-alanine
biotin
black pepper
bасора
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coconut milk
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
eleuthero
folate
fructose
ginseng
greens blend (proprietary)
guarana
guayusa
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnitine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-tyrosine
maca
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
milk
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
nettle
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
pollen
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
rhodiola
rosemary
sage
shiitake mushroom
black ginger
sphaeranthus indicus
spirulina
succinic acid
tongkat ali
almond fruit
vegetable blend (proprietary)
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
whey protein
zinc
suma
jiaogulan
alpinia galangal
commiphora
bee pollen
lemongrass
siler root
cistanche
sweet flag
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
trace minerals
yerba mate
wheat germ
algae
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Aralia
akebia
Alpha polylactate
Antler
Agastache
Arginine Creatine
Ardisia
Arginine malate
Anamu
Areca
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Amor seco
Arginine silicate
Atractylone
Animal protein
Beta Phenethylalamine
Blackthorn
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
berry
Ba Ji Tian
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Baobab
Borneol
Chia seed
Coconut
Cinnamomum
Coenzyme A
coconut oil
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Catecholamine
Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Coca
Chicken
cola nut
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Dragonhead
Dextrates
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Eurycomanone
Erodium cicutarium
Egg
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Egg protein
Gamma-Butyrobetaine
GMS-ribose
glucose
Guaranine
Garden Cress
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
peanut
Shellfish
Wheat
Other health conditions supported by Alpha ketoglutarate
Aging (prevention)Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Energy (lack of)
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Surgery (healing from)
Wasting
Wounds and Sores