Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a dietary supplement commonly marketed to athletes and bodybuilders for purported benefits in exercise performance, muscle growth, and recovery. The rationale for its use is based on the role of L-arginine as a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule that can dilate blood vessels and potentially improve blood flow to muscles during exercise. Alpha-ketoglutarate is a compound involved in the Krebs cycle, possibly aiding energy production. However, clinical studies investigating AAKG supplementation in relation to exercise performance have produced inconsistent and generally disappointing results. Multiple randomized controlled trials in healthy adults have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in strength, muscle size, or endurance with AAKG supplementation compared to placebo. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of AAKG for enhancing exercise performance. While AAKG continues to be popular in the sports supplement market, the scientific evidence to justify its use for exercise support is minimal. Any observed benefits in anecdotal reports are likely attributable to placebo effects or confounding variables rather than a direct effect of AAKG supplementation.

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