Synopsis

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

Glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate (GAKG) is a compound that combines the amino acid glutamine with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle. Glutamine is known to play a role in protein synthesis, immune function, and gut health, and has traditionally been supplemented in some clinical settings to reduce muscle wasting and support recovery, particularly in burn and trauma patients. Alpha-ketoglutarate is believed to support energy production and may influence amino acid metabolism.

The scientific evidence supporting the use of GAKG specifically for injury recovery is limited and mixed. While glutamine alone has been studied for its role in reducing infection rates and supporting immune function in critically ill and injured patients, there is little direct clinical evidence that the GAKG compound provides superior or unique benefits over glutamine alone. Some animal and in vitro studies suggest a possible benefit in muscle protein synthesis or reduction of muscle breakdown, but human studies are sparse, and results are inconclusive. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of glutamine supplementation in trauma and burn patients show only modest or uncertain benefits, and GAKG is not widely recommended in clinical guidelines for injury recovery.

Overall, while there is some biological plausibility and preliminary evidence for amino acid supplementation in injury recovery, the specific use of glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate is not strongly supported by high-quality scientific trials. The evidence base rates as low to moderate (2/5).

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