Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)
Also known as: AAKG, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-arginine AKG, arginine 2:1 AKG
A salt of arginine bound to alpha-ketoglutarate, usually at a 2:1 ratio, that became popular in nitric-oxide pre-workouts in the mid-2000s. The alpha-ketoglutarate portion is a Krebs-cycle intermediate proposed to support energy metabolism and reduce ammonia. The single published performance trial reported gains in bench-press strength and Wingate peak power at 12 g/day, but no changes in endurance or body composition, so the evidence base is thin.
Research summary
Delivers arginine for nitric-oxide synthesis together with alpha-ketoglutarate, an energy-metabolism intermediate.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 3–6 g | 12 g | — |
The trained-men trial used 12 g/day split into three 4 g doses for eight weeks. Most consumer pre-workouts include 1.5–6 g per serving, well below the studied amount. About two-thirds of the 2:1 compound's mass is arginine.
Standardization: 2:1 arginine to alpha-ketoglutarate
Source material: synthetic salt of fermentation-derived arginine
As supplied: 2:1 material supplies roughly 65% arginine by mass.
Forms of Arginine
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) | 3–6 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet | low |
| L-Arginine | 3–6 g | — | Powder, Capsule, Tablet | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Gram-scale dose; powder is practical. Sour and mildly bitter; masks in citrus flavors.
Formulation notes
Usually paired with citrulline and creatine. Count its arginine content toward total arginine in the formula.
Sources
Related ingredients
Beta-Alanine
Sports performanceA non-essential amino acid that combines with histidine to form carnosine, the main intramuscular buffer of hydrogen ions during intense exercise.
Typical: 3.2–6.4 g
L-Citrulline
Sports performanceA non-protein amino acid that the kidneys convert to arginine, raising plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine itself.
Typical: 6–8 g
BCAA 2:1:1 (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine)
Sports performanceA blend of the three branched-chain amino acids, most often at a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine to isoleucine to valine, that has been a staple of intra-workout drinks for decades.
Typical: 5–10 g
Citrulline Malate (2:1)
Sports performanceA salt of citrulline and malic acid, most often in a 2:1 ratio, that has been the traditional form in pre-workouts.
Typical: 6–8 g
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sports performanceBaking soda, used in sports nutrition as an extracellular buffer that raises blood bicarbonate before high-intensity efforts lasting roughly one to ten minutes.
Typical: 14–21 g