AAKG is one of the more popular supplements and ingredients in pre-workout products for athletes. It is most often found in nitric oxide (NO) boosters that lead to the so-called muscle pump. Yes, athletes in strength and physique sports will certainly be pleased with its effects. What else can it be used for, and how does it work?
Nitric oxide, arginine and AAKG
In 1977, it was established that nitroglycerin and nitrates in general lead to the release of a compound that causes vasodilation. Further research confirmed our belief that this compound is nitric oxide (NO), released as a result of increased endothelial activity stimulated by specific factors. The process of producing nitric oxide, of course, takes place with the participation of catalysts characteristic of the site, namely the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The reaction also requires oxygen and cofactors such as NADPH, BH4 and FAD.
The above elements create the right conditions for nitric oxide to be produced. Even so, arginine is still needed, because NO is formed from it. In principle, the guanidino group is of greatest importance for the reaction, as it has a real influence on the production of this gaseous hormone. Not all amino acids have this group, so not all of them are able to raise NO levels. The basic reaction is: arginine -> citrulline + NO
It may be interesting to note that creatine also has the group necessary for the formation of our compound. Arginine is a relatively essential amino acid, which means that additional amounts of it are highly advisable in certain bodily states. This is all the more so because it acts as a stimulator and activator of important biochemical processes related, for example, to the release of insulin, GH and, of course, the gaseous hormone nitric oxide (NO). It is also one of the precursors of
creatine, that is, a compound with enormous anabolic properties.
The form most commonly used in pre-workout supplements is l-arginine or its more stable form, AAKG (arginine alpha-ketoglutarate). It can be successfully used during muscle mass building, fat reduction, for recovery and health purposes – especially in the form of the aforementioned AAKG.
AAKG – uses
Let's start by explaining what AAKG actually is. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a salt formed from arginine and ketoglutaric acid. Studies confirm that both l-arginine and AAKG have a beneficial effect on the secretion of anabolic hormones, such as growth hormone (GH). They can therefore be used during muscle mass building to achieve better results in a shorter time.
However, the flagship function, serving muscle building and improving physical parameters, is the ability to increase the production and level of the gaseous hormone nitric oxide. This leads to widening of the lumen of blood vessels, which means better, freer blood flow. With the blood, additional amounts of oxygen and nutrients needed for building and recovery travel to our muscles. It is worth mentioning that better supplied with blood and more oxygenated muscles gain optimal conditions for increasing not only their volume, but also their strength.
It is considered that AAKG has a stronger effect on nitric oxide production than l-arginine. In addition, it is credited with anabolic and anti-catabolic effects. It supports protein synthesis and improves amino acid metabolism. Why AAKG? It is more stable after being delivered to the body and digested, making it a more effective option if we want real results.
AAKG and arginine work well after training as support for recovery processes. In combat sports, we will care more about post-exercise recovery than about the muscle pump, which could interfere during technical training. The amino acid is converted into polyamines responsible for efficient cell multiplication. This, in turn, is related to satellite cells, which play a special role in the recovery mechanism.
Using AAKG or other agents that increase nitric oxide production also has a beneficial effect on glucose uptake by muscle cells. Supplementation with AAKG / arginine may improve insulin sensitivity and increase glucose bioavailability. This alone has a positive effect on physique shaping and fat reduction. It is also worth noting that AAKG / arginine affects brown adipose tissue, which has thermogenic properties. It speeds up metabolism, stimulates the burning of stored fat and limits the growth of fat cells.
In addition, thanks to supplementation with AAKG or another form of the amino acid, training performance can be improved. It promotes phosphocreatine resynthesis and speeds up ATP production, which acts as an energy molecule and energy carrier. Nitric oxide is also involved in vasodilation processes. Interestingly, it also affects the reduction of the energy cost of physical effort.
Supplements that stimulate NO production, such as AAKG, are also used for erection difficulties. Precisely because they lead to widening of the vessel lumen and, consequently, better blood flow with oxygen. In short, the cavernous bodies and arterial vessels dilate, and larger amounts of blood reach the penis, allowing hardness to be maintained. There is greater pressure on the venous vessels and better filling of the cavernous bodies, and the blood is removed more slowly, so a better erection results.
AAKG and other NO boosters are able to support the maintenance of proper blood vessel elasticity. They reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis.
And what do you use AAKG for?
