Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound)
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a compound made from the amino acid L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate, a substance formed
in the body’s energy-generating process. AAKG is a popular supplement among bodybuilders
and other athletes because of claims that it increases production of nitric oxide in muscles.
Nitric oxide is known to have blood-flow-enhancing effects,1 which could in theory
increase the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to exercising muscle. While L-arginine by itself
is known to increase nitric oxide production, no research has been done to show that AAKG does
the same. However, a preliminary report of a double-blind trial of AAKG suggested it might
improve some measures of strength and power resulting from weight training.2
Where is it found?
Although the substances that comprise AAKG are present in many foods, the AAKG compound is
found only in supplements.
Arginine AKG (NO2
compound) has been used in connection with the following conditions
(refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
A deficiency of AAKG has not been reported.
How much is usually taken?
Optimal levels remain unknown, though weight lifters were given 12 grams per day in one
trial.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
In an eight-week double-blind trial, weight lifters taking 4 grams of AAKG three times a
day reported no significant side effects, showed no changes in blood pressure or heart rate,
and had no abnormalities on standard blood tests for general health.3 These
athletes also reported no undesirable changes in general health, mental health, libido, sleep
quality, or other quality of life measures.4 Some doctors believe that people with
herpes (either cold sores or genital herpes) should not take arginine supplements, because of the possibility that
arginine might stimulate replication of the virus.
No clear interactions between AAKG and other nutrients have been established.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with arginine AKG (NO2 compound).
References:1. Cylwik D, Mogielnicki A, Buczko W. L-arginine and cardiovascular
system. Pharmacol Rep 2005;57:14–22 [review].
2. Campbell B, Baer J, Roberts M, et al. Effects of arginine
alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on body composition and training adaptations. Sports
Nutr Rev J 2004:1:S10 [abstract].
3. Vacanti T, Campbell B, Baer J, et al. Effects of arginine
alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on markers of catabolism and health status. Sports
Nutr Rev J2004;1:S10–S11 [abstract].
4. Nassar EI, Bowden RG, Campbell B, et al. Effects of arginine
alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on quality of life. Sports Nutr Rev J
2004;1:S12–S13 [abstract].