supplements

OKG ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate

OKG (ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate) is a dietary supplement for athletes.

From the chemical point of view it is a salt deriving from the combination of two units of ornithine and a molecule of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG).

In our organism ornithine is synthesized starting from arginine, while alpha-ketoglutarate comes from the deamination of glutamine. Since both these amino acids (arginine and glutamine) contain significant anabolic, immunostimulant and anti-aging properties, the same ergogenic and health-giving virtues are also attributed to OKG. Moreover, ornithine favors the disposal of ammonia, a toxic substance deriving from the metabolism of amino acids; whereas during an intense and prolonged effort the protein catabolism increases, the OKG could therefore improve sporting performance even in the disciplines of resistance.

Why do sports people use OKG?

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is used by athletes for:

  • increase strength and muscle masses.
  • Reduce fat mass.
  • Stimulate the immune system.
  • Speed ​​up recovery times and prevent overtraining.

OKG: scientific evidence

Similar to arginine, OKG has been used successfully in the treatment of malnutrition, burn victims and convalescents following surgery. In a study with a positive outcome, its use at high doses (15 g / day for 5 months) was also investigated in the treatment of children with growth retardation.

Although the mechanism of action has not yet been completely clarified, it has been shown that OKG decreases muscle catabolism, promoting protein synthesis and, consequently, accelerating wound healing. These characteristics seem to be linked to its ability to positively influence the synthesis of anabolic hormones - such as insulin and GH - and the metabolism of amino acids, whose plasma concentration increases after oral or intravenous administration of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate.

In the literature there are several studies that confirm the above-mentioned OKG anabolic properties. The majority of these studies have been conducted on hospitalized, poly-traumatized patients with dosages (10 to 25 g / day) that are significantly higher than those offered in the sports field (given the product costs, which are around 50 cents per gram) . The immunostimulant properties have instead been investigated especially in laboratory animals, obtaining encouraging results.

Research has shown that supplementing ornithine and / or alpha-ketoglutarate alone does not allow the same positive effects to be obtained.

Side effects

At the dosages proposed in the various studies (10-20 g / day) OKG has been shown to be devoid of side effects. Some patients have reported an increased appetite, probably due to increased insulin levels and the consequent appearance of hypoglycemia (which represents a positive stimulus for the hunger center).

Cost and effectiveness

Sportsmen who intend to use ornithine as an anabolic food supplement can achieve the same effect with less expensive and more studied supplements, such as creatine and whey proteins. Contrary to what has been said for the multi-traumatized patients, in the literature there are no certain data that confirm the ergogenic efficacy of the OKG.

dosages

Sportsmen and people in good health are offered doses of 2 to 10 g of OKG per day. To stimulate muscle growth, it is recommended to use it after physical effort, in the morning and before bedtime.

OKG in food

Although its precursor amino acids (arginine and glutamine) are present in numerous protein foods, such as meat and fish, OKG is a synthetic product and as such can only be taken through specific supplements.