Nutritional Supplement

Nitric Oxide

Possible Deficiencies

A deficiency of AAKG has not been reported.

Side Effects

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.5 These athletes also reported no undesirable changes in general health, mental health, libido, sleep quality, or other quality of life measures.6 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.

References

1. Cylwik D, Mogielnicki A, Buczko W. L-arginine and cardiovascular system. Pharmacol Rep2005;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 Nutrition Review Journal 2004:1(1):S10 [abstract].

3. Campbell B, Roberts M, Kerksick C, et al. Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of l-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate in trained adult men. Nutrition2006;22:872-81.

4. Campbell B, Baer J, Roberts M, et al. Effects of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation on body composition and training adaptations. Sports Nutrition Review Journal 2004:1(1):S10 [abstract].

5. 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].

6. 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].

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.