Nitric Oxide for Sports & Fitness
Nitric oxide is the popular name for AAKG (arginine alpha-ketoglutarate), 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, double-blind trials of AAKG suggest it improves some measures of strength and power resulting from weight training.2,3
Why Do Athletes Use It?*
Some athletes say that nitric oxide improves the results of weight training.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
Advocates say that AAKG increases the body’s production of nitric oxide, a natural blood-flow enhancer. A double-blind trial of AAKG suggested it might improve some measures of strength and power resulting from weight-training.
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
Typically, 4 grams of AAKG are taken three times a day.