Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Arginine AKG, AAKG, 5256-76-8

Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Arginine AKG, AAKG, 5256-76-8

Chemical Identity

• Name: Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)

• Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₀N₄O₇

• Molecular Weight: ~320 g/mol

• CAS Number: 5256-76-8

• Structure: A salt formed by combining the amino acid L-Arginine with Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid

Biological Role

• Nitric Oxide (NO) production: Arginine is a precursor for NO synthesis, which promotes vasodilation and improved blood flow.

• Energy metabolism: Alpha-Ketoglutarate is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, supporting ATP production.

• Protein synthesis: Enhances muscle growth and recovery.

• Detoxification: Helps remove excess ammonia from the body.

Applications

• Sports Nutrition:

  • Widely used in pre-workout supplements for the “pump” effect.

  • Improves endurance, strength, and recovery.

  • Often combined with Citrulline Malate, Beta-Alanine, and Creatine in advanced formulas.

• Pharmaceutical / Medical:

  • Studied for cardiovascular support (improving vascular health).

  • Potential role in liver function support and detoxification.

• Food / Nutraceuticals:

  • Added to functional foods and dietary supplements as a performance enhancer.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Solubility: Soluble in water

• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place, away from moisture

Safety and Side Effects

• Generally safe at recommended doses.

• Possible side effects: Gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or low blood pressure at high doses.

• Precaution: Should be used carefully by individuals with hypotension or heart conditions.

Summary

AAKG combines the vasodilatory effects of L-Arginine with the energy-supporting role of Alpha-Ketoglutarate, making it a popular ingredient in sports nutrition for boosting blood flow, endurance, and recovery. It also has potential applications in cardiovascular and liver health.

Synonyms and Identifiers

• AAKG

• Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

• L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

• Arginine 2-oxoglutarate

• Arginine AKG

• Alpha-Ketoglutaric acid L-arginine salt

• Arginine 2-oxopentanedioate

• CAS 5256-76-8

Notes

• AAKG is essentially L-Arginine bound to Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid, forming a stable salt.

• In supplements, it is often labeled simply as AAKG or Arginine AKG.

• In biochemical contexts, you may see the name Arginine 2-oxoglutarate, which refers to the same compound.