Alpha-ketoglutarate (akg)
OTHER NAME(S): AKG, alpha-ketoglutarate, alpha-ketoglutaric acid
Overview
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a chemical that has many important functions in the body. Supplements containing alpha-ketoglutarate are available over-the-counter, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Although they seem to be well tolerated, there is not enough research to know what common side effects they may cause. Some products contain alpha-ketoglutarate along with other substances, such as arginine, ornithine, and calcium. These other substances may cause different effects, side effects, and interactions. Before taking alpha-ketoglutarate, read the product label to understand which ingredients it contains. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) used for?
Alpha-ketoglutarate supplements are used to reduce certain age-related health problems. They are also sometimes used to improve exercise performance or help with wound healing. However, their benefits for any use are not well defined.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed alpha-ketoglutarate for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does alpha-ketoglutarate work (mechanism of action)?
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a chemical that naturally occurs in the body, where it plays an important role in many processes. In addition to working as an antioxidant, it reduces swelling (inflammation) and helps your cells make energy. Your body also uses alpha-ketoglutarate to make amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
Due to its many functions in the body, alpha-ketoglutarate supplements are marketed for various health purposes. Most commonly, they are used to help reduce the effects of aging by improving bone health, memory, and thinking skills. Some supplements, especially those containing other forms of alpha-ketoglutarate, are also marketed for improving physical performance. However, the benefits of alpha-ketoglutarate supplements for any use are not well defined. It is also not clear whether these products can increase the levels of alpha-ketoglutarate in your body.
How should I store alpha-ketoglutarate?
You should store alpha-ketoglutarate according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of alpha-ketoglutarate?
Alpha-ketoglutarate seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of alpha-ketoglutarate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of alpha-ketoglutarate?
While less common, the most serious side effects of alpha-ketoglutarate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Alpha-ketoglutarate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using alpha-ketoglutarate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Precautions
Who should not use alpha-ketoglutarate?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use alpha-ketoglutarate.
- Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
- Alpha-ketoglutaric acid
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific alpha-ketoglutarate products they stock.
What should I know about alpha-ketoglutarate before using it?
Alpha-ketoglutarate is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep alpha-ketoglutarate out of the reach of children.
If you are taking alpha-ketoglutarate powder, use an accurate measuring device to measure the powder, such as the device included with the product. Read the label carefully and mix the powder with the amount of fluid stated on the label.
Alpha-ketoglutarate may be combined with other substances, including amino acids and minerals, to form “combination ingredients.” Some common examples include L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), ornithine ketoglutarate (OKG), and calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG). These combination ingredients are intended to increase the levels of both substances in the body, and each of these substances can cause different effects and side effects. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains.
The FDA has not tested alpha-ketoglutarate products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using alpha-ketoglutarate?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if alpha-ketoglutarate is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Heart or Blood Vessel Problems.Some supplements may contain alpha-ketoglutarate along with an amino acid called L-arginine. Products that contain this ingredient usually list it as L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) on their labels. Taking L-arginine may affect your blood vessels and blood pressure. If you have heart problems, including high or low blood pressure, speak with your health care provider before taking a product that contains AAKG.
Kidney Stones. Some supplements may contain alpha-ketoglutarate combined with calcium. Products that contain this ingredient usually list it as calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) on their labels. Calcium supplements might increase the risk of kidney stones, especially if you have had kidney stones before. If you have a history of kidney stones, speak with your health care provider before taking Ca-AKG.
Other Medicines and Supplements.Alpha-ketoglutarate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking alpha-ketoglutarate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how alpha-ketoglutarate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if alpha-ketoglutarate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does alpha-ketoglutarate interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between alpha-ketoglutarate and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect alpha-ketoglutarate.
Does alpha-ketoglutarate interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Some alpha-ketoglutarate products also contain calcium or arginine. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients it contains. Calcium and arginine can interact with various drugs. Learn more about calcium supplements here. Learn more about L-arginine supplements here.
The interactions between alpha-ketoglutarate and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with alpha-ketoglutarate is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking alpha-ketoglutarate with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much alpha-ketoglutarate?
If you or someone else has used too much alpha-ketoglutarate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Alpha-ketoglutarate comes in many different forms and may be combined with other substances. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take alpha-ketoglutarate safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
References
- Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica (ABBS): “Essential role of the metabolite α-ketoglutarate in bone tissue and bone-related diseases.”
- Advances in Nutrition: “α-Ketoglutarate for preventing and managing intestinal epithelial dysfunction.”
- Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation: “Alpha-ketoglutarate.”
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports: “The research progress of α-ketoglutarate in osteoarthritis.”
- Biomolecules & Therapeutics: “Alpha-ketoglutarate: physiological functions and applications.”
- Experimental Gerontology: “Alpha-ketoglutarate as a potent regulator for lifespan and healthspan: Evidences and perspectives.”
- International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research: “Alpha-ketoglutarate decreases serum levels of C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: six-month study.”
- Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging: “Efficacy and safety of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in heel pressure ulcers in elderly patients: results of a randomized controlled trial.”
- Nutrients: “Impact of alpha-ketoglutarate on skeletal muscle health and exercise performance: a narrative review.
- Nutrition: “Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise performance of l-arginine α-ketoglutarate in trained adult men.”