Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate for Sports & Fitness

Also known as: OKG

What is it?

The amino acids ornithine and glutamine are combined to form ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG).

Where is it found?

Although the amino acids that comprise OKG are present in protein foods such as meat and poultry and fish, the OKG compound is found only in supplements.

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate

helps improve muscle growth.

What do the advocates say?*

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is used by the body to make many substances related to cell growth and repair. It has been used in medical research to treat severe burns, improve healing after surgery, and other clinical situations. Unfortunately, no research has explored the effects of OKG in athletes.

How much is usually taken by athletes?

OKG is formed from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine and is believed to facilitate muscle growth by enhancing the body’s release of anabolic hormones. While this effect has been found in studies on hospitalised patients and elderly people,¹ ² no studies on muscle growth in athletes using OKG have been published.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

No side effects have been reported with the use of OKG.

No clear interactions between OKG and other nutrients have been established.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate as a nutritional supplement.

References
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1. Le Boucher J, Cynober LA. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate: the puzzle. Nutrition 1998;14:870–3 [review].

2. Brocker P, Vellas B, Albarede J, et al. A two-centre, randomized, double blind trial of ornithine oxoglutarate in 194 elderly, ambulatory, convalescent subjects. Age Aging 1994;23:303–6.

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The information presented in Healthnotes 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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.