Wizard of Vitamins

Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) Vitamin

What is Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound)?

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is 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, 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, a preliminary report of a double-blind trial of AAKG suggested it might improve some measures of strength and power resulting from weight training.

Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) in Diets

Although the substances that comprise AAKG are present in many foods, the AAKG compound is found only in supplements.

Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) Medicinal Treatments

Athletic performance

Known Consequences of Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) Deficiency

A deficiency of AAKG has not been reported.

Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) Recommended Dosages

Optimal levels remain unknown, though weight lifters were given 12 grams per day in one trial.

Arginine AKG (NO2 Compound) 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. These athletes also reported no undesirable changes in general health, mental health, libido, sleep quality, or other quality of life measures. 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. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with arginine AKG (NO2 compound).