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What is L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OAKG or OKG)?

L-Ornithine-AKG combines the power of Ornithine, with alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG), and it promotes amino acid synthesis and protein availability. It is a potent anabolic muscle building food that increases energy, endurance and muscle mass while inhibiting muscle breakdown, fatigue, and the build up of fat. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is an amino acid complex manufactured from two amino acids, ornithine and glutamine. L-Ornithine by itself is used by athletes to improve performance as it increases both insulin and growth hormone levels needed to build and maintain muscle during intensive physical training. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) also triggers the growth-promoting action of insulin, which encourages muscle growth and increases strength. It provides the amino acid arginine which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release Growth Hormone (GH). This hormone boosts the metabolism of fat and shields your muscle tissue from being broken down for energy, resulting in a leaner appearance. By helping excrete and eliminate ammonia released during exercise, Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) also prevents the build up of lactic acid - known to accumulate with ammonia - which causes muscle fatigue, soreness and poor stamina. Supplementation with L-Glutamine on the other hand can reduce the recovery time following physically demanding activities by increasing muscle protein synthesis and counteracting catabolic processes. AKG is a precursor to the amino acid glutamine that plays a crucial role in the physiological process known as the Krebs cycle responsible for breaking down carbohydrates in your body to produce energy.

These amino acids are dubbed “conditionally essential” because ordinarily, one does not need to consume them from dietary sources since the body can synthesize them from other nutrients. However, during periods of severe stress, such as recovery from major trauma, intense training, or severe illness, the body may not be able to manufacture them in sufficient quantities, and may require an external source. The amino acids that constitute OKG, namely ornithine and glutamine, are found in high-protein foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. L-Ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) work synergistically in Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) to create favorable conditions for any exercise and training regimen to become effective by regulating glutamine levels. L-Glutamine is an essential source of cellular fuel, which helps power metabolic processes. Normally the human body has no choice but to break down muscle in order to do this, but the alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) bound to Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) prevents this breakdown of muscle by combining with ammonia, a toxic by-product that accumulates during intense workouts, to restore glutamine and hence energy levels back to normal. This spares lean muscle mass from attack, and prevents the accumulation of ammonia, which is highly toxic and can cause impaired cognition.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate administration improves nutritional status in chronically malnourished (e.g., elderly) and acutely malnourished patients, which includes burn and trauma patients. There is also proof that OKG activity cannot be achieved from just the simple addition of the effects of ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate, because the presence of both is required to induce the generation of key metabolites such as glutamine, proline, and arginine, whereas this does not occur when one or the other is given separately. In a large, well-controlled trial, nonhospitalized elderly people benefited from 10 grams per day of OKG as they recovered from various illnesses or surgery, showing improved appetite, weight gain, shorter hospital stays, muscle growth, reduced need for medical care, and improved quality of life compared with those who did not supplement with OKG. In animal studies, OKG supplementation increased levels of arginine and glutamine in skeletal muscles and stimulated immune system function compared to animals not receiving OKG. The immunomodulatory attributes associated with OKG suggest that it may strengthen host-defense mechanisms, particularly during injury and acute stress.

What is L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate used for and who uses it?

L-ornithine Alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is an amino acid compound which enhances performance in catabolic conditions associated with such activities as vigorous sports and weightlifting. L-ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate work synergistically in hypercatabolic conditions to achieve numerous positive outcomes. For one OKG reduces the rate at which ammonia accumulates. The nitrogen-sparing property of OKG may be attributed to its ability to conserve and retain glutamine. Glutamine plays an integral role in protein turnover during the catabolic states. As a result of these intermediate outcomes, OKG improves endurance, decreases muscle fatigue, and speeds up recovery time. Additionally, OKG helps to increase the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which in turn increases muscle mass.

OKG plays an important role in the treatment of individuals recovering from severe physical trauma. When the body undergoes severe trauma—such as injury, major surgery, or burns—it goes into a catabolic state, making it susceptible to muscle wasting or atrophy. In this condition, the body’s tendency is to break itself down rather than build itself up with the help of the catabolic hormone cortisone. In this temporary catabolic state, the body is not able to use protein available in the diet, and because of this high levels of protein breakdown products appear in the urine. Calcium levels in urine also elevate, as bones begin to weaken.

The opposite of a catabolic state is an anabolic state, wherein the body builds itself up. Studies done on hospitalized patients recovering from severe illnesses or injuries demonstrate that OKG prevents the catabolic effects of cortisone and directly stimulates anabolic activity. It is not certain how OKG accomplishes this, but it has been proposed that OKG may directly have an impact on the enzymes involved in hormone metabolism. Another possible reason is that OKG increases levels of growth hormone (an anabolic hormone), and increases insulin release, which would have anabolic effects. Ornithine is crucial since it triggers the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn helps with fat metabolism. It is further necessary for a properly functioning immune system and liver and helps in ammonia detoxification and liver rejuvenation. It is also beneficial in healing and repairing skin and tissue and is found in both of these body parts. Ornithine assists in the elimination of toxic ammonia from the liver, and may reduce the effects of cirrhosis of the liver and disorders associated with liver malfunction.

Ornithine may also be of use in fighting the muscle loss that is a normal part of the aging process. As the body gets older, it becomes less efficient at synthesizing proteins and can’t regenerate muscle tissue as quickly as before, which leads to a decline in both strength and muscularity. By its action and attribute of being able elevate growth hormone levels, ornithine may help speed the production of muscle tissue and offset the effects of aging. Ornithine is also required for the manufacture of citrulline, proline, and glutamic acid, three amino acids that help bring energy to every cell in the body. It also helps to speed up the process of healing in cases of burns, trauma, improvement in appetite, weight gain and improvement in quality of life.

How pure is your L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate?

This pharmaceutical grade amino acid L-Ornithine alpha-Ketoglutarate (also known as OKG) is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.1% product (normal range 98.0% and up). You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white powder product. Purebulk OKG comes in a pure powder form with absolutely no additives or fillers, just pure active OKG. Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an advanced anabolic and anti-catabolic amino acid supplement designed for both trauma patients and serious strength athletes. Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) consists of the amino acid ornithine bonded to alpha-ketoglutarate molecules. Clinical studies have shown OKG supplementation to be effective in increasing protein synthesis, lowering protein catabolism, improving insulin and somatropin secretion, and increasing absorption of amino acids and glucose to the muscles. OKG's anabolic potential makes it a must-have for anyone who needs to fight muscle loss, especially for all athletes desiring muscle mass and recovery.

What is the daily suggested dose of L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate?

The commonly recommended dose for L-Ornithine alpha-Ketoglutarate is between 1-3 grams per day in divided doses, depending upon individual needs. One half level tablespoon will supply approximately 2039 milligrams, or just about 2 grams for the bulk density of this OKG powder. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for OKG here. If higher doses are required, it may be necessary to increase dosage gradually to avoid digestive upset.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Precautions and Potential side effects of L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate

No side effects have been reported with the use of OKG, and no clear interactions between OKG and other nutrients have been established as well. Because it is simply ornithine and glutamine, OKG is presumably safe. However, high doses ranging from 5 to 10 grams per day can cause nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The maximum safe dosages for young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, or those with serious liver or kidney disease have not been established. In general women who are pregnant or nursing, as well as children, should avoid L-ornithine and/or OKG supplementation unless given by a physician.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate

This product dissolves somewhat quickly in water and has mildly sour taste. Just mix your usual dose with water or your favorite citrus juice and drink.

What other names is Ornithine Ketoglutarate known by

OKG, OAKG, Ornicetil, Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate, L-Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, L(+)-ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate.

L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Fountain Of Youth HGH Complete, Universal GH Max, Ultimate Nutrition Arginine/Ornithine/Lysine, Universal NOX3, NOW Arginine & Ornithine, NOW L-Ornithine, Supplement Direct L-Ornithine HCL, Universal OKG, Country Life L-Arginine L-Ornithine Caps, Fusion Bodybuilding Shut-Eye, Healthy 'N Fit Advanced GH Enhancers, Healthy 'N Fit Advanced OKG 5000, Life Extension GH Pituitary Support Day Formula, Life Extension L-Ornithine HCL Powder, Magnum Nutraceuticals Serum, Neogenix CryoShock, Neogenix Vasospan, NOW Awe-Slim, NOW Pro-GH, NOW Tri-Amino, NRG-X Labs Anabolic Raptor, Olympian Labs Arginine & Ornithine, Twinlab L-Arginine/L-Ornithine, Universal Gain Fast 3100, Universal GH Max, Universal GH Stack

References & Further Research

Ornithine--Ketoglutarate (OKG) Supplementation Is More Effective than Its Component Salts in Traumatized Rats
Addition of an anabolic stimulus during nutritional support seems to be a reasonable adjunct to augment protein synthesis. Ornithine--ketoglutarate (OKG) has been used for this purpose in many pathological situations, but the mechanism of action is poorly understood. Overall research data suggest that the mechanism of OKG action may be associated with increases in growth hormone and insulin, as well as the production of metabolites of ORN and KG. OKG has better metabolic benefits than its two components given separately in the nutritional support of injured rats.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in nutritional support
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt formed of two molecules of ornithine and one molecule of alpha-ketoglutarate. OKG has been successfully used by the enteral and parenteral route in burn, traumatized, and surgical patients and in chronically malnourished subjects. According to the metabolic situation, OKG treatment decreases muscle protein catabolism and/or increases synthesis. In addition, OKG promotes wound healing. The mechanism of action of OKG is not fully understood, but the secretion of anabolic hormones (insulin, human growth hormone) and the synthesis of metabolites (glutamine, polyamines, arginine, ketoacids) may be involved.

Growth retardation in children receiving long-term total parenteral nutrition: effects of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
The effect of ornithine ketoglutarate (OKG) in reversing abnormal growth in six prepubertal children receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 5-10 y were evaluated in this study. This study demonstrates that OKG is associated with statural growth acceleration and increased IGF1 concentrations.

L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate for International Customers

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