REPRESENTATIVE DOCUMENTS
COA
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Supplement Facts & Directions
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1500 milligramsServings Per Container: Varies
Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
L-Ornithine a-ketoglutarate 1500 mg | † |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
† Daily Value Not Established
‡
These supplement facts may vary from the product you receive. Please call for exact numbers.
Other Ingredients: None
Free of: Added Sugar, Soy, Dairy, Yeast, Gluten, Corn & Additives.
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1500 mg daily or as directed by a physician. An accurate gram weight scale is recommended.
Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have any medical conditions consult your physician before use. DO NOT use if you have a herpes infection or cold sores. Keep out of reach of children.
Product Details
What is L-Ornithine a-ketoglutarate (OKG)?
L-Ornithine a-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt form of l-ornithine and alpha ketoglutarate. L-Ornithine is a nonproteinogenic amino acid, meaning it doesn’t participate in synthesizing proteins or enzymes. Unlike other amino acids, DNA doesn’t code for ornithine. However, ornithine plays a pivotal role in the urea cycle, which is how the body disposes of toxic ammonia.
Alpha ketoglutarate, also known as α-Ketoglutaric acid, is a keto acid produced by removing an amino acid from glutamate. It plays a role in energy production, as it’s an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. It also helps synthesize glutamine, which reduces muscle soreness after workouts and supports gut health and the immune system.
Ornithine and alpha ketoglutarate are metabolically related and can readily convert into one another. The conversion is reversible, and combining the two can suppress ornithine from converting into alpha ketoglutarate. Researchers believe that inhibiting this process allows ornithine to convert into arginine, which may convey several beneficial health effects.
Ornithine and the Urea Cycle
Ornithine is a significant part of the urea cycle and works alongside citrulline and arginine to excrete toxic ammonia from the body. The cycle begins by converting ammonia into carbamoyl phosphate in order to transfer a phosphate group to ornithine. The ornithine then uses the phosphate group to produce citrulline, an essential precursor to arginine. Enzymes break down the arginine into urea and ornithine to complete the cycle. The body can then recycle the ornithine to restart the cycle while removing the urea via the urine. However, research shows that OKG is the superior supplement form for ultimately increasing plasma arginine levels.
Potential Ornithine (OKG) Benefits
Ornithine and Arginine
Research shows that ornithine synergizes with arginine to improve total strength and lean body mass. This supplement combination also promotes faster exercise recovery and inhibits muscle tissue breakdown.Ornithine (OKG) and Exercise Performance
Many athletes take OKG as a pre-workout supplement for its potential to build muscle and recover from intense exercise. Ornithine is not an essential amino acid, as the body can synthesize it. However, certain conditions can strain the body’s ability to produce enough ornithine to meet its needs, such as times of stress, illness, or injury. These conditions often force the body into a catabolic state, resulting in muscle protein breakdowns.
Studies show that OKG blocks these catabolic effects during periods of stress or injury and catalyzes anabolic (protein-building) activity. Researchers believe OKG may achieve this through two possible mechanisms. One is that OKG directly influences hormone metabolism enzymes. The other is that OKG increases growth hormone levels. OKG supplements may promote muscle growth and repair by supplying the ornithine the body needs. Animal research also notes that ornithine and alpha ketoglutarate synergize and perform better together than as separate components for augmenting protein synthesis and increasing growth hormone levels. OKG can also convert into glutamine, which may reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise.
Ornithine (OKG) and Liver Health
The liver struggles to effectively remove ammonia when damaged or diseased. Ammonia buildup can cause numerous health problems, including impaired cognition, behaviors, and muscle control. OKG may alleviate these issues by stimulating the urea cycle to eliminate ammonia. Alpha ketoglutarate can also buffer ammonia without the need for the urea cycle, as it bonds to ammonia to form glutamine. OKG may reduce hangover symptoms, too. Ammonia levels rise rapidly following alcohol consumption and contributes to many of the unpleasant hangover symptoms. OKG may expedite a hangover recovery by stimulating the urea cycle to excrete the excess ammonia.
Potential Ornithine (OKG) Side Effects
Ornithine (OKG) does not appear to cause side effects when taken in recommended doses based on the available preliminary research. However, individuals should consult with a physician before starting any new supplements.
References
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- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12603-010-0109-7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4703346
- https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpendo.1997.273.3.E557
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2860705
Tested by Accredited 3rd Party Labs
PureBulk's supplements are tested by accredited third party labs in the USA to ensure their identity, purity and potency. To receive a copy of these test results or any other PureBulk supplement please fill out the COA request form found here.
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.