Found naturally in the human body, alpha-ketoglutaric acid plays a crucial role in certain chemical reactions involved in producing energy. Also available in dietary supplement form, alpha-ketoglutaric acid is often touted as a natural remedy for improving athletic performance.
Proponents claim that alpha-ketoglutaric acid can benefit athletes by increasing energy and endurance, as well as by promoting the body's production of protein and regulating blood sugar levels during exercise. But while alpha-ketoglutaric acid supplements are often marketed for their performance-boosting effects, evidence is needed to support the claim that these supplements can build endurance.
A number of other natural remedies may be of some benefit to athletes. For example, some studies show that branched-chain amino acids may fight fatigue during long periods of exercise, while phosphatidylserine supplements may improve exercise capacity and decrease muscle soreness.
Continue Reading: Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid - What You Need to Know.
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is a substance found naturally in the human body. Also available in dietary supplement form, alpha-ketoglutaric acid plays a key role in the Krebs cycle (a series of chemical reactions involved in the body's production of energy). Alpha-ketoglutaric acid supplements are purported to offer a variety of health benefits.
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid also occurs in salt form, as a substance called alpha-ketoglutarate. Alpha-ketoglutarate is involved in the formation of glutamine, an amino acid required for protein synthesis and for proper functioning of the immune system.
Uses for Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is often said to enhance athletic performance. Proponents claim that use of alpha-ketoglutaric acid can help stimulate the body's production of protein, stabilize blood sugar levels during exercise, and improve exercise endurance.
In addition, alpha-ketoglutaric acid is said to help treat or prevent the following health problems:
- bacterial infections
- cataracts
- kidney disease
- yeast infections
Benefits of Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid
Although research on the health effects of alpha-ketoglutaric acid is very limited, some preliminary research suggests that alpha-ketoglutarate may offer certain health benefits. Here's a look at several key findings from the available studies:
1) Hemodialysis
Alpha-ketoglutarate may be of some benefit to people undergoing hemodialysis. In a study published in the journal Nephron in 1996, researchers found that administering a combination of alpha-ketoglutarate and calcium carbonate to hemodialysis patients helped boost amino acid metabolism and decrease hyperphosphatemia (a condition marked by abnormally elevated levels of phosphate in the blood).
2) Cardiac Surgery
Alpha-ketoglutarate may help improve kidney function among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, according to a 1998 study from the Annals of Thoracic Surgery. The study involved 22 people with normal kidney function prior to undergoing cardiac surgery. Of those patients, 11 people received an intravenous infusion of alpha-ketoglutarate an hour after their surgery. Study results suggest that alpha-ketoglutarate may enhance blood flow in the kidneys.
Is Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid Safe?
Due to a lack of research, little is known about the safety of long-term use of supplements containing alpha-ketoglutaric acid. However, there's some concern that consumption of alpha-ketoglutaric acid may irritate the esophagus and/or upset the stomach.
It's important to note that self-treating a health condition with alpha-ketoglutaric acid and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering the use of alpha-ketoglutaric acid in treatment of any condition, make sure to consult your physician.
Alternatives to Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid
A number of other natural remedies may be of some use in improving athletic performance. For instance, some research indicates that branched-chain amino acids may help improve physical performance and prevent fatigue during long periods of exercise.
In addition, phosphatidylserine supplements have been found to boost exercise capacity, as well as decrease muscle soreness and protect against the increase in levels of cortisol (a hormone released during stress) that often results from overtraining.
There's also some evidence that creatine may boost performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities (such as weight-lifting and sprinting).
Where To Find Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid
Available for purchase online, alpha-ketoglutaric acid is sold in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in dietary supplements.
Sources
Jeppsson A, Ekroth R, Friberg P, Kirnö K, Milocco I, Nilsson FN, Svensson S, Wernerman J. "Renal effects of alpha-ketoglutarate early after coronary operations." Ann Thorac Surg. 1998 Mar;65(3):684-90.
Riedel E, Nündel M, Hampl H. "Alpha-Ketoglutarate application in hemodialysis patients improves amino acid metabolism." Nephron. 1996;74(2):261-5.
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