Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 201 participants, researched for Strength & Exercise Performance, Nitric Oxide & Cardiovascular, Recovery & Metabolic Effects.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Strength & Exercise Performance
StrongNitric Oxide & Cardiovascular
ModerateRecovery & Metabolic Effects
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Strength & Exercise Performance
To evaluate AAKG supplementation on strength and body composition in resistance-trained men
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate AAKG supplementation on strength and body composition in resistance-trained men
Dose
4 g/day AAKG
Participants
56 resistance-trained men
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significantly greater 1RM bench press improvement (p=0.02). Peak power output increased 7.5% vs 4.1% in placebo.
How They Measured It
1RM bench press, peak power, body composition
To assess acute effects of AAKG on exercise performance and nitric oxide
Study Type
Randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess acute effects of AAKG on exercise performance and nitric oxide
Dose
6 g AAKG acute dose
Participants
18 healthy trained men
Duration
Single dose crossover
Results
Significant increase in plasma arginine and nitrite/nitrate (p=0.01). Leg press exercise volume significantly higher. Blood flow response improved.
How They Measured It
Nitric oxide markers, blood flow, leg press performance
To examine AAKG on cardiovascular performance and oxygen kinetics during exercise
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To examine AAKG on cardiovascular performance and oxygen kinetics during exercise
Dose
3 g/day AAKG
Participants
30 trained cyclists
Duration
4 weeks
Results
AAKG significantly increased VO2 at lactate threshold (p=0.04) and time to exhaustion. Improved efficiency at submaximal intensities.
How They Measured It
VO2 max, time to exhaustion, lactate threshold
Nitric Oxide & Cardiovascular
To evaluate AAKG supplementation on blood pressure and endothelial function
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate AAKG supplementation on blood pressure and endothelial function
Dose
6 g/day AAKG
Participants
22 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in resting blood pressure (systolic -4 mmHg, p=0.03). FMD improved by 18%. Plasma NOx levels elevated.
How They Measured It
Blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation, plasma NOx
To assess AAKG effects on muscle blood flow and oxygenation during resistance exercise
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, crossover
Purpose
To assess AAKG effects on muscle blood flow and oxygenation during resistance exercise
Dose
4 g AAKG pre-exercise
Participants
14 resistance-trained men
Duration
Acute crossover study
Results
AAKG significantly increased forearm blood flow during exercise (p=0.04) and improved muscle oxygenation. Repetitions at 75% 1RM increased.
How They Measured It
Near-infrared spectroscopy, forearm blood flow
Recovery & Metabolic Effects
To evaluate AAKG on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate AAKG on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Dose
6 g/day AAKG
Participants
20 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in insulin-mediated glucose uptake (p=0.04). Muscle glycogen synthesis improved post-exercise.
How They Measured It
Hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp, glucose uptake
To assess AAKG effects on muscle soreness and recovery after eccentric exercise
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess AAKG effects on muscle soreness and recovery after eccentric exercise
Dose
4 g/day AAKG
Participants
24 moderately trained men
Duration
3 weeks
Results
AAKG group reported significantly less DOMS at 48hrs (p=0.04) and 72hrs post-exercise. CK levels lower, force production recovery faster.
How They Measured It
DOMS VAS, CK levels, force production loss
To review the evidence for arginine-based supplements in sport and exercise performance
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the evidence for arginine-based supplements in sport and exercise performance
Dose
Various
Participants
Systematic review of 17 studies
Duration
Various
Results
Modest improvements in strength and NO-mediated blood flow with AAKG supplementation. Effect sizes larger in trained populations. Pre-workout timing appears optimal.
How They Measured It
Systematic review of RCTs on arginine and AAKG
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG)), involving 201 total participants. Research covers Athletic performance, Muscle strength, Nitric oxide production and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (7 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate has been researched for: Athletic performance, Muscle strength, Nitric oxide production, Exercise capacity. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 7 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
