Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate (OKG) Supplement

Ornithine alpha ketoglutarate (OKG) is a compound that combines two molecules of the amino acid ornithine with one molecule of alpha ketoglutaric acid, an important component in the Krebs cycle. Ornithine alpha ketoglutarate is twice as effective as arginine. An OKG supplement may increase production of hormones, as well as IGF-1, an active derivative of hormone.

OKG Supplement Benefits

What is OKG and what is it used for? The benefits of ornithine have been widely studied. Below is a summary of all the ornithine capsule benefits that have been discovered at this time:

• Research shows that OKG may support healthy sleep and combat fatigue.
• Studies show it increases protein synthesis and protects against muscular catabolism, and is therefore particularly beneficial for athletes, weight lifters and body builders, and active adults, as well as anyone who wishes to promote the production of their hormone.
• Research indicates that it also slows down the loss of muscle mass in hospitalized patients and may accelerate the healing of serious burns.
• Studies show OKG is particularly active in the mechanisms of ammonia detoxification; it combines with the ammonia produced during muscular exercise and therefore improves recovery, helping to prevent cramps and stiffness.
• Research states OKG is also an effective inhibitor of protein glycation — the process in which sugar molecules bond to proteins by cross linking — which may accelerate the aging process.

Ornithine Alpha ketoglutarate continues to be studied and new benefits are constantly being discovered.

Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate Side Effects

Whether you are taking ornithine for sleep or you are interested in ornithine alpha ketoglutarate’s bodybuilding benefits, it's important that you discuss taking it with your doctor. While the ornithine alpha ketoglutarate supplement is considered safe for most adults, adverse reactions are possible.

And while ornithine alpha ketoglutarate benefits likely outweigh any potential risks, only a qualified practitioner can help you determine this. Before you take the ornithine alpha ketoglutarate, discuss your health conditions, medications and any other over-the-counter regimens with your physician.

However, if you notice any abnormal reactions after you start taking ornithine alpha ketoglutarate — or any new supplement — you should discontinue use immediately. You’ll want to have your healthcare provider rule out the new supplement at the cause before you start taking it again.

This ornithine supplement is only meant to boost overall health in adults. It's not intended to treat or cure any diseases and should never be taken by children without professional advice.

It's also not known whether this supplement is safe for pregnant or lactating women. To be safe, it's best to avoid supplementation during these times, as more research is needed to determine if it’s safe.

1. Cynober L. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in nutritional support. Nutrition 1991;7:313–22.
2. Rennie MJ, Hundal HS, Babij P, MacLennan P, Taylor PM, Watt PW, et al. Characteristics of a glutamine carrier in skeletal muscle have important consequences for nitrogen loss in injury, infection, and chronic disease. Lancet 1986;2:1008–12.
3. Wernerman J, Hammarkvist F, Ali MR, Vinnars E. Glutamine and ornithine-alpha-ketoglutarate but not branched-chain amino acids reduce the loss of muscle glutamine after surgical trauma. Metabolism 1989;38:63–6.
4. Wernerman J, Hammarqvist F, von der Decken A, Vinnars E. Ornithine-alpha-ketoglutarate improves skeletal muscle protein synthesis as assessed by ribosome analysis and nitrogen use after surgery. Ann Surg 1987;206:674–8.
5. Rosenberg IH. Sarcopenia: origins and clinical relevance. J Nutr 1997;127:990S–1S.
6. Basu R, Basu A, Nair KS. Muscle changes in aging. J Nutr Health Aging 2002;6:336–41.
7. Aniansson A, Zetterberg C, Hedberg M, Henriksson KG. Impaired muscle function with aging. A background factor in the incidence of fractures of the proximal end of the femur. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1984:193–201.
8. Hurley BF, Hagberg JM. Optimizing health in older persons: aerobic or strength training? Exerc Sport Sci Rev 1998;26:61–89.