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 as a growth hormone (GH) precursor is twice as effective as arginine. An OKG supplement may increase production of GH, as well as IGF-1, an active derivative of GH.

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 growth 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.

How To Take Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate Supplements

What's the best way to take an OKG supplement? If you want to experience all of the OKG benefits, we recommend taking three to ten tablets a day, either all at once or separated into two servings.

There are sixty capsules in one bottle of ornithine alpha ketoglutarate. Each tablet contains 1,000 mg of L-ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate 2:1. Other ingredients include calcium carbonate, maltodextrin, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, and shellac.

All supplements, including this one, should be kept in a cool, dry place. We recommend keeping it out of direct sunlight, preferably in a medicine cabinet. This will ensure it remains potent until the best by date. Once this expiration date passes, you should dispose of the bottle and purchase a new one.

It's wise to regularly re-evaluate the benefits of any supplement you’re taking to ensure you are meeting your health goals. Occasionally, you may need to change how much you’re taking in order to do so.

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2. Dakshayani KB, Velvizhi S, Subramanian P. Effects of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate on circulatory antioxidants and lipid peroxidation products in ammonium acetate treated rats. Ann Nutr Metab. 2002;46(3-4):93-96. doi:10.1159/000063076
3. Jeevanandam M, Holaday NJ, Petersen SR. Ornithine-alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) supplementation is more effective than its component salts in traumatized rats. J Nutr. 1996;126(9):2141-2150. doi:10.1093/jn/126.9.2141
4. Miyake M, Kirisako T, Kokubo T, et al. Randomised controlled trial of the effects of L-ornithine on stress markers and sleep quality in healthy workers. Nutr J. 2014;13:53. Published 2014 Jun 3. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-53