What is AAKG (Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate)?
AAKG is the abbreviation for the compound arginine-alpha-ketoglutarate. It is a natural substance that plays a variety of important roles in the body, including the production of creatine, the formation of signaling molecules, and most importantly in sports nutrition, as an important component of the nitric oxide cycle. AAKG can boost energy levels and improve blood flow, which is why it's often found in pre-workout supplements to provide a good pump. AAKG is actually a nitrate supplement.
What are nitrate supplements?
Nitrates are naturally occurring organic compounds of nitrogen and oxygen found in many natural foods we eat, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach, silverbeet, and even cabbage. Nitrate supplements increase nitric oxide levels in the blood through several pathways. Nitric oxide relaxes and opens our blood vessels, promoting blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to our muscles.
What are the benefits of AAKG?
- Increases endurance - delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles, improving exercise capacity. For endurance athletes, this means being able to run farther or faster. In the gym, this means being able to perform more reps or use heavier weights.
- Reduces Muscle Fatigue – Delivering more blood to muscles can cause muscle fatigue to slow down and recovery to occur faster.
- Bigger Pump - Opens blood vessels, increases blood flow, and maximizes your gym pump.
