AAKG

What is AAKG?

AAKG stands for L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. It is a salt that combines the amino acid L-arginine with alpha-ketoglutaric acid. In sports nutrition, AAKG is one of the most common forms of arginine and is often taken before training, either on its own or as part of a pre-workout product.

L-arginine is found in many protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, dairy, nuts and seeds.

Forms

• Powder – flavoured or unflavoured, mixed with water. The unflavoured version has a sour, slightly bitter taste.
• Capsules and tablets – no taste and easy to dose.
• Liquid shots – a single serving in a small bottle, ready to drink.

Our range

• Trec Nutrition AAKG Powder, AAKG Mega Hardcore capsules and AAKG Nitro Shot.
• Olimp Nutrition AAKG 7500 Extreme Shot, AAKG Extreme Mega Caps and AAKG Xplode.
• NOW Foods AAKG 2200 and Nutrend AAKG 7500.
• Applied Nutrition AAKG 3000 mg and 3200 mg.
• Allnutrition AAKG Muscle Pump.

What to look for on the label

• AAKG per serving: the number in the product name often refers to the full serving, not one capsule or tablet.
• Ratio 1:1 or 2:1: this tells you how much arginine is bound to alpha-ketoglutarate. In a 2:1 product there are two parts of arginine to one part of alpha-ketoglutarate.
• Sugar and sweeteners: shots and flavoured powders may contain sugar or sweeteners – check the ingredients.
• Other ingredients: some products contain more than AAKG. If you also use a pre-workout product, read both labels.
• Dose: follow the directions on the label.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet. If you take medicines or are pregnant, ask your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between AAKG and L-arginine?

L-arginine is the amino acid itself; AAKG is arginine bound to alpha-ketoglutaric acid. On the label you will see how much AAKG or arginine one serving provides.

Powder, capsules or a shot?

Powder is the most flexible and lets you adjust the amount. Capsules and tablets have no taste, and a shot is a ready serving to take with you.

What does 2:1 mean on AAKG products?

It describes the ratio of arginine to alpha-ketoglutarate in the salt: two parts arginine to one part alpha-ketoglutarate.