Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Some athletes say that ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate helps improve muscle growth.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is used by the body to make many substances related to cell growth and repair. It has been used in medical research to treat severe burns, improve healing after surgery, and other clinical situations. Unfortunately, no research has explored the effects of OKG in athletes.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for this supplement based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles.

Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

OKG is formed from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine and is believed to facilitate muscle growth by enhancing the body’s release of anabolic hormones. While this effect has been found in studies on hospitalized patients and elderly people,^{1 , 2} no studies on muscle growth in athletes using OKG have been published.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Although the amino acids that comprise OKG are present in protein foods such as meat and poultry and fish, the OKG compound is found only in supplements.

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