What is the Difference Between Arginine and AAKG?

Arginine and AAKG (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) are both dietary supplements that contain the amino acid arginine, but they differ in terms of their formulation and potential benefits. Here are the main differences between arginine and AAKG:

1. Formation: Arginine is a natural semi-essential amino acid synthesized inside a healthy person's body, while AAKG is a dietary supplement chemically made by reacting L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate.
2. Purpose: Arginine is commonly consumed for medicinal purposes, such as improving blood flow, reducing blood pressure, and promoting overall heart health. AAKG, on the other hand, is commonly consumed for muscle gain purposes and is popular among athletes and bodybuilders.
3. Absorption: Pure arginine gets consumed quickly in the body, and a significant part is lost in the digestion process. AAKG steadily releases arginine in the bloodstream, decreasing the loss of arginine.
4. Effectiveness: L-arginine is most effective when used to increase nitric oxide levels for the treatment of various conditions. AAKG is believed to enhance blood flow, oxygen delivery to muscles, muscle growth, and endurance. However, large clinical trials are generally lacking for the purported uses of both L-arginine and AAKG.

Before choosing between these supplements or using any type of supplementation, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider.

Comparative Table: Arginine vs AAKG

Arginine and AAKG (L-arginine alpha-ketoglutarate) are related to nitric oxide production and blood flow, but they have some differences. Here is a comparison between the two:

Both arginine and AAKG contain L-arginine, which is known to produce nitric oxide in the body, opening up blood vessels wider and improving blood flow. However, while L-arginine has been shown to increase nitric oxide production, no research has been done to show that AAKG has the same effect. AAKG is popular among bodybuilders and athletes for its claimed ability to improve strength and power.