Generality
Ornithine alpha-ketogluratate - more briefly defined OKG - is a salt made up of a non-protein amino acid, ornithine, and a protagonist of the Krebs cycle, alpha-ketoglutarate.
Indications
Why is ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate used and what is it used for?
Classically, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is used in both clinical and sports settings for its immunomodulatory, anti-catabolic and anabolic properties.
These properties would have proved particularly useful in the course of:
- Severe trauma and surgery;
- Extensive burns;
- Energy-protein malnutrition;
- Periods of particular psycho-physical stress;
- Cachexia;
- Sarcopenia.
Despite the excellent results observed in the clinical setting, there is still no strong evidence relating to the "usefulness of" OKG in sports.
Properties and Benefits
What benefit has ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate shown during the studies?
The data relating to the "efficacy of" ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate are somewhat conflicting, as many of them are of experimental origin.
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in the clinical setting
From various works, some of which also of a clinical nature as well as experimental, the use of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate at high doses would have proved effective in improving the clinical course in burned, malnourished or particularly invasive surgery patients.
The anticatabolic action on the one hand and the acceleration on wound healing on the other, would constitute the main mechanisms of action of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate.
Mechanisms also supported by the immunostimulating role, necessary to reduce the risk of opportunistic infections.
The alpha-ketoglutarate ornitinta in sports
Ornithine alpha-ketogluratate is currently used in sports, despite conflicting opinions and the absence of particularly incisive studies. The dispute concerns the alleged ability to:
- Increase muscle mass;
- Improve athletic performance;
- Reduce the risk of overtraining;
- Facilitate muscle recovery.
These activities, in a completely theoretical way justifiable by the biological role of precursor of ornithine, would not, however, find direct confirmation in studies or in various scientific works.
Therefore, further developments are awaited in this regard.
Dosage and method of use
How to use ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
The doses of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate vary considerably according to the needs of the supplement.
In sports, for example, it is usually suggested to take 2.5 grams of OKG per day, divided into pre- and post-training or pre-falling asleep intakes.
In the clinical setting, for example in the case of burns or severe surgical trauma, significantly higher doses of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, approximately 15-20 grams per day, would have proved effective.
In order to optimize intestinal absorption, already improved by salification with alpha-ketoglutarate, it would be preferable to take OKG on an empty stomach or with simple sugars.
Side effects
The use of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate has been generally shown to be safe and well tolerated.
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, were observed only at particularly high dosages.
Contraindications
When should ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate not be used?
The use of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active substance or in case of rare genetic syndromes characterized by enzymatic deficiency of ornithine delta-aminotransferase.
Pharmacological interactions
What drugs or foods can modify the effect of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate?
No noteworthy drug interactions are currently known
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate?
Given the lack of studies in this regard, the use of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate is generally contraindicated during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding.
The use of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate should be carried out with particular caution in patients undergoing highly low-calorie or fasting diets, given the risk of hypoglycemia.
