Creatine-alpha ketoglutarate

Creatine-alpha-ketoglutarate is a salt formed from alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) and creatine.

Creatine is a mass-produced fitness supplement that is supposed to increase the user's muscle mass, strength and power. Creatine requires a delivery system for cell uptake an example of which is Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate. Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate itself is a chemical compound that is supposed to increase the blood flow to muscles and therefore, increase nutrient delivery to muscle cells.^[1]

Alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG or AKG) itself is a central molecule in the Krebs cycle that controls the organism's overall citric acid cycle rate. It can improve bone tissue development in the skeletal muscles by decreasing protein catabolism and increasing protein synthesis.^[2] Due to AKG'S significant role in cell metabolism and creatine's benefits of increased mass and overall performance, supplement industries have theorized that binding Creatine to Alpha-ketoglutarate could show significant improvements in Creatine delivery and uptake which would ultimately lead to greater improvements in muscle mass and performance.

In a recent study, ten powerlifters participated in a three month double blind-placebo controlled experiment where they were given doses of creatine-alpha-ketoglutarate daily. Participants would be evaluated every month on their physical performance, anthropometric, and clinical blood tests. Results of this experiment has shown that creatine-alpha-ketoglutarate used as a dietary supplement has shown to increase endurance, overall physical performance, and body structure.^[3]

Still relatively new in the fitness industry, more research is needed to test the validity of its effects.

References[]

^ Little, Jonathan. P.; Forbes, Scott C.; Candow, Darren G.; Cornish, Stephen M.; Chilibeck, Philip D. (October 2008). "Creatine, Arginine α-Ketoglutarate, Amino Acids, and Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Endurance and Performance". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 18 (5): 493–508. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.5.493. ISSN 1526-484X. PMID 19033611.
^ Wu, Nan; Yang, Mingyao; Gaur, Uma; Xu, Huailiang; Yao, Yongfang; Li, Diyan (2016-01-01). "Alpha-Ketoglutarate: Physiological Functions and Applications". Biomolecules & Therapeutics. 24 (1): 1–8. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2015.078. ISSN 2005-4483. PMC 4703346. PMID 26759695.
^ Silber, M. L.; Blake, P. A.; Schroeder, F. J. (May 1999). "The Alpha-Ketoglutarate Delivering System for Creatine Supplements in Elite Athletes". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 31 (Supplement): S103. doi:10.1097/00005768-199905001-00363. ISSN 0195-9131.

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[1] Little, Jonathan. P.; Forbes, Scott C.; Candow, Darren G.; Cornish, Stephen M.; Chilibeck, Philip D. (October 2008). "Creatine, Arginine α-Ketoglutarate, Amino Acids, and Medium-Chain Triglycerides and Endurance and Performance". International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 18 (5): 493–508. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.5.493. ISSN 1526-484X. PMID 19033611.

[2] Wu, Nan; Yang, Mingyao; Gaur, Uma; Xu, Huailiang; Yao, Yongfang; Li, Diyan (2016-01-01). "Alpha-Ketoglutarate: Physiological Functions and Applications". Biomolecules & Therapeutics. 24 (1): 1–8. doi:10.4062/biomolther.2015.078. ISSN 2005-4483. PMC 4703346. PMID 26759695.

[3] Silber, M. L.; Blake, P. A.; Schroeder, F. J. (May 1999). "The Alpha-Ketoglutarate Delivering System for Creatine Supplements in Elite Athletes". Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 31 (Supplement): S103. doi:10.1097/00005768-199905001-00363. ISSN 0195-9131.

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