Also Known As:
A-AKG
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
NO2
Nitric Oxide
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Variations:
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Related
Items:
Creatine |
Type:
Nitric Oxide Producer |
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What is Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate?
Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate is simply two arginine molecules attached to one
alpha-ketoglutarate molecule. Arginine is an amino acid and alpha-ketoglutarate
is a precursor of the amino acid glutamine. It is believed that this formulation
improves arginine absorption, thereby further increasing nitric oxide (NO) production.
What is Nitric Oxide?
NO2 is the most popular supplement in the United States as of this writing and
is growing in populairty in Britain. It has been called the new age 'creatine'
although it is not a creatine product - its effects are as impressive as when
creatine was first launched. And when creatine was launched it never lost popularity
as a useful ergogenic aid. It is unlikely that Nitric Oxide will ever loose
populairty. Used 30 minutes prior to a workout, NO2 gives users a "perpetual
pump" that lasts long after the workout is over. Its effect on nitric oxide
synthesis also means that bodybuilders using NO2 regularly for several weeks
usually gain both muscle size and strength. There is also a massive motivational,
almost palcebo-like effect with this supplement, because when you take it you
feel so pumped, you feel stronger than ever before.
What Are The Benefits oF A-AKG Supplementation?
The benefits of arginine alpha-ketoglutarate are similar to those of arginine,
mostly due to the increased NO production triggered by the supplement, which
increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to the muscle.
Arginine may help prevent or reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease,
and may decrease the occurrence of artherosclerosis (the formation of hard plaque
from fatty deposits in the arteries). Arginine is also thought to help lower
cholesterol levels, and may help improve symptoms of angina.
Arginine may also help prevent or reduce the spread of certain cancers, and
is thought to have antioxidant properties.
Research shows that arginine may help the body repair wounds, may help individuals
with some kidney disorders, may help decrease the severity or incidence of migraine
headaches, and may help improve symptoms of male infertility caused by erectile
dysfunction.
More conclusive research is necessary as to what degree arginine helps improve
exercise performance and increase of lean muscle mass.
How Does It Work?
Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate acts to stimulate the production of nitric oxide
in your body. Nitric oxide acts as your body's master "cell-signalling"
molecule, directing and ordering a complex array of activities. It regulates
blood flow, muscle contraction, nerve signalling and muscle growth, to name just
a few. The functions of this molecule are very impressive and you should take
note.
However, you can't just go out and buy nitric oxide (known also as NO).
Instead, you use Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate, which is a natural, non-drug
method of creating NO in the human body. Arginine has been shown to increase NO
production in blood vessels, where it widens their diameter, increasing blood
flow without elevating blood pressure. Wider blood vessels carry more blood to
muscles and tissues, delivering increased amounts of protein, carbohydrate and
the various anabolic hormones (such as growth hormone and testosterone) needed
for muscle growth. When nitric oxide is present in the muscles, it activates “gene-expression”
and turns on the body's muscle-building mechanism (commonly called protein
synthesis). All of this is rather amazing and potentially stageringly brilliant
news for athletes.
The most obvious and immediate benefit of extra NO is the enhanced
"pump". Some bodybuilders report that their pumps were far larger and
lasted longer while using NO. Quite obviously they looked bigger. Their muscles
felt fuller and tighter. Some of them literally felt pumped all day. But the
pump is really only a side effect. The real benefit is the ability of NO to
rapidly generate new muscle growth, increase strength and accelerate recovery in
all of the muscles — the small as well as the larger ones. Scientists still
don't why, but NO stimulates protein synthesis in the muscle. That protein then
goes on to form muscle tissue. Protein Synthesis is the anabolic activity within
the body of proteins flooding into muscle cells, if you imagine your muscles
like a balloon being filled with air. Increased protein synthesis is essentially
what anabolic steroids achieve through a different route.
Plain arginine supplements (or even red meat, which is rich in arginine)
won't produce the same dramatic results. For a supplement to be effective at
boosting nitric oxide levels continuously, it needs to have some kind of
extended-release delivery system. This is achieved by combining Arginine with
Alpha-Ketoglutarate. Taking plain arginine to raise nitric oxide levels is a bit
like trying to extinguish the fire in a blazing building with a cup of water. It
won't work.
Arginine also boosts the production of growth hormone. This has been well
documented in the famous book - Optimum Sports Nutrition by Colgan. Human growth hormone
helps in muscle building, leading to increased muscle size and strength. Growth
hormone also decreases body fat. Arginine is a very popular treatment for
erectile dysfunction, and has a reputation for restoring sex drive and
confidence.
Most bodybuilders report greater pumps — not just during the workout, but throughout
the day — when NO2 is taken before exercise. NO2 also accelerates muscle growth,
though the effects are not instant, and take 20-30 days to become apparent.
Some people may also notice a strong increase in libido when using this product.
More About Nitric Oxide
At its core is the delivery of the nitrogen donating compound L- arginine alpha
keto-glutarate (A-AKG). For those of you who are scientifically minded, there
are over 30 clinical trials that have shown nitrogen donating amino acids enhance
the release of nitric oxide; a cell signalling molecule that enhances blood
flow (hemodilation), exercise performance and nutrient delivery. In the case
of Nitro3 its principle action is to enhance what is commonly referred to as
a “muscle pump” by providing a nutrient support system for the production
and release of myocellular (muscle) nitric oxide (NO).
Although no direct studies exist on A-AKG due to its relatively short existence
for commercial use, we do know that it provides a high quality and bioavailable
source of nitrogen containing amino acid L-arginine. It is the availability
of nitrogen sources that control the release of NO; one of the bodies most powerful
cell signalling systems. .Studies have shown that the delivery of < 4 times
less L-arginine into plasma than that delivered with your typical A-AKG product
on the market, has resulted in nitric oxide levels increasing.
The use of A-AKG in the sports supplements currently onthe market are designed
specifically for athletes looking to increase muscle blood flow (muscle PUMP)
and nutrient delivery though the nutritional support of the bodies own natural
NO release systems.
Usage Indications
Essentially most companies are suggesting an effective dosage of Arginine Alpha-Ketogluterate
(A-AKG ) to be in the region of 6 grams per day. This is typically consumes
in two seperate daily doses of 3 grams at a time.
Consult your physician about arginine supplements if you suspect you are deficient,
or suffer from a serious condition.
Side effects:
May occur with daily intake of 15 grams or more, and include nausea, abdominal
cramping and diarrhea. Sensitive individuals may experience side effects at
lower doses.
ContraIndications:
Do not use arginine supplements if you suffer from the rare genetic disorder
argininemia. Consult your physician before using arginine if you have any medical
conditions, or are taking any of the following medications: nitroglycerin, Viagra,
cyclosporine, ibuprofen, organic nitrates, or the herbal supplement yohimbe.
Arginine may cause herpes or cold sore outbreaks in prone individuals. Individuals
using arginine supplements on a long term basis should consider taking an amino
acid complex to ensure proper amino acid balance.
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