What are alpha-ketoglutarate’s main drawbacks?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Supplementation with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) alone has minimal side effects, and rat studies reported no adverse effects. However, the combination of arginine with AKG (AAKG) has been associated with adverse effects like heart palpitations and dizziness, and although some studies suggest potential benefits for athletes, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is inconclusive.

    AKG supplementation alone doesn’t appear to carry significant side effects. One study found the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) to be at 1g/kg body weight in rats.[1]

    Adverse effects, including heart palpitations and dizziness, have been reported by those using AAKG, which is a combination of arginine with AKG. This combination is commonly used by athletes.[2][3]

    While AAKG is considered to be ergogenic, the evidence to support this is actually not conclusive. Improvements in strength have been reported in some studies,[4] but other studies report no improvement in performance, strength, and endurance.[3][5] Given the potential for adverse effects, the risk might not be worth the small potential benefits.