In sports nutrition, AKG has been used as a supplement to improve muscle protein synthesis and to decrease muscle breakdown, and is therefore used by athletes to improve body composition.[1][2] AKG supplementation might also improve athletic performance. One study found that an arginine plus alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) supplement improved bench press strength, but not aerobic capacity. More research is needed here to support claims of AKG as an ergogenic aid.[1][3][1]
AKG is also used in recovery from surgery or trauma, because it is a precursor to the amino acid glutamine. Although glutamine is a nonessential amino acid, it is sometimes called “conditionally essential” because the amount of glutamine the body needs for recovery after a significant trauma may exceed the amount the body is able to produce. In this instance, an AKG supplement can help the recovery process.[4][5]
AKG has been suggested as a longevity supplement; some research in roundworms, rats, and mice suggests that it could increase lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases, although clinical trials will need to confirm these findings.[6][4][7][5]
In people with chronic kidney disease, particularly those receiving dialysis as treatment, administering AKG in combination with calcium improved biomarkers of kidney function.[8][9]
AKG was found in one study to increase the expression of involucrin, filaggrin, and serine palmitoyl transferase. These molecules are all important for the structure of the outer layer of the skin and for hydration of the outer skin layer, so using AKG topically could improve the appearance of the skin.[10][11]