What is OKG?
Ornithine-A-Ketoglutarate; Also known as OKG, this compound is formed from two molecules of the amino acid ornithine and one a-KG. OKG has been shown in a variety of studies to have an anabolic effect. OKG has been used successfully via enteral or parenteral administration in conditions such as burn, postsurgery, malnutrition, and wound healing. The mechanism by which OKG exerts these effects is not known; however, the secretion of hormones such as insulin and growth hormone and the conversion to other metabolites (e.g., glutamine, arginine, etc) might play a role. Animal Studies: Vaubourdolle et al. used an animal burn model to study the effects of OKG administration during a hypercatabolic state. Rats were studied after having their dorsum in water at 90C for 10 seconds (inducing a burn injury) and then starved for 24 hours. The supplementation of OKG (5 g/kg/day) for 2 days decreased the level of muscle mass loss and increased intramuscular glutamine concentration. An isonitrogenous
Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate is the scientific name of this amino acid complex, and it essentially blunts the catabolic process, a.k.a. the body breaking down muscle in response to extreme physical exertion and the corresponding muscle trauma. Simply put, OKG enhances recovery by protecting your muscle tissue from the damage inherent in extreme athletic efforts.
OKG is an ionic salt made up of one molecule ornithine and two molecules of alpha-ketoglutarate. OKG has been reported to speed up healing time among burn patients and those with severe wounds, such as post-operative patients. Other studies have examined its role in cancer, gut health, chronic malnourishment among the elderly, childrens growth in disease states and those with a compromised immune system. It has also been examined among healthy individuals who want to maintain or increase muscle mass.
