L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) 2:1
Quick Summary
- Category: Amino Acid Derivatives · Sourcing Origin: China · Form: Powder · Standard Pack Size: 25 kg
- A salt of L-Arginine with alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) in a 2:1 ratio by weight
- The arginine component provides the NO synthesis precursor role; AKG is a Krebs cycle intermediate
- Important context: L-Citrulline raises plasma arginine more effectively than direct arginine supplementation due to first-pass hepatic catabolism — AAKG faces the same limitation as L-Arginine base. This is the most important consideration when positioning AAKG against citrulline-based products
What Is AAKG 2:1?
AAKG is a compound ingredient combining L-Arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid (alpha-ketoglutarate, AKG) in a 2:1 molar ratio. Alpha-ketoglutarate is an intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle and in amino acid metabolism — it is the carbon skeleton used when glutamate is transaminated. In AAKG, its proposed role is to enhance the stability and potentially the bioavailability of the L-Arginine component, though evidence for meaningfully improved arginine absorption compared to L-Arginine HCl is limited in the literature.
The primary reason AAKG appears in pre-workout formulations is the same as for L-Arginine: the nitric oxide synthesis pathway. As discussed in Sections 26 and 42, this pathway is more efficiently supported by L-Citrulline (which bypasses first-pass arginine catabolism) than by direct arginine supplementation. Formulators should weigh this evidence when choosing between AAKG, L-Arginine, and L-Citrulline as NO-support ingredients.
Specification & Form
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form | White to off-white powder |
| Ratio | 2:1 (L-Arginine to alpha-ketoglutarate by weight) |
| Standard pack size | 25 kg |
| Sourcing origin | China |
How It's Sourced
YNP Ingredients sources AAKG 2:1 from certified manufacturers in China, supplied with FSSAI-compliant documentation.
Applications
- Pre-workout NO support formulations
- Pump-oriented sports nutrition products
- Amino acid blend products
Buyer Checklist
- Reviewed evidence positioning of AAKG vs L-Citrulline before finalising formulation and claims
- COA confirming ratio and purity
- FSSAI-compliant documentation and 25 kg pack confirmed
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Products
Related Buyer Guides
Related Glossary Terms
Related Downloads
References
Company Information
- YNP Ingredients, AAKG 2:1 product page, ynpingredients.com (China sourcing, 25 kg, FSSAI documentation)
Industry Information
- Campbell BI, Roberts M, Kerksick C, et al. *Pharmacokinetics, safety, and effects on exercise and muscle metabolism of two L-arginine supplements.* Nutrition. 2006;22(9):872–881 — compared arginine HCl and AAKG pharmacokinetics.
- Curis E, et al. *Almost all about citrulline in mammals.* Amino Acids. 2005;29(3):177–205 — first-pass arginine catabolism rationale (cross-reference Sections 26 and 42).