Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)

An intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle and in amino acid metabolism; the carbon skeleton left when glutamate is transaminated. In supplement formulation, alpha-ketoglutarate appears as a salt component in compound ingredients: L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG) and Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG). In AAKG, the AKG component theoretically supports cellular energy metabolism via Krebs cycle integration, though its specific contribution to the product's performance effects is difficult to isolate.