Better l-arginine or akg

Arginine is an essential amino acid that allows the normal process of some of the biological functions essential for our body, such as:

• Glucose synthesis in case of energy deficiency (gluconeogenesis);
• Protein synthesis;
• The synthesis of Creatine and other amino acid derivatives;
• Detoxification of nitrogenous residues;
• the elimination of waste products resulting from amino acid oxidation;
• The synthesis of nitric oxide, a fundamental element with vasodilatory power;
• The immunostimulating action;
• The antioxidant action.

While in some phases of an individual's life, such as childhood and puberty, arginine is an essential amino acid for the correct functioning of the body, in adulthood it can be synthesized by the body and easily taken in through food.

The daily requirement of arginine is on average 3.5/5 grams, and the foods that are richest in it are meat, fish, eggs, dried fruit (peanuts, hazelnuts, almonds) and plant foods rich in proteins (legumes such as broad beans, chickpeas, lentils, soy).

Arginine supplementation is also essential in cases of serious cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure, chest pain, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and intermittent claudication.
It is also used against senile dementia, to prevent colds and inflammation of the digestive system; to improve sports performance, the proper functioning of the immune system, speed up wound healing, blood flow to cold hands and feet (especially in cases of diabetes) and kidney function after a transplant.

It can also be useful against migraines, infections and some forms of pathological weight loss, in the treatment of breast cancer, hypertension, metabolic disorders, trauma, burns, male fertility disorders, erectile problems and pre-eclampsia.

Although our body is able to synthesize arginine, in case of intense sporting activity it may be necessary to increase the intake of this amino acid, in addition to the quantities ingested through foods that are rich in it.

Sports medicine is therefore approaching the use of arginine to compensate for the deficiencies of this substance in athletes.

But how does arginine work?

Inside our body, arginine is transformed into nitric oxide, a molecule that promotes the dilation of blood vessels, and therefore promotes greater blood flow.

Let's now analyze in detail the characteristics of two arginine-based supplements: L-Arginine and Arginine AKG.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine has long been shown to be an extremely effective and easily tolerable supplement, both in clinical and sports settings.

The benefits provided by this supplement are multiple, and include various biological functions.

The first area in which the use of L-Arginine became more widespread was in cardiology.
In particular, it has proven useful for cardiovascular health, in patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and angina pectoris, in reducing vascular damage, improving cardiac perfusion, reducing LDL cholesterol and improving blood flow.

L-Arginine is a valid ally against male infertility, as it improves the quality and motility of spermatozoa (thanks to its vasodilatory and antioxidant effects) and combats erectile dysfunction.

It is also widely used in clinical settings in cases of major surgical interventions, large wounds and extensive burns, as it speeds up the repair of damaged tissue.

This important function is made possible by the ability of L-Arginine to make the body synthesize Proline, an amino acid found in abundant quantities in collagen.

Furthermore, the recovery of the functions of a damaged part of the organism is also made possible thanks to its ability to improve the body's immunological response.

By increasing the synthesis of cytotoxic lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells, it helps protect the body from pathogens and neoplastic cells.
This feature is particularly useful for patients with significant immune deficiencies, such as HIV patients.

Arginine Akg

Arginine Akg (AAKG) otherwise known as arginine α-ketoglutarate is made up of two arginine molecules associated with one alpha-ketoglutarate molecule.

Alpha ketoglutarate is a molecule that has a very important function at the metabolic level, as it promotes the production of energy and the synthesis of glucose in the body.

It also contributes to the synthesis of some amino acids such as glutamine, proline and arginine itself.

In terms of benefits to the body, alpha ketoglutarate is proving to be very effective in the treatment of patients suffering from kidney disease and intestinal pathologies.
It also promotes collagen synthesis in elderly subjects, thus preventing some pathologies typical of this category of patients such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and arthritis.

But for some time now, the most widespread use of the AAKG supplement has been in the sports field, as it is recommended to obtain the following results:

• Increased release of growth hormone;
• Increased lean mass;
• Improved sports performance;
• Increased resistance and maximum strength capabilities, helping to delay muscle fatigue;
• Reduction of lactate and ammonia accumulation during physical activity, increasing nitric oxide production in muscles.

The principle according to which the AAKG supplement is believed to have the effects described above is its ability to synthesise nitric oxide, which as already described, allows for greater vasodilation and therefore better blood flow.
This process would promote a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients into the body, allowing for more intense physical activity.

At the moment the scientific community is still in disagreement regarding the results described above of the AAKG supplement, particularly regarding the increase in growth hormone release.

Instead, the actual benefit brought by arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate in energy intake seems confirmed, favoring a delay in the onset of anaerobic metabolism, and therefore facilitating athletic performance and greater resistance to physical effort.

This effect is even more emphasized if the intake of Arginine Akg is combined with the administration of creatine, antioxidants or branched-chain amino acids.

Contraindications in the use of arginine

Taking arginine is contraindicated in cases of kidney disease or liver failure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension.

It is also not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It may also interfere with some antihypertensive drugs, Cyclosporine, Ibuprofen and organic nitrates.

Finally, due to its effects on blood pressure, it could interfere during surgery. It is therefore advisable to stop taking it at least two weeks before entering the operating room.

In any case, as with any supplement, it should be taken only under strict medical supervision.