Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate as a therapeutic supplement
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a natural compound derived from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine, which are classified as conditionally essential. This means that while the body typically produces them, additional supplementation may be necessary during periods of severe stress, such as recovery from significant injuries, major surgeries, or severe illnesses. OKG is proposed to have potential therapeutic effects, particularly in stimulating muscle growth and preventing muscle breakdown, making it a focus of research for individuals recovering from trauma.
The supplement is also considered for various health applications, including liver cirrhosis, prevention of muscle loss, immune system support, and gastrointestinal health. While there are anecdotal claims of its benefits in sports supplementation for muscle building, scientific evidence remains limited and primarily centered on its use in clinical recovery settings. Typical dosages range from 5 to 25 grams daily, though higher amounts may lead to digestive issues. Overall, while OKG appears to be safe for most, caution is advised for specific populations, including children and individuals with serious health conditions.
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate as a therapeutic supplement
- DEFINITION: Natural substance of the human body used as a supplement to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Recovery from severe injury and burns
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Liver cirrhosis, sports supplement, muscle loss prevention, immune boosting, gastrointestinal health
Overview
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is manufactured from two amino acids: ornithine and glutamine. These amino acids are considered conditionally essential, meaning that a person does not ordinarily need to consume them in food because the body can manufacture them from other nutrients. However, during periods of severe stress, such as recovery from major trauma or severe illness, the body may not be able to manufacture them in sufficient quantities and may require an external source.
Ornithine and glutamine are thought to have anabolic effects, stimulating the body to build muscle and other tissues. These amino acids also appear to have anti-catabolic effects. This is a closely related but slightly different property; ornithine and glutamine appear to block the effect of hormones that break down muscle and other tissues (catabolic hormones).
Evidence suggests that using OKG (and related amino acids) may benefit hospitalized patients recovering from serious illness, injury, and burns. Based on these findings (and a leap of logic), OKG has been extensively marketed as a sports supplement to help build muscle. However, the fact that OKG helps seriously ill people build muscle does not mean that it will have the same effect on athletes, and there is no direct evidence to indicate that it does.
Requirements and Sources
The amino acids that make up OKG are found in high-protein foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products. Supplements are available in tablet or pill form.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of OKG is 5 to 25 grams (g) daily. It may be necessary to increase dosage slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Therapeutic Uses
OKG may play a role in the treatment of individuals recovering from severe physical trauma. When the body experiences severe trauma, such as injury, major surgery, or burns, it goes into what is called a catabolic state. In this temporary condition, the body tends to tear itself down rather than build itself up. The catabolic hormone cortisone plays a major role in inducing catabolism. In the catabolic state, the body fails to utilize protein found in the diet, and high levels of protein breakdown products appear in the urine. Calcium levels in urine also rise as bones begin to weaken.
The opposite of a catabolic state is an anabolic state, in which the body tends to build itself up. Studies of hospitalized patients recovering from severe illnesses or injuries suggest that OKG blocks cortisone's catabolic effects and directly stimulates anabolic activity. It is not clear how OKG accomplishes this. It may directly affect the enzymes involved in hormone metabolism. Another possibility is that OKG may increase growth hormone levels (an anabolic hormone), at least when it is taken in high enough doses (twelve mg a day or more). It has also been suggested that OKG increases insulin release, which would have anabolic effects, but this has been disputed.
Based on these findings, OKG became popular as a bodybuilding supplement. However, only limited double-blind studies of OKG alone as a sports supplement exist. One study evaluated a combined arginine and ornithine supplement and found some evidence of benefit. Two studies in the 2010s appeared to show benefits for OKG supplementation and sports performance. A 2014 study showed the male participants increased their muscle mass when taking OKG while preforming resistance training exercises. A 2011 study found that OKG reduced post-workout muscle soreness. OKG has also been suggested for sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss. OKG and the related substance l-ornithine-l-aspartate have shown some promise for hepatic encephalopathy, a life-threatening complication of liver cirrhosis.
Further studies investigated OKG's ability to regulate intestinal microbiota in pigs and found potential human applications. Increased study is required.
Safety Issues
Because it is simply ornithine and glutamine, OKG is presumably safe. However, high doses (over 5 to 10 g) can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. The maximum safe dosages for young children, women who are pregnant or nursing, and those with serious liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Bibliography
Coudray-Lucas, C., et al. "Ornithine Alpha-ketoglutarate Improves Wound Healing in Severe Burn Patients: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Trial Versus Isonitrogenous Controls." Critical Care Medicine, vol. 28, 2000, pp. 1772-1776.
Habibinia, Abazar. "Ornithine Alpha – Ketoglutarate (OKG)." Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition, 30 Dec. 2023, www.caasn.com/ornithine-alpha-ketoglutarate-okg.html. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
Helms, Eric R., et al. "Evidence-Based Recommendations for Natural Bodybuilding Contest Preparation: Nutrition and Supplementation." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 11, no. 1, 2014, doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-11-20. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
Jiang, Q., et al. "L-ornithine-l-aspartate in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Meta-analysis." Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, vol. 24, no. 1, 2009, pp. 9-14.
Kircheis, G., et al. "Clinical Efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy." Metabolic Brain Disorders, vol. 17, 2002, pp. 453-462.
Li, Yuying. "Ornithine α-Ketoglutarate Alleviates Inflammation via Regulating Ileal Mucosa Microbiota and Metabolites in Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-Infected Pigs." Nutrition and Microbes, vol. 9, 2022, doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.862498.