Ketoglutaric acid

Related Terms

2-Oxoglutaric acid, 2-oxopentanedoicic acid, 3-methylhistidine, AAKG, ac?toglutarate (French), acide 2-oxoglutarique (French), acide a-c?toglutarique (French), acide alpha-c?toglutarique (French), a-ketoglutaric acid, AKG, alanine, alfa-cetoglutarato (Spanish), alpha keto glutarate, alpha ketoglutarate, alpha KG, alpha-c?toglutarate (French), alpha-c?toglutarate d'arginine (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de calcium (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de cr?atine (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de glutamine (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de L-arginine (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de L-leucine (French), alpha-c?toglutarate de taurine (French), alpha-ketoacid, alpha-ketoanalogs, alpha-ketoglutarate, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (KGDHC), alpha-ketoglutarate-pyridoxine complex, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, alpha-ketoisocaproate, alpha-ketoisovalerate, alpha-ketomethylvalerate, ammonia, arginine, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, arginine aspartate, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-ket), creatine alpha-ketoglutarate (creatine AKG), diarginine alpha-ketoglutarate, glutamate, glutamine, glutamine alpha-ketoglutarate, glycine, histidine, hydroxyproline, L-arginine, L-leucine alpha-ketoglutarate, L-lysine alpha-ketoglutarate reductase, L-ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, lysine, malate-oxalacetate, ornithine, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG), ornithine transcarbamylase, oxoglutarate, phenylalanine, proline, pyridoxine AKG (PAK), pyruvate, pyruvic acid, taurine alpha-ketoglutarate, tyrosine, urea.

Background

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG, also called oxoglutarate) plays an important role in several biological functions.
AKG has been used for kidney failure, dialysis, and malnutrition.
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OAKG or OKG) is made from two amino acids, ornithine and glutamine. It is marketed as a supplement for building muscle. OKG is not specifically discussed in this monograph; it is the topic of a separate monograph.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary research indicates that alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) may improve recovery and prevent infection after surgery. Further studies are needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 B


Preliminary research indicates that alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) may improve recovery and prevent infection after surgery. Further studies are needed before a firm conclusion may be made.

 B


Some research supports AKG for improving protein metabolism to treat high phosphate levels and malnutrition in patients receiving blood filtration. However, further research is required.

 C


Some research supports AKG for improving protein metabolism to treat high phosphate levels and malnutrition in patients receiving blood filtration. However, further research is required.

 C


There is insufficient evidence to support the use of AKG for liver disease. More high-quality studies are required before a conclusion may be made.

 C


There is insufficient evidence to support the use of AKG for liver disease. More high-quality studies are required before a conclusion may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For dialysis, 1.187 grams of AKG with 0.813 grams of calcium carbonate has been given three times weekly for one year. Also, 4.5 grams of calcium AKG has been given for 36 months.
For heart protection, 28 grams of AKG has been used during a heart operation. Also, 66 milliliters of AKG solution, at a concentration of 300 grams per liter, was injected into the vein after a heart operation.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Alpha-ketoglutarate may interact with cardiovascular agents, dermatologic agents, and agents that damage the liver.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Blomqvist, B. I., Hammarqvist, F., von der, Decken A., and Wernerman, J. Glutamine and alpha-ketoglutarate prevent the decrease in muscle free glutamine concentration and influence protein synthesis after total hip replacement. Metabolism 1995;44(9):1215-1222.
Bonnefont, J. P., Chretien, D., Rustin, P., Robinson, B., Vassault, A., Aupetit, J., Charpentier, C., Rabier, D., Saudubray, J. M., and Munnich, A. Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as congenital lactic acidosis. J.Pediatr. 1992;121(2):255-258.
Gibson, G. E., Zhang, H., Sheu, K. F., Bogdanovich, N., Lindsay, J. G., Lannfelt, L., Vestling, M., and Cowburn, R. F. Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in Alzheimer brains bearing the APP670/671 mutation. Ann.Neurol. 1998;44(4):676-681.
Hammarqvist, F., Wernerman, J., von der, Decken A., and Vinnars, E. Alpha-ketoglutarate preserves protein synthesis and free glutamine in skeletal muscle after surgery. Surgery 1991;109(1):28-36.
Jeppsson, A., Ekroth, R., Friberg, P., Kirno, K., Milocco, I., Nilsson, F. N., Svensson, S., and Wernerman, J. Renal effects of alpha-ketoglutarate early after coronary operations. Ann.Thorac.Surg. 1998;65(3):684-690.
Kjellman, U. W., Bjork, K., Ekroth, R., Karlsson, H., Jagenburg, R., Nilsson, F. N., Svensson, G., and Wernerman, J. Addition of alpha-ketoglutarate to blood cardioplegia improves cardioprotection. Ann.Thorac.Surg. 1997;63(6):1625-1633.
Kjellman, U., Bjork, K., Ekroth, R., Karlsson, H., Jagenburg, R., Nilsson, F., Svensson, G., and Wernerman, J. Alpha-ketoglutarate for myocardial protection in heart surgery. Lancet 3-4-1995;345(8949):552-553.
Mason, G. F., Gruetter, R., Rothman, D. L., Behar, K. L., Shulman, R. G., and Novotny, E. J. Simultaneous determination of the rates of the TCA cycle, glucose utilization, alpha-ketoglutarate/glutamate exchange, and glutamine synthesis in human brain by NMR. J.Cereb.Blood Flow Metab 1995;15(1):12-25.
Mastrogiacomo, F. and Kish, S. J. Cerebellar alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity is reduced in spinocerebellar ataxia type 1. Ann.Neurol. 1994;35(5):624-626.
Meissner, T., Mayatepek, E., Kinner, M., and Santer, R. Urinary alpha-ketoglutarate is elevated in patients with hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome. Clin.Chim.Acta 2004;341(1-2):23-26.
Riedel, E., Hampl, H., Steudle, V., and Nundel, M. Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate administration to malnourished hemodialysis patients improves plasma arginine concentrations. Miner.Electrolyte Metab 1996;22(1-3):119-122.
Riedel, E., Nundel, M., and Hampl, H. alpha-Ketoglutarate application in hemodialysis patients improves amino acid metabolism. Nephron 1996;74(2):261-265.
Wernerman, J., Hammarqvist, F., and Vinnars, E. Alpha-ketoglutarate and postoperative muscle catabolism. Lancet 3-24-1990;335(8691):701-703.
Wiren, M., Permert, J., and Larsson, J. Alpha-ketoglutarate-supplemented enteral nutrition: effects on postoperative nitrogen balance and muscle catabolism. Nutrition 2002;18(9):725-728.
Zimmermann, E., Wassmer, S., and Steudle, V. Long-term treatment with calcium-alpha-ketoglutarate corrects secondary hyperparathyroidism. Miner.Electrolyte Metab 1996;22(1-3):196-199.