Ornithine+Alpha+Ketoglutarate

=Ornithine Alpha Ketoglutarate (OKG)=

__Definition:__
(OKG) is a salt formed of two molecules of and one molecule of ornithine and one molecule of alpha- ketoglutarate. OKG has been successfully used by the enteral and parenteral route in burn, traumatized, and surgical patients and in chronically malnourished subjects. According to the metabolic situation, OKG treatment decreases muscle and/or increases synthesis. In addition, OKG promotes wound healing. The mechanism of action of OKG is not fully understood, but the secretion of anabolic hormones (insulin, human growth hormone) and the synthesis of metabolites (glutamine, polyamines, arginine, ketoacids) may be involved. ( Laboratoire de Biochimie, Hospital Saint Antoine, Paris, France.) Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)[1991, 7(5):313-22])

__Recommendation:__
The recommended group that has been most studied would be to people who are coming out of surgery or people who have been badly burned (Wernerman, Hammarqvist, Decken, Vinnars, 1987). It also may be beneficial to athletes but there has not been much study on its affects. According to a study done by the Journal of Exercise Physiology OKG did not have any effect on the intensity of the training or increase muscle mass (Chetlin, Yeater, Ullrich, Hornsby, Malanga, Bryner, 2000). They did find that ten grams of OKG, taken daily, along with carbohydrates for six weeks did show a small increase in bench press (Chetlin, et. al, 2000).

__Usage:__
In the case of the use in athletes it is recommended that you take 5 to 10 grams of OKG daily. In studies on OKG the best results were found when take with 75 grams of a carbohydrate drink 90 minutes before work out or when you wake up (Chetlin, et. al, 2000). That same study stated that on days that the subjects were not training that the best time on take OKG was before or with breakfast, or if they forgot to take it then to do so later in the day (Chetlin, et. al, 2000). OKG is available in either pill or powder form, it is unclear as to which one is more affective at this time. The dosage for burned patients is higher than that of athletes. The recommended dosage for them is between 10-30 grams taken daily for faster recovery ( Coudray-Lucas, Le Bever, Cynober, De Bandt, Carsh, 2000).

__Sources:__
There are many places to find OKG within natural foods without supplementation. Seeing how OKG it made up of amino acids it can be found in foods that are high in protein. Such foods would include fish, meats and dairy products.There are only trace amounts of the amino acids that make up OKG within those foods. The amounts needed to get the wanted affects from these foods are not yet known. The OKG compound, not just the amino acids, is only found in supplements. These supplements can come in many different forms, the most popular ones include pills or powders. (www.Aisle7.net, 2012)

__Warning/Side Effects:__
"While this supplement appears to be safe, large doses, defined as between 5 and 10 grams, may cause diarrhea or stomach cramps. While this may be the case, many burn patient studies use between 10 grams to 30 grams of this supplement per day without adverse side effects. The side effects for supplementation of just the amino acid ornithine include possible gastric upset, restlessness and insomnia" (Catherine Frances, 2011). __//This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.//__

__Ranking:__
Although it showed a small increase in bench press, there still needs to be more studies done to determine the affects that it really has.
 * ===Effective: 2/5===

Seeing how both of ornithine and alpha- ketoglutarate or both made within the body, there are thought to be no real side effects (Frances, 2011).
 * ===Safety: 5/5===

Both of the pills and powders that are out there are not all that expensive. The pills are usually cheaper than the powder, prices range from 20 to 75 dollars.
 * ===__Cost:__ 3/5===

Depending on the one that you buy the ease of use varies. With the pills are the ones that are the easiest to use while on the ohter hand you need a little preperation with the use of the powder.
 * ===__Ease of Use:__ 4/5===

Total Score: 14/20

 * Overall, I would not recommend this supplement to anyone. Although it is safe to use and the the cost it fairly inexpensive there are no real benefits in taking this.

__References:__
Frances, A. (2011, September 08). Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate side effects. Retrieved from [] -effects/

Chetlin, D., Yeater, A., Ullrich, H., Hornsby, W., Malanga, J., & Bryner, W. (2000). The effect of ornithine alpha ketoglutarate on healthy weight trained men. //Journal of Exercise Physiology//, //3//(4),

//What is ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate?//. (n.d.). Retrieved from [] Schuyler, W. (2012). //Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate for sports & fitness//. Retrieved from []

__Articles:__
Frances. (2011, Sep 08). //Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate side effects//. Retrieved from []

Robertson, D. (2004). //Ornithine, ornithne alpha-ketoglutarate and taurine//. Retrieved from []

Coudray- Lucas. , Le Bever,, Cynober, , De Bandt, , & Carsh (2000, June). //Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate improves wound healing in severe burn patients: a prospective randomized double-blind trial versus isonitrogenous controls.//. Retrieved from []