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Nutritional Supplement

Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Also indexed as:OKG

  • Pain Management

    Wound Healing

    Supplementing with OKG has been shown to significantly improve wound healing and decrease the length of hospital stays.
    Wound Healing
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    Preliminary1 and controlled2 studies of people with severe burns and other types of injuries3 showed that supplementation with 10–30 grams of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) per day significantly improved wound healing and decreased the length of hospital stays. Improved healing from major trauma and surgery has also been demonstrated with oral supplements including several grams per day of glutamine.4

  • Skin Protection

    Wound Healing

    Supplementing with OKG has been shown to significantly improve wound healing and decrease the length of hospital stays.
    Wound Healing
    ×
     

    Preliminary5 and controlled6 studies of people with severe burns and other types of injuries7 showed that supplementation with 10–30 grams of ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) per day significantly improved wound healing and decreased the length of hospital stays. Improved healing from major trauma and surgery has also been demonstrated with oral supplements including several grams per day of glutamine.8

  • Fitness

    Athletic Performance

    Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is believed to facilitate muscle growth by enhancing the body’s release of anabolic hormones, but this is based on effects seen in hospitalized and elderly people, not published research.
    Athletic Performance
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    Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is formed from the amino acids ornithine and glutamine and is believed to facilitate muscle growth by enhancing the body’s release of anabolic hormones. While this effect has been found in studies on hospitalized patients and elderly people,9,10 no studies on muscle growth in athletes using OKG have been published.

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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References

1. Cynober L. Amino acid metabolism in thermal burns. JPEN 1989;13:196.

2. De Bandt JP, Coudray-Lucas C, Lioret N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the influence of the mode of enteral ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate administration in burn patients. J Nutr 1998;128:563-9.

3. Cynober L. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in nutritional support. Nutrition 1991;7:313-22 [review].

4. Romito RA. Early administration of enteral nutrients in critically ill patients. AACN Clin Issues 1995;6:242-56.

5. Cynober L. Amino acid metabolism in thermal burns. JPEN 1989;13:196.

6. De Bandt JP, Coudray-Lucas C, Lioret N, et al. A randomized controlled trial of the influence of the mode of enteral ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate administration in burn patients. J Nutr 1998;128:563-9.

7. Cynober L. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate in nutritional support. Nutrition 1991;7:313-22 [review].

8. Romito RA. Early administration of enteral nutrients in critically ill patients. AACN Clin Issues 1995;6:242-56.

9. Le Boucher J, Cynober LA. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate: the puzzle. Nutrition 1998;14:870-3 [review].

10. Brocker P, Vellas B, Albarede J, et al. A two-centre, randomized, double blind trial of ornithine oxoglutarate in 194 elderly, ambulatory, convalescent subjects. Age Aging 1994;23:303-6.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.