L-Histidine Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) is one of 20 standard amino acids found naturally in proteins. This supplement is considered a nonessential amino acid in adults due to the fact that the body can synthesize it from other sources.
In young children and infants, however, this is not the case. It is used as a dietary supplement ingredient for the purpose of helping bodybuilders achieve maximum benefit from their workouts.
More importantly, L-Histidine AKG is known as a precursor to histamine. Being a precursor to histamine simply indicates that the body can synthesize this substance into the neurotransmitter known as histamine.
The word histamine may be familiar to you if you have seasonal allergies. It is histamine that causes the reaction to insect bites and allergens manifested through itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Histamine is also beneficial in dilating blood vessels and contributing to smooth muscle contractions.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
L-Histidine AKG as a Nutritional Supplement As a dietary supplement the primary function of L-Histidine AKG is to aid in increasing the levels of nitric oxide in the body. Researchers and bodybuilders believe that increasing nitric oxide levels results in increased blood flow to the muscle... more
As a dietary supplement the primary function of L-Histidine AKG is to aid in increasing the levels of nitric oxide in the body. Researchers and bodybuilders believe that increasing nitric oxide levels results in increased blood flow to the muscles, which helps them perform better and recover faster.
Stacked with other supplements that contain essential nutrients, the muscles are able to gain the maximum benefit from exercise due to increased nitric oxide levels. Because of these benefits, L-Histidine AKG and other similar amino acids are commonly used in supplements designed to help build muscle mass.
Because it's an amino acid, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein, this compound may also have a direct impact on how well the muscles rebuilt. It may be that supplements containing both L-Histidine AKG and whey proteins would provide the maximum benefit from exercise designed to build muscle mass.
L-Histidine AKG is already being used in the treatment of some allergy-related diseases because of its ability to be synthesized into histamine. The substance is also thought to be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis by preventing the immune system from creating the antibodies responsible for attacking the joints.
However, the efficacy of L-Histidine AKG as part of a rheumatoid arthritis treatment has still not been conclusively proven.
Other conditions that might benefit from the use of L-Histidine AKG include ulcers, anemia caused by kidney failure or dialysis, and certain blood-related diseases. However, scientific research is not yet thorough enough to suggest a definite link between the use of this compound and successful treatment of these diseases.
For now the substance is still mainly relegated to use as a dietary supplement by athletes and bodybuilders.
Daily use of L-Histidine AKG as part of a nutritional supplement program is considered safe for most people. Research has tested amounts up to 4g daily without any known adverse side effects.
However, there are some warnings associated with this substance that should be seated. The first warning, which is common for most supplements, is that pregnant and nursing women should not use it.
Until the doctors know how L-Histidine AKG use will affect a baby, they would just as soon recommend mothers not use supplements containing it.
The second warning is a bit more concrete and serious. Doctors recommend that individuals with a folic acid deficiency avoid using supplements containing L-Histidine AKG.
Doing so could result in the production of chemical known as formiminoglutamic acid. Buildup of this chemical in the body can have adverse side effects of their own.
If you have a folic acid deficiency for which you are taking medication, you need to check with your doctor to see if it's safe to take supplements containing L-Histidine AKG.
Like many other similar substances there are no hard and fast rules regarding dosage instructions for this compound. Depending on the particular supplement and the form it takes, you'll find that dosage varies.
For example, a pre-workout power containing L-Histidine AKG could have as many as 3000 mg per serving. On the other hand, a capsulized amino acid formula designed to be taken throughout the day may have as little as 50 mg to 100 mg.
It is generally accepted that if individuals stay under the 4 gram mark set by researchers for daily consumption there should be no problems. Keep in mind that any nutritional supplement can be dangerous if the instructions provided on the label are not followed.
For your own safety never exceed the maximum daily dosage as stated by the manufacturer. To find the perfect supplements to boost your workout, use the supplement finder now!
| Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions |
| Alpha-amino-4-imidazole propanoic acid, Histidina, L-2-Amino-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl) propionic acid, L-Histidine, L-Histidine HCl, Levo-Histidine |
| Allergies |
| Anemia |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Ulcers |