Pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate is a fairly common supplement used by bodybuilders and other athletes in general. It is actually made up of two substances, pyridoxine and alphaketoglutarate.
Pyridoxine is better known as vitamin B6. This water soluble vitamin is one that some experts believe might be the most important vitamin for combating heart disease, some psychiatric conditions, and a host of chronic illnesses that result from unregulated homocysteines.
Alpha-ketoglutarate is an amino acid compound of vitamin B6 and a precursor to glutamine. During periods of exercise or high stress, the body converts alpha-ketoglutarate into glutamine in the muscles in order to provide energy and reduce fatigue. Without ample supplies of alpha-ketoglutarate the body can still synthesize a glutamine from other sources, but it's certainly not as efficient or effective.
Not all types of physical activity are suitable for everyone. Users take training advice at their own personal risk.
Pyridoxine Alpha-Ketoglutarate Sources Individuals who ingest healthy amounts of vitamin B6 on a daily basis will also have enough alpha-ketoglutarate in their systems as well. Vitamin B6 is found in good supply in many of the foods we eat including meat and poultry, fish, grains, fortifie... more
Individuals who ingest healthy amounts of vitamin B6 on a daily basis will also have enough alpha-ketoglutarate in their systems as well. Vitamin B6 is found in good supply in many of the foods we eat including meat and poultry, fish, grains, fortified cereals, bananas, peanut butter, spinach, and potatoes.
For most of us pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation is absolutely unnecessary. But for athletes undergoing strenuous training, supplementation can be a big help.
Although not the norm, pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate is sometimes sold as a general nutritional supplement for everyday use. In cases when it is, is marketed as being helpful to the central nervous system and normal brain function.
Some studies indicate the possibility that it may indeed be beneficial for this application. However, most often it's a supplement aimed at athletes who are looking for a more productive workout.
Marketed to athletes, pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate is said to encourage fuel energy production at the cellular level, help the body and better utilize oxygen, and prevent muscles from building up lactic acid. Of these three benefits, the third is the one most important to athletes.
That's because the buildup of lactic acid in muscles causes premature fatigue, cramping, and reduced productivity. When lactic acid levels can be kept to a minimum an athlete’s performance in the training room is that much better.
Because vitamin B6 works on the nervous system, sometimes you'll also see pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate advertised to athletes as a way to help them keep their minds clear. Increased focus helps them stay on track, perform exercises correctly, and properly think through a routine and go through it. Better focus is also good during competition when an athlete needs to be at his best.
In most people the body naturally produces enough alpha-ketoglutarate on its own simply by taking advantage of the vitamin B6 we get from our diets. Therefore, adding supplementation can cause a build up in the system which could result in some uncomfortable side effects.
Most notable will be gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cramps. The risk of these particular side effects is more pronounced if the alpha-ketoglutarate in the supplement is synthetic rather than natural.
Although rare, there are more serious side effects associated with taking too much pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate. The first is an allergic reaction which can cause rashes, itching, and hives.
A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling of the face, neck, and throat. In extremely rare cases it could result in anaphylactic shock which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
According to experts pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate should not be taken as a supplement by individuals who have any cardiovascular issues such as heart disease or circulatory problems. Excess amounts of alpha-ketoglutarate have been known to interrupt the proper functioning of the circulatory system and make these problems worse.
However, under a doctor's direct supervision it is possible for some people with cardiovascular issues to use supplements where the alpha-ketoglutarate is natural rather than synthetic.
This supplement is so widely used that you can find just about anywhere. The Internet is a great place to find hundreds of online outlets that carry pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate in tablet form.
You can also find it at your local pharmacy, health food store, and even some gyms and fitness centers. Typically it comes in a bottle of 50 to 100 tablets at a retail price between $15 and $20.
Although there are no hard and fast dosage rules, a common dosage is a tablet containing 5mg of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and 300mg of alpha-ketoglutarate. Many of the more popular brands suggested that this dosage be taken three times daily rather than all at once.
This is suggested in order to avoid the gastrointestinal discomfort mentioned earlier. If you experience side effects even at this dosage, you're encouraged to discontinue taking pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate and consult a doctor.
To locate and compare products which contain pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate, use the supplement finder now!
| Diarrhea |
| Vomiting |
| Nausea |
| Allergic Reaction |
| Cramps |
| Pyridoxine A-Ketoglutarate, Vitamin B6 |
| Brain Function |
| Energy |
| Central Nervous System Health |