Best Ornithine Supplements: Top 10 OKG Brands Reviewed

Nick J-Pepe

03/29/2020

L-Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) is a substance, formed of the molecules of two amino acids - ornithine and glutamine. ​​In a conjugated form, OKG can be found only as a specialized dietary supplement. 

​Its Individual components ornithine and glutamine are widely spread as part of the structure of protein chains in various foods.

​Besides the anti-catabolic functions that stop the release of cortisol, OKG is famous for its anabolic effect in correlation with the processes of building new muscle fibers.

​While no one knows the exact mechanism of foreclosure of cortisol secretion after intake of OKG, statistics of reported studies suggest the probable blocking of enzymes that unlock the cortisol response at a cellular level.

If you want to stop the catabolic breakdown of your muscles during long aerobic workouts in the process of losing weight, you can always take advantage of its proven anti-catabolic reputation. Studies also show that the action of OKG is improved if taken in addition to arginine and ornithine.​

Top 5 Best Selling L-Ornithine Supplements


Product

Buy on iHerb

Buy on Amazon

NOW Sports Nutrition, L- Ornithine Powder, Protein Metabloism* and Urea Detox*, Amino Acids, 8-Ounce

#1

Now Foods L-Ornithine
Jarrow Formulas Methyl5

#2

Jarrow Formulas Arginine + Ornithine
Doctor's Best Pure L-Ornithine Powder, 200 Gram

#3

Doctor's Best Pure L-Ornithine Powder
Source Naturals L-Ornithine Free Form Amino Acid Powder Supplement For Muscle Support - 100 Grams

#4

Source Naturals L-Ornithine Powder
BulkSupplements L-Ornithine HCL Powder (100 grams)

#5

BulkSupplements L-Ornithine HCL Powder
Cell

Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) for Less Stress

What are the benefits of the name of this little-known substance, a derivative of the otherwise known ornithine and glutamine amino acids? There is evidence that it is a serious anticatabolic - a substance protecting us from stress.

​While no one knows the exact mechanism of obstruction of cortisol secretion after intake of OKG, the statistics in the studies suggests that this is probably due to the blocking of enzymes that unlock the cortisol response of cells.

​What Is Ornithine

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) is a substance, formed of the molecules of two amino acids - ornithine and glutamine.

What Is Its Main Physiological Impact

Anticatabolic, probably anabolic. It has been found that the amount in the blood and cell plasma is in inverse proportion to the quantities of cortisol. 

It reduces the production of cortisol. Sports medicine and surgery report its properties of a regenerating agent in cases of muscle injuries.

What Are the Optimal Doses

​Typical doses vary between 5 and 25 grams per day, taken in one or two doses before and after high activity or exercise.

Possible Side Effects

People with sensitive stomachs can experience unpleasant stomach disorders, colics, stomach cramps and discomfort at single doses above 10 grams.

Not recommended for pregnant women and people with impaired renal function.

Which Products Are the Main Sources of OKG

​​In a conjugated form, OKG can be found only as a specialized dietary supplement. 

​Its Individual components ornithine and glutamine are widely spread as part of the structure of protein chains in various foods.

​Additional Physiological Effects

​Besides the anti-catabolic functions that stop the release of cortisol, OKG is famous for its anabolic effect in correlation with the processes of building new muscle fibers.

This is due to the disintegration of ornithine and glutamine in the digestive system, cells, and blood flow.

The two amino acids are purely structural and have energy functions in the process of energy generation in times of energy crisis.

​Why Should We Take It

​While no one knows the exact mechanism of foreclosure of cortisol secretion after intake of OKG, statistics of reported studies suggest the probable blocking of enzymes that unlock the cortisol response at a cellular level.

If you want to stop the catabolic breakdown of your muscles during long aerobic workouts in the process of losing weight, you can always take advantage of its proven anti-catabolic reputation.

Studies also show that the action of OKG is improved if taken in addition to arginine and ornithine.

​Many sports physicians and surgeons prescribe OKG to patients with muscle tears, sprains or other conditions requiring immobilization, in order to protect the athlete from losing muscle mass in the recovery period.

Some scientists have found indirect links between the intake of ornithine and the increase of growth hormones in athletes taking it. There is no direct evidence of such a relationship.

The same applies to the release of insulin when taking ornithine. Again, there is no real evidence for such dependence.

​How Is OKG Absorbed By the Body

​Dipeptides go through the double membranes of the small intestine, where they enter the bloodstream.

​Which Foods Contain OKG In the Greatest Amount

High-protein foods such as meat, cheese, eggs, fish, nuts, soy, and others. 

​The amount of dipeptide OKG that has reached the small intestine, however, is insufficient to seriously reduce the levels of cortisol in the post-training period.

Therefore, the safest way to ensure this valuable dipeptide is by taking it as an additive to our food.

Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Kaira


Written by Nick J-Pepe

Nick is the founder of planculde.com. He's been nuts about sports since kindergarten. He practices the 80/20 rule of eating, and being the cool guy is just his DNA.


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