Alpha-ketoglutarate (αKG), a nitrogen scavenger, is an important source of glutamate and glutamine.
[4] It controls the synthesis of ATP and decreases the generation of equivalent (NAD+/NADH) in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
[1] It promotes the synthesis of protein and prevents protein degradation in muscles. This immune nutrient factor participates in the general immune and collagen metabolism.
[4] In aged rodents, αKG accelerates the healing of bone defects. It may possess potential anti-aging effects.
[1] This Krebs cycle molecule can be used as a supplement in insect and mammalian cell cultures.