AAKG (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) is a metabolic derivative of arginine, which is a conditionally essential amino acid that has a number of vital roles in the body.* Arginine plays a pivotal role in the urea cycle, helping to rid the body of excess ammonia.* This amino acid is also important in protein synthesis as well as for the support of healthy immune function.* As AAKG, this form of arginine is a key player in amino acid metabolism, as well as in energy production.

Amino acids are the subunits that make up proteins. They are necessary for the function of all cells, for tissue repair, and for the production of enzymes and neurotransmitters.* The body uses 20 amino acids to construct proteins, but nine “essential amino acids” cannot be made by the human body and must be supplied by the diet in order to achieve proper protein synthesis and maintain overall health.* People with limited diets or poor digestion may not get enough essential amino acids from their diet. In contrast to proteins or peptide-bound amino acids, NOW^® Sports Amino-9 Essentials™ has all 9 essential amino acids in their pre-digested forms and in the proportions recommended by the National Academy of Sciences to optimize protein synthesis and tissue repair for adults age 19 and over.