Ketoglutaric acid
From Free net encyclopedia
Ketoglutaric acid is used for either of two crystalline keto derivatives C5H6O5 of glutaric acid. As alpha-Ketoglutaric acid (2-Oxo-1,5-pentanedioic acid) a Krebs cycle intermediate.
Ketoglutaric acid is also known as 2-Ketoglutaric acid, 2-Oxopentanedioic acid, 2-Oxoglutamate, 2-Oxoglutaric acid & Oxoglutaric acid. It has a pH of 1.5.
Ketoglutaric acid occurs naturally within cells. One of its functions is to combine with ammonia to form glutamic acid & then glutamine. Another function is to combine with nitrogen released in the cell, therefore preventing nitrogen overload.
It is reported that high ammonia and/or high nitrogen levels may occur with high protein intake, excessive aluminum exposure, autism, Reye's syndrome, cirrhosis & urea cycle disorder.
Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is sold in dietary supplements and to body builders as AKG or a-KG. Some believe it increases stamina.