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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Arginine wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Probably helps
11 of 19 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 4 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
3-6g daily
30-60 minutes before exercise, Divided doses throughout the day for cardiovascular benefits
L-Arginine powder or capsules
1000-2000mg
Morning, With or without food
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate powder or capsules
30-60 minutes
During exercise
2-4 weeks
Immediate
4-6 months
4-8 weeks
Nutritional interventions for preventing and treating pressure ulcers
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=7920
Compared to standard diet, protein supplements may result in little to no difference in pressure ulcer incidence (protein 21 per 1000, standard diet 28 per 1000; RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.14; 4 studies, 4264 participants; low-certainty evidence).
Comparative Effects of Different Nutritional Supplements on Inflammation, Nutritional Status, and Clinical Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2841
Glutamine was superior in decreasing tumor necrosis factor-α (MD -25.2; 95% CrI [-32.62, -17.95]), whereas combined omega-3 and arginine supplementation was more effective in decreasing interleukin-6 (MD -61.41; 95% CrI [-97.85, -24.85]).
Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=629
It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40).
AKG and the aging epigenome
Nature (2022) · Preclinical
Regulates epigenetic enzymes
Recruitment evaluation of a gerotherapeutic randomized controlled trial testing alpha-ketoglutarate in biologically older, middle-aged adults (ABLE)
Experimental gerontology (2025) · Rct · n=120
Eligibility rates were 80.3 % at pre-screening and 67.3 % at screening, with a consent rate of 66.1 %.
Effects of Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement and Caffeine on Bench Press Performance: A Single-Blind Cross-Over Study
Nutrients (2022) · Crossover · n=15
In a cross-over manner, they participated in two sessions where they were blinded to the order of supplementation they were given: either a MIPS including caffeine or caffeine alone.
Based on meta-analysis showing mean reductions of 5.39 mmHg systolic and 2.66 mmHg diastolic. Effects are modest and may not be clinically significant for all individuals. GI side effects increase notably above 6g.
Based on single RCT (n=40) showing prevention of performance decline in track athletes. Effect was prevention of countermovement jump height decrease rather than enhancement. Limited evidence from one small study.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Arginine has a higher evidence score (9/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
No known interactions between Arginine and Calcium AKG have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.