leucine alpha-ketoglutarate

Amino-acidLeucine salt

What is it

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate is a non-essential compound sold as a dietary supplement ingredient. Found on roughly 1,287 U.S. supplement labels.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

general supplemental use

Mixed Evidence

Evidence for leucine alpha-ketoglutarate as a supplement is mixed or limited. Treat marketing claims cautiously and prefer products from reputable manufacturers.

How it works

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate is studied for several proposed mechanisms, but the strength of evidence varies. Effects depend on dose, product quality, and the specific outcome being studied. Without robust human trials, mechanistic claims should be treated cautiously.

Dosage

There is no established RDA for leucine alpha-ketoglutarate because it is not an essential nutrient. Doses on supplement labels vary widely; follow the product label.

When and how to take it

There is no widely agreed best time to take leucine alpha-ketoglutarate. Follow the directions on the product label.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Capsule or tablet

Pre-portioned daily dose.

Standard supplement format.

Safety

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate is generally well tolerated at the doses typically used in supplements, although long-term safety data may be limited. Side effects, when reported, are usually mild. Choose products from manufacturers that test for purity and potency.

Who should be cautious

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid leucine alpha-ketoglutarate unless a healthcare provider has cleared it, because safety data in these groups is limited. Anyone with a chronic medical condition or who takes prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider first.

Interactions

Interactions between leucine alpha-ketoglutarate and prescription medications are not well characterized. People taking medications, particularly those with narrow therapeutic windows, should consult a pharmacist before use.

Frequently asked questions

What is leucine alpha-ketoglutarate?⌄

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate is a non-essential supplement ingredient. Effects and evidence depend on the specific product and use.

Is leucine alpha-ketoglutarate safe?⌄

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but long-term safety data may be limited. Consult a healthcare provider if you take medications or have a medical condition.

How long should I take it?⌄

Reassess after 8-12 weeks of consistent use. If you notice no benefit, it may not be worth continuing.

References

leucine alpha-ketoglutarate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on leucine alpha-ketoglutarate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.