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Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate: What the Salt Really Adds
Arginine alpha ketoglutarate, often written AAKG, is L-arginine bound to alpha-ketoglutarate, a partner molecule. The salt is a delivery form, not a new nutrient. On the Melonex label it is line 2 of 3, which caps it at 250 mg per capsule, and part of that weight is the partner.
Written by the Melonex label deskUpdated · 4 min read
What is arginine alpha ketoglutarate?
Arginine alpha ketoglutarate is L-arginine paired with alpha-ketoglutarate to form a salt. Supplement makers often sell it as AAKG.
The arginine part is the same amino acid found in protein foods. The body uses it as the raw material for nitric oxide (Cziraki 2020, arginine-NO pathway).
The Melonex label names it as "L-Arginine (Alpha-Ketoglutarate dihydrate)". The dihydrate means each unit also carries water.
How much AAKG is in a Melonex capsule?
A Melonex capsule holds at most 250 mg of arginine AKG, and the real amount is not printed. The 500 mg blend lists three lines, and only the total weight is declared (21 CFR 101.36, blends).
A blend lists items by weight, heaviest first. Line 2 cannot outweigh line 1, so it cannot pass half of the blend.
| Line | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | L-citrulline DL-malate | About 167 to 500 mg |
| 2 | Arginine AKG | At most 250 mg |
| 3 | Arginine HCl | At most 167 mg |
Does the salt make arginine work better?
No trial we cite shows that the AKG salt beats plain arginine. The blood pressure data come from plain oral L-arginine at 4 to 24 g a day (Dong 2011, arginine meta-analysis).
One reference lists claims that arginine improves athletic performance as unsupported (Health Library, Arginine). Nothing here shows the salt changes that.
Weight counts the partner
The listed milligrams include alpha-ketoglutarate and water.
Arginine is a share of it
So 250 mg of salt gives less than 250 mg of arginine.
Melonex: from $49 a bottle60 capsules · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day guarantee
See packsWho should be careful with AAKG?
The cautions for AAKG are the cautions for arginine. Mayo Clinic does not recommend it after a recent heart attack, and it may add to blood pressure drugs, nitrates and sildenafil (Mayo Clinic, L-arginine).
Keep taking prescribed medicine, and ask your doctor first if any of this applies. The ingredient page on arginine AKG has more.
Which Melonex packs hold AAKG?
Every bottle carries the same blend. These two packs cost least per bottle.
Free US shipping3 bottles · $207$69 a bottle · 180 days at 1 capsule a day · free US shippingChoose 3 bottles
Lowest per bottle6 bottles · $294$49 a bottle · 360 days at 1 capsule a day · free US shippingChoose 6 bottlesSales-page prices, October 18, 2026 (Melonex sales page). A 2-bottle pack is also sold ($158 plus $9.99 shipping). See every pack on the pricing page.
FDA disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Melonex is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Keep taking prescribed medicine, and ask your doctor before starting any supplement.
FAQ01
Melonex questions people ask
Is AAKG the same as L-arginine?
AAKG contains L-arginine, bound to alpha-ketoglutarate. The arginine acts like any other arginine, while the salt changes the weight on the label.
Why is alpha-ketoglutarate on a heart supplement label?
It is the partner in the salt form of arginine. The label does not say it adds a separate effect, and we found no trial that shows one.
Is AAKG a stimulant?
No stimulant is listed in Melonex. The blend is three amino acid forms with no caffeine or herbs.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, AHA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a USA authorized Melonex retailer, not by the manufacturer or the distributor. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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