Can You Take L-Ornithine and OKG Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

OKG provides ornithine as its primary amino acid component. Taking additional L-Ornithine alongside OKG is redundant and may overload ornithine metabolism, potentially causing GI distress and excessive ammonia processing.

How to arrange timing

Choose either OKG or L-Ornithine rather than combining both, as OKG already provides ornithine.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Cynober L. Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate as a potent precursor of arginine and nitric oxide. J Nutr. 2004;134(10 Suppl):2858S-2862S.

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.