Alpha-ketoglutaric acid is a metabolic derivative of arginine, which is a conditionally essential amino acid and is involved in a number of vital processes in the body. Arginine plays a key role in the urea cycle, helping the body get rid of excess ammonia. This amino acid is also important in protein synthesis and for maintaining immunomodulatory function. Like AAKG, this form of arginine is involved in amino acid metabolism, as well as in energy production. L-arginine is one of the most important amino acids in the human body