2-Ketoglutaric Acid Unit Converter

2-Ketoglutaric acid (also called alpha-ketoglutarate or AKG) is an organic acid and a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, the process your cells use to generate energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

It also serves as a major nitrogen transporter. Amino groups from amino acids attach to it and are carried to the liver, where ammonia is converted to urea for excretion.

This marker is measured in urine as part of an organic acids panel. Abnormal levels can reflect problems with energy production, nutrient cofactor status, or rare metabolic disorders.

2-Ketoglutaric acid is produced inside the mitochondria of cells throughout the body as part of the Krebs cycle. It is formed from isocitrate by the enzyme isocitrate dehydrogenase, and can also be generated from the amino acid glutamate via transamination.