What is alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) and how does it affect our health an

What is alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) and how does it affect our health and longevity?

10. Oktober 2024· 2 Min. Lesezeit

Alpha-Ketoglutarat (AKG) unterstützt die Energiegewinnung in den Zellen und verlängert die Lebenszeit

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a natural compound produced in our bodies. It plays a crucial role in the energy production and regulation of our cells. Numerous studies suggest that AKG has many health benefits, including a positive effect on our longevity¹.

AKG and Energy Production

AKG is a key molecule in the citric acid cycle, a series of chemical reactions that take place in our cells. This cycle helps convert the energy supplied by food into a form that our cells can use, namely adenosine triphosphate (ATP). AKG is therefore essential for energy production in our bodies².

AKG and Longevity

The idea that AKG could promote longevity is more than just theory. Scientific studies show that AKG helps extend the lifespan of various organisms. In a clinical study, subjects were able to reduce their biological age by 8 years by taking AKG³. In a study published in 2021, the lifespan of mice was extended by 20% by adding AKG⁴.

Research suggests that AKG promotes longevity through its effects on the anti-aging protein mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and the regulation of protein homeostasis⁵. Protein homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a balance of protein degradation and synthesis. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to an accumulation of damaged proteins, which in turn leads to cell damage and aging. AKG appears to slow down this process by regulating protein homeostasis and thus improving cell health⁶.

In addition, AKG also helps repair DNA and supports collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin health and joint flexibility⁷.

How do I take Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)?

AKG is produced by the body and cannot be absorbed directly through food. With increasing age, the AKG level in the body decreases. Regular fasting and exercise can counteract this. In addition, AKG can be absorbed with the help of food supplements. When correctly dosed, AKG is considered safe and free of side effects⁸.

Calcium Alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is a specific form of Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) that is bound to calcium. By combining with calcium as a more stable compound, Calcium Alpha-ketoglutarate has higher bioavailability⁹.

Sources +

Chin RM, Fu X, Pai MY, et al. (2014). The metabolite α-ketoglutarate extends lifespan by
inhibiting ATP synthase and TOR. Nature, 510(7505), 397-401.https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13264

Demidenko, O., Barardo, D., Budovskii, V., et al. (2021). Rejuvant®, a potential life-extending compound formulation with alpha-ketoglutarate and vitamins, conferred an average 8 year reduction in biological aging, after an average of 7 months of use, in the TruAge DNA methylation test. Aging (Albany NY), 13(22), 24485-24499.https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.203736

Liu, S., He, L., & Yao, K. (2018). The Antioxidative Function of Alpha-Ketoglutarate and Its Applications. BioMed research international, 2018, 3408467.https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3408467

Mangal JL, Inamdar S, Suresh AP, et al. (2022). Short term, low dose alpha-ketoglutarate based polymeric nanoparticles with methotrexate reverse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in mice and modulate T helper cell responses. Biomaterial Science. 10. 6688-6697.https://doi.org/10.1039/D2BM00415A

Shahmirzadi, A.A., Edgar, D., Liao, C.-Y., et al. (2020). Alpha-Ketoglutarate, an Endogenous Metabolite, Extends Lifespan and Compresses Morbidity in Aging Mice. Cell Metabolism, 32(3), 447-456.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2020.08.004

Wu, N., Yang, M., Gaur, U., et al. (2016). Alpha-Ketoglutarate: Physiological Functions and Applications. Biomolecules & Therapeutics, 24(1), 1–8.https://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2015.078

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