ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE (AKG)
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What Is ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE (AKG)?
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle) that plays central roles in cellular energy production, amino acid metabolism, and epigenetic regulation. As a supplement, it functions as an obligate co-substrate for DNA and histone demethylases, influences protein synthesis through mTOR pathway activation, supports gut health, and has shown potential anti-aging effects in animal models and preliminary human studies.
ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE (AKG) Research & Studies
01 Alpha-Ketoglutarate dietary supplementation to improve health in humans ▸
Review examining AKG's potential as a dietary supplement for improving human health, highlighting its roles in metabolism, cellular function, and potential longevity benefits through multiple mechanisms including epigenetic regulation.
View Study (PubMed)02 Rejuvant®, a potential life-extending compound formulation with alpha-ketoglutarate and vitamins, conferred an average 8 year reduction in biological aging ▸
Retrospective analysis of 42 individuals taking an AKG-based formulation showed an average 8-year reduction in biological age as measured by DNA methylation clocks after approximately 7 months of use.
View Study (PubMed)03 Pleiotropic effects of alpha-ketoglutarate as a potential anti-ageing agent ▸
Comprehensive review documenting AKG's extension of lifespan in nematodes, fruit flies, yeasts, and mice, with mechanisms including epigenetic regulation, antioxidant properties, and modulation of metabolic pathways related to aging.
View Study (PubMed)04 Alpha-Ketoglutarate and intestinal function ▸
Research showing AKG supplementation alleviates oxidative stress and injury in intestinal mucosal cells while improving intestinal integrity and nutrient absorption through increased mTOR signaling and protein synthesis.
View Study (PubMed)05 Impact of Alpha-Ketoglutarate on Skeletal Muscle Health and Exercise Performance: A Narrative Review ▸
Review of 112 studies demonstrating AKG's role in supporting muscle recovery through stimulation of muscle satellite cells, enhanced protein synthesis, and prevention of muscle atrophy via modulation of degradation pathways.
View Study (PubMed)06 Dietary Alpha-Ketoglutarate Promotes Epithelial Metabolic Transition and Protects against DSS-Induced Colitis ▸
Animal study showing 1% AKG supplementation significantly reduced colitis symptoms, restored colon structure, suppressed inflammation, and enhanced M1 to M2 macrophage polarization while strengthening intestinal barrier function.
View Study (PubMed)07 Dietary alpha-ketoglutarate enhances intestinal immunity by Th17/Treg immune response in piglets after lipopolysaccharide challenge ▸
Study demonstrating 1% AKG dietary supplementation enhanced growth performance, improved ileal morphology, and modulated immune function through Th17/Treg balance in challenged piglets.
View Study (PubMed)08 Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) inhibits proliferation of colon adenocarcinoma cells in normoxic conditions ▸
In vitro research showing AKG inhibited proliferation of multiple colon adenocarcinoma cell lines in normal oxygen conditions, suggesting potential anticancer properties beyond its hypoxia-related effects.
View Study (PubMed)ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE (AKG) User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
User experiences are genuinely divided - some report significant improvements in biological age markers, exercise performance, and recovery, while others notice no subjective benefits despite long-term use. The supplement appears more effective for specific goals (longevity biomarkers, athletic performance) but lacks immediate noticeable effects for many users.
ALPHA-KETOGLUTARATE (AKG) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Biological Age Reduction: Multiple users report significant reductions in epigenetic age (6-8 years) when measured by DNA methylation tests like TruAge after 7-12 months of use
- Exercise Performance: Several users note improvements in athletic performance, particularly running performance and workout recovery, though effects vary widely
- Gut Health Support: Users taking AKG for intestinal issues report improvements, particularly when combined with other gut-supporting protocols
- Minimal Subjective Effects: Many long-term users report no noticeable day-to-day subjective benefits despite continuing supplementation for potential anti-aging effects
- Biomarker Changes: Most compelling evidence comes from users tracking biological age through methylation tests, with several reporting 6-8 year reductions matching published study results
- Individual Variation: Effectiveness appears highly individual - some users experience dramatic improvements in specific metrics while others notice nothing after months of consistent use
- Long-term Benefits: Effects seem to manifest over months rather than days or weeks, making it difficult for users to assess short-term effectiveness
- Athletic Benefits: Arginine-AKG formulations appear more consistently effective for exercise performance enhancement compared to calcium forms for longevity
- Standard Longevity Dose: 300-1000mg daily of calcium AKG is most commonly reported for anti-aging purposes, with some protocols using up to 2000mg
- Athletic Performance: 10-15g of arginine-AKG (providing 3-5g actual AKG) reported by users focused on exercise benefits and joint recovery
- Gradual Titration: Users recommend starting with low doses (300-500mg) and gradually increasing due to potential GI irritation from the acidic nature
- Form Considerations: Calcium or magnesium-buffered forms preferred over unbuffered AKG powder to avoid throat and stomach irritation
- Gastrointestinal Irritation: Unbuffered AKG powder can cause severe throat burning and stomach discomfort; users strongly recommend buffered forms or mixing thoroughly with water
- Rage/Agitation: At least one user reported experiencing extreme anger and elevated heart rate similar to reactions with ashwagandha, suggesting possible individual sensitivity
- Minimal Side Effects: Most users report no adverse effects when using appropriate buffered forms at standard doses
- Calcium/Arginine Concerns: Users express worry about excessive calcium or arginine intake (mTOR activation) when using higher doses of buffered or arginine-bound forms
- Multiple Forms Available: Calcium-AKG, arginine-AKG, ornithine-AKG, and magnesium-AKG all available, with calcium form most popular for longevity use
- Price Variation: Significant cost differences between brands - premium options exist alongside more affordable alternatives
- Limited European Availability: Users in Europe report difficulty finding calcium-AKG at reasonable prices compared to US market availability
Related Compounds
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