Calcium AKG (Alpha-Ketoglutarate)
A Krebs cycle intermediate that animal data suggests extends lifespan and healthspan. Levels drop with age; supplementation restores some of what's lost.
Strong mouse data for healthspan extension. Early human trials (TruDiagnostic + Rejuvant) suggest biological age reduction. Long-term human outcome data still building. Effects: 16+ weeks for biomarkers.
Alpha-ketoglutarate is a central metabolite in the Krebs cycle — the energy production loop running in every mitochondrion. It's also a key cofactor in epigenetic regulation, collagen synthesis, and nitrogen balance. Blood AKG drops ~10x from young adulthood to old age. A 2020 mouse study from the Buck Institute (Asadi-Shahmirzadi et al.) showed Ca-AKG extended healthspan and compressed morbidity in middle-aged mice. Human trials (ongoing — Rejuvant) suggest biological age reversal effects. Calcium AKG is the most-studied supplemental form.
- Form
- Calcium AKG (Ca-AKG) — the form used in most longevity research. Rejuvant is the patented branded version.
- Dose
- 1–2 g/day (Rejuvant uses 1 g/day in their LifeAKG product).
- Timing
- AM with food.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- Very well-tolerated. Mild GI upset rare. Calcium content is minor at standard doses.
- Interactions
- Generally clean. Limited data.
- Contraindications
- Active cancer (theoretical — discuss with oncology). Hypercalcemia. Pregnancy / breastfeeding (limited data).
- Lab markers
- Biological age testing (TruAge / TruDiagnostic, GlycanAge) for tracking. Blood AKG measurable but not routine.
- Food sources
- Trace amounts in spinach, kale, oranges — far below supplemental doses.
Pairs with
NMN / NR (longevity stack). Glycine + NAC (GlyNAC). Spermidine. Vitamin D3, omega-3.
within Coenzymes & mitochondrial cofactors