Unlocking the Power of Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

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As we age, our cellular energy and resilience naturally decline, leading to visible and internal signs of aging. Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG), a powerful compound combining calcium and alpha-ketoglutarate, is emerging as a game-changer in longevity supplements, offering benefits like improved energy levels, enhanced cellular health, and potential anti-aging effects.

Highlights

  • Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is a variant of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) that is combined with the mineral calcium, which stabilizes this molecule, thereby increasing its bioavailability and effects.
  • Ca-AKG is associated with increased lifespan in animal studies, wherein it was demonstrated that it can suppress morbidity and frailty of aging mice.
  •  Potential benefits of Ca-AKG supplement include longevity and healthy aging, potential for grey hair improvement, muscle recovery, and performance, as well as cognitive benefits.
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Introduction

As we age, our bodies undergo a variety of changes at the cellular level, including reduced energy production, slower recovery, and increased oxidative stress. These changes develop slowly and progressively over time, and this natural decline in cellular health can contribute to the visible and internal signs of aging. A special form of mineral calcium known as Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is being used as a supplement that aims to address these challenges, potentially offering benefits for longevity, energy, and overall wellness.

With the recent discovery of Ca-AKG as a potential anti-aging molecule, it is rapidly gaining attention in the health and wellness community. With its effects on various aspects of cellular health, including cellular metabolism, Ca-AKG can provide a range of positive health effects, from boosting energy levels to possibly ameliorating the effects of aging on hair. Hence, Ca-AKG is becoming a new popular addition to longevity stacks that could be worth keeping an eye on.

But what exactly is Ca-AKG, how can it benefit you, and why should you consider adding it to your wellness routine? Let’s dive into the science of ca akg supplement and discover why this supplement is generating buzz in the wellness world.

 

What is Ca-AKG?

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is the combined form of calcium (Ca) and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a naturally occurring molecule involved in energy production within cells. Essentially, AKG is an integral part of the Krebs cycle, the metabolic process that generates energy for the body through a series of chemical reactions inside the mitochondria; think of it as a generator that continuously churns out energy molecules in the form of ATP.

But as a supplement, how does calcium affect alpha-ketoglutarate? Calcium stabilizes AKG in supplement form, making it more bioavailable and easier to use for its energy and longevity benefits. Specifically, ca-AKG is more slowly absorbed by the gut and released into the bloodstream, making it able to work for longer in the body. Hence, calcium akg benefits are superior to AKG.

Benefits of Ca-AKG Supplement

Here are the top ca-akg supplement benefits, but this is non-exhaustive. We believe that its range of potential benefits is still understudied, and new possibilities may be explored in the future.

  •  Longevity and Healthy Aging

The main attraction of Ca-AKG for many users is its potential impact on longevity. Studies have shown that ca AKG may support cellular health, reduce inflammation, and even slow biological aging. In fact, one prominent study indicated that AKG supplementation in mice helped reduce their biological age, suggesting it could have similar benefits for humans.

So, does AKG reverse aging? While ca AKG may not completely reverse aging, it can play a significant role in healthy aging by supporting cellular repair and minimizing age-related damage. In a landmark mouse study published in 2020 in Cell Metabolism¹, journal, calcium AKG supplement administration revealed a significant extension of the lifespan of mice, increasing survival, compressing morbidity, and reducing frailty in mice.

A separate study on a commercial product with Ca-AKG + vitamins combination’s effect ² on human biological aging was also tested in 42 healthy individuals in a span of 4 to 10 months. According to the TruAge DNA methylation test, the participants showed an average 8-year reduction in biological aging after 7 months of use. 

A 2023 clinical trial³ is also currently investigating a 6-month 1g treatment of Ca-AKG in 120 middle-aged (40-60 y/o) adults; however, results are still pending, but it is worthwhile to keep an eye on this one once the findings are out by early 2025

  • Potential for Grey Hair Improvement

Although grey hair is often seen as a natural part of aging, ca-AKG’s effects on cellular energy and oxidative stress may also benefit hair pigmentation. By supporting cellular health in hair follicles, Ca-AKG could help maintain natural hair color longer, potentially slowing down the appearance of grey hair.

If you are wondering, “What are the potential benefits of Ca-AKG for grey hair?”, let’s look at the research findings. While more studies are needed, especially human trials, Ca-AKG’s cellular support might contribute to healthier, more vibrant hair. In fact, as found in the Cell Metabolism mice study ⁴ the researchers found that ca-AKG could reverse the age-dependent hair-graying in the first cohort of mice, while in the second cohort, it could prominently prevent hair-graying of female mice.

  • Muscle Recovery and Performance

If you’re into fitness, Ca-AKG could also help you by supporting your athletic performance and muscle recovery. Its role in cellular energy production can reduce muscle fatigue and promote faster recovery times post-exercise. Ca-AKG can also increase your muscle protein synthesis, muscle endurance, and skeletal muscle blood flow.

AKG can also inhibit prolyl hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in muscle protein breakdown, which is consistent in studies showing that prolyl hydroxylase reduction enhances skeletal tissue regeneration⁵. Hence, ca AKG is often favored among athletes looking for a natural way to enhance energy, endurance, and resilience.

  •  Cognitive Benefits

Ca-AKG doesn’t just benefit the body—it may also support the brain. A 2022 review of AKG supplementation for human health⁶ improvement highlights the importance of AKG in potentiation, memory, and neurotransmission. During ischemia, alpha-ketoglutarate is critical in brain homeostasis by maintaining the viability of brain cells⁷. Furthermore, calcium AKG can fight off oxidative stress, a risk factor or neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, hence providing a basis for its protection against cognitive decline and promoting brain health.

Although there’s currently no human clinical trial Ca-AKG providing solid evidence of its effects on brain function, a 2006 study of an ornithine form of AKG⁷ shows that it can significantly enhance awareness and diminish neurological damage when administered within 96 hours of stroke onset

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How Does Ca-AKG Work?

To understand how Ca-AKG works, it’s essential to look at its role in cellular metabolism. Ca-AKG influences several important metabolic pathways. As a key molecule in the Krebs cycle, AKG helps cells convert nutrients into energy. This boost in cellular energy is essential for maintaining tissue health, supporting recovery, and minimizing oxidative stress.

Moreover, Ca-AKG may influence the body’s response to inflammatory signals, potentially helping to reduce age-related inflammation, stabilizing cellular function, and aiding in energy production, which overall helps to sustain the body’s natural defenses against aging.

 According to the authors from the Buck Institute of Aging and the University of Southern California, Ca-AKG extends mice’s lifespan and minimizes morbidity in aging mice⁸ by decreasing the systemic levels of the pro-inflammatory molecules known as cytokines. Specifically, ca-akg supplementation induces the expression of the IL-10 gene which can suppress the cytokine-driven chronic inflammation, which in effect promotes longevity.

 

Comparison of AAKG vs Ca-AKG

A more popular supplement among bodybuilders and other athletes, AAKG (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate) is a combination of the amino acid arginine and AKG. It is known for its potential to enhance blood flow and increase nitric oxide production in muscles. While AAKG is geared toward improving workout performance, Ca-AKG is more focused on longevity, cellular health, and reducing the biological impacts of aging.

Aakg vs Ca-AKG: In summary, AAKG may be best suited for those looking to enhance their exercise capacity, while Ca-AKG is ideal for people aiming to promote healthy aging, support energy production, improve brain health, and possibly prevent hair graying.

Usage and Dosage Recommendations

How Much Ca-AKG Should I Take?

There’s currently no established guideline on ca-AKG dosage. The recommended ca AKG dosage may vary per person, but common dosages range between 300-1000 mg daily. Individual needs and health goals may affect the ideal dosage, so consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance is recommended.

When to Take Ca-AKG?

There’s not much information about the best time to take Ca-AKG supplements, but timing may help optimize its benefits.

For example, it may generally be best to take calcium AKG in the morning to support cellular energy throughout the day. Some people also take it before workouts to enhance energy and endurance and help with muscle protein synthesis.

How to Take Ca-AKG?

Ca-AKG supplements are available in powder and capsule forms, making it easy to integrate into daily routines. Simply take the recommended dosage with water or as directed on the product label. Incorporating Ca-AKG with meals may also support its absorption.

 For more effective long-term use, taking it consistently at the same schedule every day, setting an alarm, or using a pill box, can also help you build the habit if you’re a busy person who often forgets to take supplements.

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Natural Sources of Ca-AKG

While Ca-AKG itself is not found directly in foods, certain foods may support the body’s natural production of alpha-ketoglutarate. Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy, and legumes provide the amino acids that help produce AKG naturally in the body. Additionally, some leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables contribute to overall metabolic health, promoting AKG production.

Having adequate calcium levels also contributes to increasing your natural Ca-AKG production, so make sure to have a balanced diet with foods high in calcium as well such as milk, leafy greens, tofu, almonds, fish, and many more.

For those interested in supplementing directly, Ca-AKG supplements offer a more concentrated way to ensure consistently high levels of AKG in the body.

Safety and Side Effects

You might be curious—Are there any side effects of Ca-AKG supplements? Well, you should be aware that ca-akg side effects are not common because it is generally regarded as safe for human consumption when taken as directed; however, long-term studies evaluating its safety and effectiveness are lacking.

There are no significant adverse ca akg side effects reported with its use, but like any supplement, it may have mild side effects in some predisposed individuals, including digestive discomfort or bloating, particularly at higher doses. To minimize side effects, listen to your body; start with a low dose and gradually increase as tolerated.

In clinical trials that used Ca-AKG in hemodialysis patients⁹, Ca-AKG was found to be safe at up to 4.5g/day doses. In postmenopausal women, 6g/day akg calcium supplementation¹⁰ was also found to be safe for 6 months.

Conclusion

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) has beneficial effects in promoting healthy aging, maintaining cellular health, supporting brain health, and even possibly improving hair health. With the best ca-akg supplement’s ability to support energy production and reduce oxidative stress, Ca-AKG offers a range of benefits that align with both longevity and wellness goals.

So, if you’re seeking a valuable addition to your longevity stack for the improvement of your overall wellness, Ca-AKG is a promising option. Remember to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best ca-akg dosage for your needs and consider integrating it into your daily routine for potential long-term benefits.

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FAQs

Is calcium AKG the same as calcium?

  • No, calcium AKG combines calcium with AKG, a form that is naturally synthesized in the mitochondria of the cell, supporting cellular energy production and human longevity. On the other hand, plain calcium is a stand-alone mineral abundantly found in milk or dairy products and is primarily used for strong bones and teeth. 

What does Ca-AKG do for the body?

  • Ca-AKG supports cellular metabolism, boosts energy production, supports your organ functions, and may help reduce specific signs of aging such as preventing hair graying.

How does Ca-AKG support healthy aging?

  • Ca-AKG can help optimize cellular functions, making cells age more slowly. Studies show that it can induce IL-10 which can suppress the systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine molecules, thereby preventing chronic inflammation. Additionally, it can also reduce oxidative stress which is another culprit of the accelerated aging process.

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