ResearchSafe

Ca-AKG (Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate)

Category: Anti-Aging. Status: Dietary compound (research ongoing).

A calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutarate, a metabolite central to the Krebs cycle that declines with age. Popular in longevity circles for potential effects on biological aging markers, inflammation, and healthspan.

How it works

Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key TCA-cycle intermediate and a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism, collagen synthesis, and epigenetic regulation (it influences DNA/histone demethylases). Supplementation aims to restore age-related declines.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: ~204 Da (AKG portion)
  • Half-life: Short; rapidly metabolized
  • Bioavailability: Oral
  • Storage: Keep cool, dry, and sealed.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 1-3 g per day
  • Frequency: 1-2x daily
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Route: Oral

Protocol notes

  • Common range is ~1-3 g daily, sometimes split into two doses.
  • Taken with or without food.
  • Used continuously as a longevity supplement.

Reported benefits

  • Supports cellular energy metabolism
  • Studied for reduced biological-aging markers
  • May lower inflammation
  • Supports collagen synthesis

Possible side effects

  • Generally well tolerated
  • Mild GI upset at higher doses

Research

  • Alpha-ketoglutarate and biological age markers (2021): An observational study reported reductions in a DNA-methylation biological age measure with AKG supplementation.

Community reviews of Ca-AKG

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • protocol_planner rated it 4/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Ca-AKG has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
  • careful_claire rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Ca-AKG to my protocol about 2 weeks ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
  • trough_tracker_tim rated it 5/5 - Solid compound with real results: Been using Ca-AKG for about 1 month and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • steady_hand_jen rated it 4/5 - Genuinely effective after 3 months: Been using Ca-AKG for about 3 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.

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Community discussions about Ca-AKG

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.