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Supplements/Compound

Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)

TCA-cycle intermediate studied for healthspan and frailty.

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Overview

TCA-cycle intermediate studied for healthspan and frailty.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Substrate for α-KG-dependent dioxygenases (TET, PHD); modulates epigenetic age.

Pathways
  • · Substrate for α-KG-dependent dioxygenases (TET, PHD)
  • · modulates epigenetic age

Effects on the body

Decreases
biological age markers in pilot data

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) acts on hallmarks of aging including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence signaling.

Skeletal Muscle

Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) influences muscle protein synthesis, neuromuscular output, or recovery from exercise.

Evidence-based benefits

Lowers biological age markers in pilot data

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)
        Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
      • Omega-3
        Lowers inflammation and supports membrane integrity.
      • Creatine monohydrate
        Foundational support for strength, power, and lean mass.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      1–2 g (Ca-AKG)
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      Empty stomach

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      CohortAging (Albany) · 2021

      Ca-AKG and biological age

      Demidenko O, et al.

      Open-label trial in 42 adults.

      Key findings

      Average epigenetic age decreased ~8 years over 7 months.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — Lowers biological age markers in pilot data

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) Lowers biological age markers in pilot data" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "Lowers biological age markers in pilot data". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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