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Can Calcium AKG Impact Weight?

Calcium alpha ketoglutarate, otherwise known as ca-AKG, is a stable form of the naturally occurring substance, alpha-ketoglutarate, found in the body. Our bodies can produce it up to around the age of 40, but after that, studies have shown that at the age of 80, our AKG levels are just 10 per cent that of when we were 40.

AKG is produced during the energy-producing process within our cells, known as the Krebs cycle. It provides fuel to cells and gives them protective effects during our growth years, such as during muscle tissue injury, for our digestive health and our kidney function. It’s part of the reason our bodies naturally decline and are more vulnerable to age-related illnesses as we age.

Is Ca-AKG Beneficial?

Calcium AKG benefits our health in various potential ways:

• Longevity along with a greater healthspan
• It regulates energy and metabolism
• Promotes healthy glutamine levels
• It detoxifies the body
• Promotes gut health
• Helps with healthy weight loss and weight management
• It promotes collagen synthesis
• Promotes the increase of stem cells
• May prevent osteoporosis

Further Reading: ‘Is Calcium AKG Good For Muscle Recovery?’

The Science Behind Ca-AKG and Weight

Multiple animal studies have found that calcium AKG supplements can help with weight loss by influencing the ratio of good and bad bacteria in our intestinal microbiome.

Another animal study published in 2020 found that alpha-ketoglutarate can decrease body weight as well as improve certain obesity and morbidity factors, particularly in aged mice. It found it can lower fat mass, improve glucose intolerance and increase brown adipose tissue.

Did you know: Brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, is a type of fat that regulates your body temperature in cold conditions and that also burns calories and stores energy. It also helps maintain a low fat percentage.

Another way calcium AKG helps with our body weight is that it promotes heightened metabolism. It contributes to cellular energy and metabolism by oxidising fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. AKG is also an important precursor for amino acid production in the liver, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, and adipose tissue. It is also a key source of adenosine triphosphate for cells, particularly in the digestive system. The combination of these ca AKG benefits helps keep our body healthy, and, especially in the case of a healthy gut, helps maintain a healthy body weight.

AKG’s highly promising weight loss impact is further shown in another study where mice were fed a typical diet (one without a lot of fat). Male mice that were eight weeks old were given 1 per cent AKG for 12 weeks while also eating a regular diet. The study found that AKG treatment dramatically reduced the amount of body weight growth and visceral fat accumulation in mice over time. This shows that taking an AKG supplement may be beneficial for weight management.

Keep in mind that calcium AKG should be used alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity for best results.

Calcium AKG Supplements

Calcium AKG is generally considered safe to consume orally and there are currently no known calcium AKG side effects. Despite this, children and women trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should avoid ca AKG.

As for ca AKG dosage, while it has been used in long-term treatments, such as for haemodialysis, at 4.5g per day, it’s best to take between 300 to 1,000mg per day. For longevity purposes, it’s recommended to take 1,000mg per day in the morning, with or without food.

Looking for the best calcium AKG supplement for you? Check out Xandro Lab’s science-backed Calcium AKG today!

Want to learn more about Calcium AKG? We’ve compiled a range of scientific studies on calcium AKG for you to browse at your leisure. Read them on our website, here.