Ca-AKG Compared with Other Longevity Preventions
5th Feb 2024
Extend Your Healthspan with Ca-AKG
As we age, our body's energy production declines, making us more vulnerable to diseases. Popular supplements like NAD+ precursors (NMN and NR) are known for boosting metabolism, but a lesser-known molecule, alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) (in its stomach-friendly form Ca-AKG), may hold even more promise.
The TCA cycle, crucial for energy production, involves both NAD+ and AKG. Boosting these substances is thought to enhance the TCA cycle, highlighting AKG's importance in helping metabolic processes that control genes and reactions in every cell. AKG is also used in treating cyanide poisoning, showing just how powerful it can be in maintaining a healthy metabolism and potential in anti-aging research.
Despite the current focus on NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR (read our post about that, here), AKG's benefits should not be overlooked.
The Potential of Ca-AKG for Longevity and Healthspan
Early research on Ca-AKG shows promising advantages over popular supplements like NMN in promoting longevity and healthy aging.
In mouse studies, Ca-AKG increased lifespan by a remarkable 17 per cent, even when administered later in life at the equivalent of 60 human years. In contrast, NMN only resulted in a 5 per cent increase. Ca-AKG's superior performance may be attributed to its ability to boost AMPK activity, an energy sensor regulating cellular metabolism while inhibiting mTOR, a protein governing cell growth.
This dual action may activate autophagy, aiding in cell maintenance and contributing to improved healthspan. Ca-AKG also activates specific longevity genes, like the OSK Yamanaka factors that David Sinclair’s lab recently used to reverse blindness in mice and extend lifespan without cancer risks, presenting a unique potential for promoting healthy aging beyond what NAD+ precursors offer.
Further Reading: What are The Benefits of Ca-AKG on the Brain, Bones and Liver
The Advantages of Ca-AKG
Many lifespan-increasing interventions often compromise energy and vitality, deterring those seeking healthy aging solutions. Calorie restriction, fasting and drugs like rapamycin and metformin have shown increased lifespan but at the expense of overall health.
For instance, while calorie restriction and rapamycin slow cellular growth by inhibiting mTOR, they can weaken the immune system. Metformin, used for diabetes, increases lifespan but affects athletic performance by altering glucose metabolism. 17-alpha-estradiol extends male mouse lifespan by suppressing testosterone, but it poses risks to men's health.
Further Reading: Can Ca-AKG Impact Weight
In contrast, Ca-AKG enhances female mouse lifespan by 17% (10% in males) without compromising vitality, even when started late in life. By improving metabolism and activating Yamanaka longevity genes, Ca-AKG supports energy, immune function and healthy aging, making it a unique and promising longevity option.
Ca-AKG Benefits
Ca-AKG shows promise in diverse health aspects. In female mice, it delays age-related fertility decline by activating autophagy, promoting healthy offspring. Human studies suggest Ca-AKG enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation and improves metabolic function, potentially addressing disorders like diabetes and obesity.
A compound, Rejuvant®, containing Ca-AKG and vitamins, demonstrated an average 8-year reduction in biological aging after just 7 months, highlighting Ca-AKG's potential for overall health and longevity.
Research shows Ca-AKG's potential in anti-cancer properties, immune system support and maintaining muscle, bone and mental health, too. It increases white blood cell production, stimulates muscle and bone growth, and notably, reverses depression in mice.
Further Reading: Scientific studies about Ca-AKG
The Future of Calcium AKG Longevity Benefits
Ca-AKG stands out among longevity interventions for its unique ability to increase lifespan without compromising vitality. Unlike calorie restriction, fasting and certain drugs, Ca-AKG enhances metabolism, boosts the immune system and improves mental and physical performance.
Its potential extends beyond anti-aging effects, showing promise in cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, though. Ongoing research explores combination treatments with other molecules, blood factors and genetic targets for breakthroughs in health and aging.
Further Reading: What are the Benefits of Ca-AKG on Heart Health?
While Ca-AKG holds great promise, more research is needed to understand its benefits and potential side effects. Make sure you speak with your doctor before you add Ca-AKG to your supplement stack, as well as thoroughly research the quality and source of the specific one you take so you can determine its safety and effectiveness.
FAQs
What is the difference between AKG and Ca-AKG?
AKG, or alpha ketoglutarate, is a naturally occurring compound in our bodies that gives our mitochondria fuel, helping with energy production as well as other health benefits mentioned above. It cannot be consumed through food, so to help it absorb into our body, it’s attached to calcium. There are other AKG forms, such as arginine AKG, but with calcium, it provides some great longevity benefits, potentially due to it being slow-absorbing into the bloodstream, making it work longer in the body.
What does AKG do to the body?
AKG works in our bodies in many ways. It’s used in the Krebs cycle, it helps us rebuild muscle and heal wounds and reduces muscle loss after surgery and trauma, as well is used in cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. It may help lower body weight as well as potentially extend our lifespan.
What is the best Ca-AKG dosage?
Regarding the best dosage of Ca-AKG, although it has been used in long-term therapies like hemodialysate at 4.5g daily, it is recommended to take 300–1,000 mg daily. For longevity, take 1,000 mg daily in the morning, with or without breakfast.
What are the potential Ca-AKG side effects?
There are currently no documented negative effects of calcium AKG, and it is usually regarded as safe to take orally. Nevertheless, women who are nursing a baby, trying to conceive, or are pregnant should avoid Ca-AKG.
End Note
Ca-AKG offers vast potential to improve health and extend lifespan without sacrificing vitality, making it a promising candidate for further anti-aging research and development.
Read the full version or the technical version via Henry Bee’s post.
Looking for the best Ca-AKG supplement? Why not try out Xandro Lab’s Calcium AKG 500mg and experience its cellular energy production, muscle strength and bone health benefits?