Why Alpha Ketoglutarate Became Popular in Anti-Aging Products?

Aging is a natural process everyone experiences, but what if there was a way to slow down the clock? Some tools could help rejuvenate your body from the inside out, Supplements such as NMN, resveratrol, PQQ, ergothioneine and NAD+ precursors get a lot of attention, especially in delaying aging, protecting cell health, and increasing a healthy lifespan. Alpha Ketoglutarate(AKG), a promising supplement, performs well with its multiple physiological functions, that’s catching the attention of wellness enthusiasts and researchers alike for its potential anti-aging benefits. But what exactly is Alpha Ketoglutarate, and how does it work? Let’s dive in.

What is Alpha Ketoglutarate?

AKG, or alpha-ketoglutaric acid, is a naturally occurring compound in the body and is mainly found in the citric acid cycle in the mitochondria of cells. As a core molecule of metabolism, AKG is playing a key role in the Krebs cycle — a process responsible for producing energy in our cells.

AKG is involved in many physiological processes such as energy generation, amino acid synthesis and antioxidant. It ‘s not only a key source of energy for the production of adenine nucleoside triphosphate (ATP) by gastrointestinal cells, but also plays an important role as a precursor of key amino acids such as glutamic acid, glutamine and arginine. Scientific research clearly shows that AKG can directly or indirectly promote the synthesis process of amino acids, and has an indispensable role in maintaining amino acid balance in the body. AKG is also involved in breaking down nutrients to produce energy, promotes protein synthesis, and helps reduce inflammation.

Natural sources of Alpha Ketoglutarate?

Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) is mostly produced endogenously in the human body, it can also be found in various natural sources, especially high-protein foods. Here are some natural sources of Alpha Ketoglutarate:

• Animal proteins. Meat (especially red meat), fish, Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are rich in amino acids and proteins that can be converted into AKG in the body.
• Fruits &vegetables. While not high in AKG directly, many fruits and vegetables especially leafy greens, contain amino acids and other compounds that support AKG production. Examples include spinach, broccoli, and tomatoes.
• Nuts and seeds. Nuts and legumes (like soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas) provide essential amino acids that can enhance AKG production.

As we age, AKG levels in the body decrease significantly, which is closely related to the decline of multiple physiological functions associated with aging. Supplements, particularly in the form of Alpha Ketoglutarate powder, are now being used to help replenish these levels.

Benefits of Alpha Ketoglutarate

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

AKG is not only involved in energy metabolism, but also reduces oxidative stress by reducing the production of free radicals and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (such as SOD). Oxidative stress is one of the core mechanisms of aging, and by increasing antioxidant capacity, AKG can reduce cell damage. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce chronic inflammation linked to aging. It can reduce chronic inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors, thus delaying the occurrence of age-related diseases.

Boosts Energy Levels 

By enhancing cellular energy production, AKG can help you feel more vibrant and energetic. AKG acts as a regulator of energy metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, helping mitochondria produce ATP (the energy currency of the cell). As AKG levels decline, mitochondrial function declines, and insufficient energy directly affects the function of various systems in the body, leading to accelerated aging. Supplementing with AKG restores energy metabolism and helps cells maintain efficient functioning.

Supports Muscle and Bone Health

AKG supports protein synthesis and collagen production, which are important for muscle and bone health. It may help maintain bone density by supporting collagen synthesis and calcium absorption, particularly beneficial for athletes and those looking to maintain muscle mass.

Anti-aging effects

Research suggests AKG may help slow certain aspects of aging by supporting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. In recent years, a series of high-level studies have shown that supplementing exogenous AKG can effectively delay the aging process, not only showing the effect of extending life span in animal experiments, but also showing the potential to improve health markers in preliminary human trials. In these biological systems, alpha-ketoglutaric acid (AKG), as a potential anti-aging molecule, has been repeatedly demonstrated to have a significant effect on extending the lifespan of organisms.

Improve fertility and reproductive function

The aging process is closely related to the gradual decline of gonadal function, especially the weakening of ovarian function, which has become an important factor affecting reproductive health. AKG (alpha-ketoglutaric acid) exhibits its unique protective effect on reproductive health. Studies have shown that AKG significantly improves oocyte quality and its potential for subsequent embryonic development by effectively reducing ROS levels and blocking apoptosis pathways. AKG was excellent at promoting embryonic development, significantly increasing the number of mouse blastocysts as well as the number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM), thereby driving overall embryo growth.

How to Use Alpha Ketoglutarate for Anti-Aging?

The connection between Alpha Ketoglutarate powder and anti-aging lies in its ability to promote cellular health. Alpha Ketoglutarate is commonly available in powder form, making it easy to add to smoothies, protein shakes, or even water. The typical recommended dosage ranges from 300 mg to 1000 mg per day, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. When choosing AKG products, consumers should consider the following products to ensure the best results:

• Calcium salt AKG. AKG itself is prone to degradation in vitro and in vivo, especially during transport and storage. Therefore, choosing AKG products that contain calcium salt complexes can improve their stability and prevent degradation. Calcium salt Alpha Ketoglutarate also promotes absorption to maximize its effectiveness.
• Liposome AKG. AKG products encapsulated in liposomes can significantly improve the absorption rate. Liposomes are similar to cell membranes and can help AKG better penetrate the cell membrane and directly enter the cell to play a role. The bioavailability of AKG products with liposome technology can be increased by up to 36 times, which can significantly improve results.

Potential Side Effects

Research into the anti-aging benefits of Alpha Ketoglutarate is ongoing. While generally considered safe, excessive intake of Alpha Ketoglutarate powder may cause digestive discomfort,  including nausea, diarrhea, or bloating. Always stick to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

Alpha Ketoglutarate powder is quickly emerging as a potential game-changer in the world of anti-aging. Some animal studies have shown promising results in extending lifespan and improving overall health. However, more human studies are needed to confirm these findings. As always, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.