Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (CaAKG): Can It Reduce Biological Age?

Healthy ageing begins at the cellular level – imagine being able to slow your ageing process precisely where your energy is produced and your health begins: inside your cells. The revolutionary combination of calcium and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) unites two components in a unique molecule specifically developed to support cellular health.

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) was the first product that neotes introduced to the German market in this innovative form. Under the name neotes α, it set new standards in longevity research at the time and was specifically developed to positively influence the ageing process and biological age.

Table of contents

1. CaAKG vs. arginine AKG – what is the difference?
2. Energy for your cells and support as you age
3. Why do alpha-ketoglutarate levels decline?
4. Study: how does CaAKG affect biological age?
5. CaAKG as an anti-ageing compound: a look into the future
6. Supplementing calcium alpha-ketoglutarate in capsule form
7. Are there side effects when taking CaAKG?
8. Conclusion
9. Sources

Alpha-ketoglutarate from the fitness world – CaAKG/arginine AKG: what is the difference?

An important distinction: alpha-ketoglutarate from the fitness world is not the same as calcium alpha-ketoglutarate. Many people are familiar with arginine AKG, a supplement used to promote circulation and muscle growth. It is a combination of AKG and the amino acid arginine, developed specifically to enhance athletic performance. Thanks to the innovative combination of calcium and alpha-ketoglutarate, CaAKG remains in the digestive tract for longer, enabling more efficient absorption into the body, meaning improved bioavailability, and thereby significantly enhancing its effects at the cellular level.

Energy for your cells and support as you age

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate combines the essential mineral calcium with alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a natural substance found in the citric acid cycle – the process that produces energy in the mitochondria of our cells. Alpha-ketoglutarate is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and also performs a range of additional biological functions.

Research into the precise effects of AKG supplementation in humans has produced promising initial results. These suggest that alpha-ketoglutarate may have positive effects on cellular health and biological age. However, further studies are planned in order to fully understand its potential and long-term effects.

Why do alpha-ketoglutarate levels decline?

AKG levels decline with age due to several factors that may also explain the positive effects of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate on longevity:

• Declining mitochondrial function: As we age, energy production in the mitochondria becomes less efficient. CaAKG supports energy metabolism, increases cellular energy production and is particularly important for the muscles and brain, which have high energy requirements.
• Increased oxidative stress: Free radicals, unstable molecules with unpaired electrons, increase with age and consume AKG as an antioxidant. Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate neutralises these reactive molecules, reduces oxidative stress and thereby protects cells from ageing and damage.
• Chronic inflammation (inflammaging): Age-related inflammation increases AKG consumption. CaAKG supports the immune system by promoting nitrogen metabolism, enabling tissue regeneration and supporting immune cells.
• Slower metabolism and skin health: AKG production decreases with age, which also affects skin regeneration. Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate promotes the conversion of procollagen into collagen, improves skin hydration, reduces wrinkle formation and supports wound healing by reducing scar formation.
• Bone and muscle function: Bone density declines with age and muscles regenerate more slowly. CaAKG provides calcium, promotes bone density and supports muscle recovery and growth through metabolic processes.

Study: how does calcium alpha-ketoglutarate affect biological age?

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate influences the ageing process in different ways and is associated with an extension of healthspan and possibly lifespan. A recent clinical study provides specific evidence of this effect.

The study participants were middle-aged men and women who took CaAKG for a defined period. At the beginning and end of the study, the biological age of the participants, who took the product for an average of 7 months, was measured using modern epigenetic tests.

The chart shows the relationship between chronological age (y-axis) and biological age (DNA methylation age, DNAm age, x-axis), separated by sex (blue = men, pink = women). A strong correlation is present for both sexes, although it is slightly stronger in men (R = 0.78) than in women (R = 0.74). The shaded areas around the lines represent the uncertainty ranges, or confidence intervals, which are somewhat wider for women. The chart illustrates that biological age is closely related to chronological age but also shows sex-specific differences. The results demonstrate an average reduction in biological age of 8 years (p = 6.538×10⁻¹²).

Key finding: Participants who took CaAKG for an average of 7 months showed an average reduction in biological age of approximately 8 years, measured using epigenetic DNA methylation tests.

These results provide a promising indication of the potential of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate to influence the ageing process in humans. Although further research is required, the average rejuvenation of almost 8 years underlines the relevance of this approach in longevity research.

Dr DSc Prof. Stefan G. Pierzynowski is a leading researcher in the field of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) and a scientific adviser to neotes. His research provided the foundation for the development of neotes CaAKG. As a leading researcher at Lund University in Sweden, he has been studying the effects of AKG on the body for decades and has identified significant health benefits:

• Absorption and bioavailability: Some AKG is broken down in the intestine, making the correct formulation, as used in CaAKG, crucial for effectiveness.
• Bone health: In studies, AKG reduced bone loss in postmenopausal women and may help prevent osteoporosis.
• Distribution in the body: AKG is stored in tissue and excreted later, an important factor in determining optimal dosage.
• Muscle function: AKG proved useful in the treatment of muscle weakness and may counteract musculoskeletal impairment.

His research demonstrates the potential of AKG for longevity and medicine. You can read more about the relationship between nutrition and the menopause in our article The right diet during the menopause.

What does this mean for the future? Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate as an anti-ageing compound

The decline in alpha-ketoglutarate levels from middle adulthood onwards leads to deterioration in cellular function and an increased risk of age-related diseases. Supplementation with calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is therefore often considered for people from their mid-30s onwards in order to slow the ageing process early, promote cellular health and counteract age-related changes.

With its broad effects – from supporting mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation to assisting DNA repair processes – CaAKG could become an important component of longevity. Its influence on skin health is also particularly noteworthy: CaAKG supports the conversion of procollagen into collagen, which improves skin hydration, promotes wound healing and reduces wrinkle formation. This can help the skin appear firmer and healthier even at an advanced age.

In the future, CaAKG may offer promising approaches for improving quality of life, delaying age-related diseases and minimising both the visible and invisible signs of ageing.

Supplementing calcium alpha-ketoglutarate in capsule form

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is available in both capsule and powder form. While capsules are convenient when travelling and have no taste, the powder can be mixed easily into smoothies or similar drinks. However, it has a slightly sour or bitter taste that many people find unpleasant. To avoid this taste, neotes offers CaAKG exclusively in capsule form – a convenient and flavour-neutral solution for everyday use.

Are there side effects when taking CaAKG?

Initial studies in humans and animals suggest that CaAKG is well tolerated and does not cause serious side effects when taken in moderate amounts. Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in rare cases, particularly at higher doses. However, there are not yet any comprehensive long-term studies that fully assess all possible effects.

Good to know: As with any food supplement, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals who regularly take medication should consult a doctor before taking CaAKG.

Conclusion

Through its positive effects on mitochondrial function, DNA repair and the reduction of age-related inflammation, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) has the potential to influence the ageing process at the cellular level and measurably reduce biological age.

The study results speak for themselves: regular supplementation may not only improve quality of life in old age but also extend healthspan. It is therefore no surprise that figures such as Bryan Johnson, a pioneer in the longevity community, and other well-known advocates of healthy ageing have already integrated CaAKG into their daily routines to support cellular health and vitality. You can read more in our article Longevity medicine: from Bryan Johnson to neotes.

Ultimately, it remains a personal decision: why not try for yourself how calcium alpha-ketoglutarate affects your vitality and personal well-being?

Expert knowledge on calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG)

• AKG is a central component of the citric acid cycle, also known as the citrate cycle, which supports energy production in the mitochondria.
• It is the nitrogen-free component of the amino acid glutamine and a natural metabolic intermediate.
• AKG plays a key role in the breakdown of fatty acids and energy production.
• Nitrogen and ammonia balance: AKG supports the regulation of nitrogen and promotes the detoxification of ammonia.
• It is involved in the formation of L-glutamine, which is required in greater quantities during exercise, stress and infection.
• AKG is particularly concentrated in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, skeletal muscles, heart muscle and brain.
• CaAKG – an innovative compound: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate combines AKG with calcium, increasing bioavailability and allowing the molecule to remain in the digestive tract for longer.

Sources

1. Sandalova E, Goh J, Lim ZX, Lim ZM, Barardo D, Dorajoo R, Kennedy BK, Maier AB. Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation and Biological agE in middle-aged adults (ABLE) – intervention study protocol. GeroScience (Springer). 2023. link.springer.com
2. Yang F, Zhou Z, Guo M, Zhou Z. The study of skin hydration, anti-wrinkles function improvement of anti-aging cream with alpha-ketoglutarate. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021. onlinelibrary.wiley.com
3. Asadi Shahmirzadi A, Edgar D, Liao C-Y, Kennedy BK. Alpha-Ketoglutarate, an Endogenous Metabolite, Extends Lifespan and Compresses Morbidity in Aging Mice. Cell Metabolism (Elsevier). 2020. cell.com
4. Wu N, Yang M, Gaur U, Xu H, Yao Y, Li D. Alpha-Ketoglutarate: Physiological Functions and Applications. Biomolecules & Therapeutics. 2016;24(1):1–8. biomolther.org
5. Demidenko O, Barardo D, Budovskii V, Finnemore R, Palmer FR III, Kennedy BK, Budovskaya YV. Rejuvant®, a potential life-extending compound formulation with alpha-ketoglutarate and vitamins, conferred an average 8 year reduction in biological aging, after an average of 7 months of use, in the TruAge DNA methylation test. Priority Research Paper. 2021. aging-us.com
6. Little JP et al. Creatine, arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, amino acids, and medium-chain triglycerides and endurance and performance. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2008. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19033611