Calcium alphaketoglutarate (CaAKG): Can it reduce our biological age?

Healthy ageing starts at the cellular level – imagine if you could slow down your ageing process right where your energy is created and your health begins: in the cells. The revolutionary compound of calcium and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) combines two components into a unique molecule specifically designed to support cellular health.

Calcium alphaketoglutarate (CaAKG) was the first product that neotes launched on the market in Germany in this innovative form. Under the name neotes α, it set new standards in longevity research and was specially developed to positively influence the ageing process and biological age.

Alphaketoglutarate known from the fitness world – CaAKG/ Arginine-AKG – what is the difference?

An important difference: Alphaketoglutarate from the fitness world is not the same as calcium alphaketoglutarate. Many people are familiar with arginine AKG, a supplement that promotes blood circulation and muscle building. It is a combination of AKG and the amino acid arginine, which was specifically developed to improve athletic performance. Thanks to the innovative combination of calcium and alpha-ketoglutarate, CaAKG remains longer in the digestive tract, which enables more efficient absorption into the body (bioavailability) and thus significantly increases its effect at cellular level.

Energy for your cells and support in old age

Calcium alphaketoglutarate combines the essential mineral calcium with alphaketoglutarate (AKG), a natural substance found in the citric acid cycle – the process that produces energy in the mitochondria of our cells. Alphaketoglutarate is crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and also fulfills a number of other biological functions.

Research into the exact effects of AKG supplementation in humans shows promising initial results. These suggest that alphaketoglutarate could have positive effects on cell health and biological age. However, further studies are planned to fully understand the full potential and long-term effects.

Why does the alphaketoglutarate level drop?

The AKG level decreases with increasing age due to several factors, which also explain the positive effects of calcium alphaketoglutarate on longevity:

• Decreasing mitochondrial function: With age, energy production in the mitochondria becomes less efficient. CaAKG supports energy metabolism, increases cellular energy production and is particularly important for muscles and the brain, which have high energy requirements.
• Increased oxidative stress: Free radicals, unstable molecules with incomplete electron pairing, increase with age and use up AKG as an antioxidant. Calcium alphaketoglutarate neutralizes these reactive molecules, reduces oxidative stress and thus protects cells from aging 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.
• Slowed metabolism and skin health: The production of AKG decreases with age, which also affects skin regeneration. Calcium alphaketoglutarate promotes the conversion of procollagen into collagen, improves skin hydration, reduces wrinkling and helps heal wounds by reducing scarring.
• Bone and muscle function: Bone density decreases with age and muscles regenerate more slowly. CaAKG supplies calcium, promotes bone density and supports muscle recovery and growth via the metabolism.

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

Calcium alphaketoglutarate influences the ageing process in various ways and is associated with an extension of healthspan and possibly lifespan. A recent clinicalstudy provides concrete evidence of this effect.

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

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

These results are a promising indication of the potential of calcium alphaketoglutarate to influence the ageing process in humans. Although further research is needed, 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 alphaketoglutarate (AKG) and scientific advisor to neotes. His research laid the foundation for the development of neotes CaAKG. As a leading researcher at the University of Lund in Sweden, he has been studying the effects of AKG on the body for decades and has identified significant health benefits:

Absorption and bioavailability: Part of the AKG is broken down in the intestine – therefore the correct formulation, as with CaAKG, is decisive for its effectiveness.

Bone health: In studies, AKG reduced bone loss in women after the menopause and could prevent osteoporosis.

Distribution in the body: AKG is stored in the tissue and later excreted – an important factor for optimal dosage.

Muscle function: AKG has proven to be effective in the treatment of muscle weakness and could counteract musculoskeletal impairments.

His research shows the potential of AKG for longevity and medicine.

What does this mean for the future? Calcium alphaketoglutarate as an anti-ageing agent

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

With its comprehensive effect – from promoting mitochondrial function to reducing inflammation and supporting DNA repair processes – CaAKG could become a crucial building block for longevity. The 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 wrinkles. As a result, the skin can appear firmer and healthier even in old age.

In the future, CaAKG offers promising approaches to improve quality of life, delay age-related diseases and minimize the visible and invisible signs of aging.

Calcium alphaketoglutarate supplement in capsule form

Calcium alphaketoglutarate is available in both capsule and powder form. While the capsules are practical for on the go and have a neutral taste, the powder can be mixed well into smoothies or similar. However, it has a slightly sour or bitter taste, which many find unpleasant. To avoid the taste, neotes only offers Ca-AKG in capsules – a practical and tasteless solution for everyday use.

Are there any side effects when taking CaAKG?

Initial studies in humans and animals indicate that CaAKG is well tolerated and does not cause any serious side effects when taken in moderate doses. Rarely, gastrointestinal complaints may occur, especially at higher doses. Nevertheless, there are no comprehensive long-term studies that fully cover all possible effects.

As with any dietary supplement, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people who regularly take medication should consult a doctor before taking it.

Conclusion

Due to its positive effects on mitochondrial function, DNA repair and the reduction of age-related inflammation, calcium alphaketoglutarate (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 could not only improve the quality of life in old age, but also extend the health span. So it’s no wonder that personalities such as Bryan Johnson, a pioneer in the longevity community, and other well-known advocates of healthy ageing have already firmly integrated CaAKG into their everyday lives to promote their cellular health and vitality.

In the end, it remains a personal decision: Why not try out for yourself how calcium alphaketoglutarate affects your own vitality and personal well-being!

Expert knowledge on calcium alphaketoglutarate (CaAKG)
- AKG is a central component of the citric acid cycle (citrate cycle), which supports energy production in the mitochondria.
- It is the nitrogen-free part of the amino acid glutamine and a natural intermediate product in the metabolism.
- 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.
- Involved in the formation of L-glutamine, which is increasingly needed during sport, stress and infections.
- 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, which increases bioavailability and ensures that the molecule remains in the digestive tract for longer.

Sources:

• Elena Sandalova, Jorming Goh, Zi Xiang Lim, Zhi Meng Lim, Diogo Barardo, Rajkumar Dorajoo, Brian K. Kennedy & Andrea B. Maier.Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation and BiologicaL agE in middle-aged adults (ABLE)-intervention study protocol. Springer/Geroscience. 2023 .
• 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 .
• Azar Asadi Shahmirzadi, Daniel Edgar, Chen-Yu Liao, Brian K. Kennedy. Alpha-Ketoglutarate, an Endogenous Metabolite, Extends Lifespan and Compresses Morbidity in Aging Mice. Elsevier Inc. 2020 .
• Wu, N., Yang, M., Gaur, U., Xu, H., Yao, Y., & Li, D. Alpha-Ketoglutarate: Physiological Functions and Applications. Biomolecules & therapeutics, 24(1), 1-8. 2016 .
• Oleksandr Demidenko1 , Diogo Barardo2, Valery Budovskii1, Robb Finnemore3 , Francis R. Palmer III3 , Brian K. Kennedy2,3,4,5 , Yelena V. Budovskaya1.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.
• Little, Jonathan P 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 .