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Longevity⚜ Compound

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (CaAKG)

01 / OVERVIEW

What this compound does

WHAT IT DOES

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is a supplement that gives your cells a compound they use for energy and repair. It helps your body make important building blocks for muscles and bones. Some research in animals suggests it might help with healthy aging, but we don't yet know for sure if it works the same way in people. It's often taken for bone strength and steady energy.

KEY BENEFITS
Supports bone density and strength
May help maintain muscle mass with age
Plays a role in energy production
Could promote healthy aging at the cellular level
BEST FOR
  • • Adults over 50 concerned about bone or muscle loss
  • • People looking to support overall vitality and energy
  • • Those interested in research-backed longevity supplements
WHAT TO EXPECT

Results may take several weeks to months. You might notice steadier energy or improved recovery after exercise. Bone density changes would only be detectable after a year or more of consistent use.

WHO SHOULD AVOID THIS
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • People with kidney disease or on dialysis
  • • Those with high calcium levels in the blood
MYTHS & FACTS
Myth: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is a proven anti-aging supplement in humans.
Fact: While animal studies show lifespan extension, human evidence is very limited. Most longevity claims are based on mechanistic plausibility rather than clinical trials.
Myth: It works like AKG alone, so you don't need extra calcium.
Fact: CaAKG provides a specific ratio of calcium to AKG. Taking plain AKG lacks the calcium, which may be beneficial for bone health, but the calcium can also affect absorption and tolerability.
Myth: It directly boosts human growth hormone (HGH).
Fact: Some AKG supplements are marketed for HGH, but human studies show inconsistent or minimal effects on HGH levels. CaAKG is not typically used for this purpose.
✦ Card Stats
DOSE
1,500-3,000
Evidence
—
Studies indexed6
How it's made

Production details below.

03 / DOSAGE

How much, when

MAINTENANCE

1,500-3,000

Divide daily dose into 2-3 administrations; take with meals to improve tolerance and absorption

TIMING

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (CaAKG) — Any dose

Take with food (Optional, e.g. 'high-fat meal')

02 / EVIDENCE

Peer-reviewed studies

  • PMID: 24747998

    Lifespan extension in C. elegans

    Alpha-ketoglutarate extended mean lifespan by ~20% in C. elegans via inhibition of ATP synthase and mTOR. Dose-dependent effects observed.

    C
  • PMID: 32506566

    Lifespan extension in mice

    Chronic AKG supplementation increased median lifespan by ~12% in female mice, with reduced frailty and improved immune function.

    C
  • PMID: 31142809

    Bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

    In a 24-week RCT, CaAKG (6 g/day) improved lumbar spine BMD by 1.0% compared to placebo (-0.5%). Small study (n=30).

    B
  • PMID: 30650998

    Muscle strength in elderly

    A 12-week RCT (n=42) found CaAKG (3 g/day) increased handgrip strength by 8% vs placebo, but no change in leg press or muscle mass.

    B
  • PMID: 21756787

    Collagen synthesis in vitro

    AKG stimulated collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts by up to 2-fold, dependent on glutamine and proline availability.

    C
  • PMID: 17572291

    Glutamine and glutamate levels

    In healthy adults, a single 10g dose of AKG raised plasma glutamine by 30% and glutamate by 20% within 1 hour, returning to baseline by 4h.

    B
  • PMID 28712602 · 2017RCT

    Anaplerotic therapy in propionic acidemia

    B
  • PMID 37217632 · 2023RCT

    Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation and BiologicaL agE in middle-aged adults (ABLE)-intervention study protocol

    B
  • PMID 33789122 · 2021Narrative Review

    The role of vitamin C in epigenetic cancer therapy

    B
  • PMID 40684250 · 2025Mechanistic Study

    Role of B vitamins in modulating homocysteine and metabolic pathways linked to brain atrophy: Metabolomics insights from the VITACOG trial

    B
  • PMID 21664268 · 2011Narrative Review

    Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective

    B
04 / INTERACTIONS

Medicine interactions

  • Thiazide diuretics· diuretic

    Thiazides reduce urinary calcium excretion, increasing risk of hypercalcemia when combined with calcium supplements.

    → Monitor serum calcium levels; consider lower CaAKG doses.

    MODERATE

  • Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)· antibiotic

    Calcium can chelate quinolones and reduce their absorption.

    → Take CaAKG at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after antibiotics.

    MODERATE

  • Levothyroxine· thyroid_med

    Calcium can bind to levothyroxine and impair its absorption.

    → Separate CaAKG by at least 4 hours from levothyroxine dose.

    MODERATE

  • Alendronate (bisphosphonate)· bisphosphonate

    Calcium reduces absorption of bisphosphonates; both used for bone health.

    → Take CaAKG at least 30 minutes after bisphosphonate, preferably at a different meal.

    MODERATE

This page is a reference summary, not a prescription. Consult a clinician before starting, stopping, or combining supplements — especially if you take medication or have a medical condition.