Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG)

Alpha-ketoglutarate, or AKG for short, is a natural component of human metabolism and plays a significant role in energy metabolism and optimal cell function.

AKG is involved in the body's own energy production, the formation of amino acids, nitrogen balance, ammonia breakdown, and cell regeneration. The combination of AKG with calcium (Ca-AKG) increases its bioavailability in the body.

Since the body's own AKG levels decrease with age, the substance is increasingly coming into focus in modern health and longevity research.

Below you will learn what AKG – contained in the Longevity Formula REVIVE – is, how it works in the body, why it is important for energy and metabolism, and what role the calcium compound Ca-AKG plays in this.

AKG is a naturally occurring molecule in human metabolism, produced in the citric acid cycle. This cycle takes place in the mitochondria and is crucial for extracting energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When this process is slowed down, it directly impacts energy production.

AKG performs several key functions in the body:

- Part of the citric acid cycle and thus involved in energy production

- Breakdown and utilization of fatty acids

- Nitrogen and ammonia balance

- Starting material for the formation of the amino acid L-glutamine

- Necessary for numerous enzymes that build proteins and connective tissue

- Cell regeneration and renewal

Ca-AKG, the compound of calcium with AKG, offers greater stability and bioavailability compared to pure AKG. In addition to improved bioavailability, the combination with calcium also brings other noticeable advantages.

Calcium fulfills several basic functions in the body and contributes, among other things, to normal energy metabolism, normal muscle function, the function of digestive enzymes and the maintenance of normal bones.

These properties complement the role of AKG in metabolism, as AKG itself is closely linked to energy production, amino acid balance, and cellular processes.

The body's own production of AKG is linked to metabolic activity. With increasing age, the citric acid cycle slows down, which also reduces AKG production. Studies show that older people have significantly lower AKG levels than younger adults.

A low AKG level can manifest itself through, among other things:

• lower energy production
• slowed metabolism
• higher ammonia and nitrogen stress
• less efficient protein biosynthesis
• reduced regenerative capacity

These changes are among the typical characteristics of aging.

Energy production in the citric acid cycle

AKG is one of the key molecules of the citric acid cycle. Without sufficient amounts, this cycle, which takes place in our cells, can slow down. This slows down energy production in the body, particularly affecting organs with high energy demands such as the heart, brain, and muscles.

Protein metabolism and amino acid formation

AKG is needed to convert ammonia into the amino acid L-glutamine. Glutamine is one of the most important amino acids for the immune system, intestinal barrier function, regeneration, and muscles. During exercise, stress, or infections, for example, glutamine consumption increases significantly.

Nitrogen and ammonia balance

AKG supports the breakdown of ammonia, which is produced during protein metabolism. Sufficient AKG availability helps to maintain a stable internal metabolic balance.

Regeneration and tissue building

Through its role in amino acid metabolism and collagen synthesis, AKG supports repair processes, connective tissue and the structure of skin and muscles.

Supporting collagen formation

Collagen is essential for skin, joints, and bones, and gives firmness and elasticity to all connective tissue. With increasing age, natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to a loss of skin firmness and changes in connective tissue, among other things.

AKG supports the activity of those enzymes involved in collagen formation, thus counteracting the degradation processes associated with aging.

Because of these properties, Ca-AKG is increasingly being considered in connection with supporting skin structure and connective tissue.

This is one of the reasons why Ca-AKG is also discussed in the longevity community in the context of "internal skincare".

Ca-AKG is one of the most intensively studied molecules in the anti-aging context. Studies on model organisms and initial human trials provide several indications that Ca-AKG can positively influence our longevity.

Potential health benefits in the longevity context:

Protection against chronic inflammation (inflammaging)

As we age, silent inflammation increases in the body - a process known as "inflammaging".
AKG has a regulatory effect on inflammatory factors and can improve the balance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory signals.

As a result, Ca-AKG supports a stable and balanced cellular environment - a key factor for healthy aging.

Energy production in the mitochondria

The decline in mitochondrial performance decreases with age, which is often associated with the hallmarks of aging .

Studies show that Ca-AKG:
• improves mitochondrial efficiency
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Metabolic processes stabilized

This allows the body to provide energy more efficiently and to react more resiliently to stress overall.

Epigenetic stability and biological aging

AKG is involved in processes that regulate how cells use their genetic information. This regulation is a natural part of the aging process and influences how well cells function in the long term—which is significant for biological age.

One of the best-known studies in this context is the Rejuvant study , in which calcium-AKG was supplemented over several months. The result:
A significant reduction in epigenetic age (measured by DNAm tests) in middle-aged and older adults.

Although further studies are needed, Ca-AKG is considered one of the most promising substances that can intervene in epigenetic aging processes.

Longevity in model organisms

Several animal studies show that AKG can extend lifespan by up to 30% – particularly through:

• reduced inflammatory markers
• more stable mitochondria
• improved cell repair
• more favorable epigenetic profiles

The extent to which these effects are fully transferable to humans is currently being investigated in clinical trials.

Ca-AKG is a promising active ingredient in longevity research. Since the body's own AKG levels decrease with age, Ca-AKG, as a stable and readily available form of AKG, is increasingly becoming the focus of research.

Study results such as the significant reduction in biological age in humans and life-extending results in animals make it one of the most exciting molecules in the longevity field.