Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate

non-nutrient/non-botanicaloctyl alpha-ketoglutarate

What is it

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) is the calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutaric acid, a key intermediate in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle of cellular energy metabolism. It is marketed as a longevity supplement based on animal studies showing extended healthspan and lifespan.

How it works

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) participates in multiple critical cellular processes. As a Krebs cycle intermediate, it is central to energy production and amino acid metabolism. It also serves as a substrate for several dioxygenase enzymes that regulate gene expression, including ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes (involved in DNA demethylation), Jumonji-domain histone demethylases, and prolyl hydroxylases (regulating hypoxia-inducible factor stability). Research suggests AKG declines with age in many tissues, and supplementation may compensate for this decline by supporting these epigenetic regulators and metabolic processes. In animal studies, AKG supplementation has been shown to extend healthspan and median lifespan, reduce inflammation, support bone density, and improve various age-related parameters. The calcium component of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate provides additional calcium, which itself supports bone health. The combination is marketed specifically for healthy aging applications. Human clinical evidence remains very limited, with one small open-label trial reporting reductions in epigenetic aging markers, but rigorous controlled trials are lacking.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Bone health (calcium contribution)

Grade B

Good evidence

The calcium component contributes to overall calcium intake, which has established roles in bone health. AKG-specific bone effects are based on animal studies.

Muscle function and performance

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Some studies suggest AKG may support nitrogen retention and muscle function, particularly in older adults or recovery from illness. Evidence is limited.

Healthy aging biomarkers

Grade F

Limited evidence

A single small open-label trial reported reductions in DNA methylation age markers with CaAKG supplementation. Rigorous controlled trials in humans are lacking.

Lifespan extension

Grade F

Limited evidence

Strong animal evidence for extended healthspan and lifespan with AKG supplementation. Human evidence is essentially absent.

3 commercial forms

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate

Provides calcium plus AKG; absorption similar to other calcium salts.

The form used in the published human longevity study. Contains both calcium and AKG.

Sodium alpha-ketoglutarate

Sodium salt; alternative for those avoiding extra calcium.

Used in some research and supplements; provides AKG without additional calcium.

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG)

Combined with arginine; marketed for athletic performance.

Different application focus; provides arginine plus AKG. Limited evidence for athletic performance benefits.

Dosage

Common supplement doses are 1-2 grams per day, often divided. The single human longevity study used 1 gram per day. There is no established RDA. Higher doses (up to several grams daily) have been used in animal research but are not necessarily appropriate for humans.

When and how to take it

Take with meals to improve calcium absorption and reduce GI upset. Separate from medications that interact with calcium by at least 2 hours. Splitting the daily dose between two meals may improve calcium absorption and provide more sustained AKG levels. Effects, if any, on aging markers may take months to evaluate.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Most foods	AKG is endogenously produced in cellular metabolism; not typically discussed as a dietary intake target	—

Safety

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate appears well tolerated based on limited human use. Side effects may include mild gastrointestinal upset and headache. The calcium component adds to total calcium intake and may contribute to constipation or, at high cumulative levels, cardiovascular concerns about calcium excess.

Who should be cautious

People with hypercalcemia, kidney stones, or impaired kidney function should avoid or use cautiously due to calcium content. People taking other calcium supplements should consider total daily calcium intake (often aim for under 2000-2500 mg/day total). Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is not established. People with cancer should consult their oncologist due to limited evidence in this population.

Interactions

Calcium component may interact with tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics, bisphosphonates, levothyroxine, and iron supplements (reducing absorption); separate by at least 2 hours. Other AKG-specific interactions are not well characterized. Theoretical interactions with medications affecting cellular energy or epigenetic regulation.

Frequently asked questions

Does calcium alpha-ketoglutarate slow aging?⌄

Animal studies show effects on aging and lifespan with AKG supplementation. One small human study showed reductions in epigenetic age markers, but rigorous human trials are lacking. Claims should be approached cautiously.

How much calcium does it contain?⌄

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is roughly 15-18% calcium by weight. A 1 gram dose provides approximately 150-180 mg calcium. Factor this into your total daily calcium intake.

Is it the same as the AKG used in bodybuilding?⌄

Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (AAKG) is a different combination used in pre-workout supplements for performance. Calcium AKG is used primarily for longevity and bone health applications.

Should I take it with or without food?⌄

With food. This improves calcium absorption and reduces gastrointestinal upset. Spread the dose between meals if taking more than 1 gram daily.

Are there any side effects?⌄

Calcium AKG appears well tolerated in limited human use. The calcium component may contribute to constipation. Long-term safety beyond the small human study is not well characterized.

References

PubChem: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate — PubChem link
Wikidata: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate — Wikidata link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.