Last verified: 17 days ago
Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Also known as: AKG, α-Ketoglutarate, α-KG, 2-Oxoglutaric acid, Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
TCA cycle molecule with anti-aging buzz but no proven human benefits yet.
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What it does
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a naturally occurring molecule your body makes as part of the energy-producing tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In lab and animal studies, it acts as an antioxidant,...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a naturally occurring molecule your body makes as part of the energy-producing tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In lab and animal studies, it acts as an antioxidant, helps regulate inflammation, and may influence how genes are switched on or off as we age. Human clinical trial data is extremely limited — one ongoing RCT is testing 1 g/day in middle-aged adults, but results are not yet available.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to extend human lifespan — a rigorous mouse study found no lifespan benefit. No proven anti-aging effect in humans. Not a muscle-builder or fat-burner. No solid evidence it improves cognition or energy in people. Don't confuse animal or test-tube findings with real human results.
Evidence-Based Benefits
AKG is a core part of the body's energy metabolism cycle, naturally produced in every cell.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
AKG reduces oxidative stress markers and supports antioxidant enzymes in animal models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
AKG suppresses inflammatory signaling and promotes anti-inflammatory immune cell activity in lab studies.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic or absorption data provided in the available studies. Oral supplementation is being tested in sustained-release form (calcium AKG), but absorption data in humans is not established from these papers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- A rigorous multi-site mouse study (ITP) found AKG did NOT extend lifespan — directly contradicting many marketing claims
- No completed human RCT results are available yet; the main ongoing trial (ABLE) has not reported outcomes
- Widely sold in 1000+ supplement products despite a near-total absence of human efficacy data
- Animal and cell-culture findings are frequently overstated in marketing as if they apply directly to humans
- Optimal dose, long-term safety, and tissue-specific effects in humans are completely unknown
Products Containing Alpha-Ketoglutarate
See how Alpha-Ketoglutarate is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Alpha-Ketoglutarate do?
TCA cycle molecule with anti-aging buzz but no proven human benefits yet.
What is the effective dose of Alpha-Ketoglutarate?
No established dose from provided studies
Is Alpha-Ketoglutarate safe?
A rigorous multi-site mouse study (ITP) found AKG did NOT extend lifespan — directly contradicting many marketing claims
What doesn't Alpha-Ketoglutarate do?
Not proven to extend human lifespan — a rigorous mouse study found no lifespan benefit.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25