Alpha-ketoglutarate
Also called: AKG, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG)
A compound your cells make while turning food into energy. Levels drop with age, and it's being studied for healthy aging, mostly in animals so far.
Medical Disclaimer
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Healthy aging (mostly animal research)
- Muscle and exercise support (limited evidence)
- Bone health (early research)
Found naturally in
- Your body makes it while turning food into energy
- Food isn't a meaningful source
Label red flags
- Anti-aging promises based mainly on animal studies
- AAKG workout products sold as if they were the same as Ca-AKG
Check with a provider
- Long-term safety in people isn't well studied
- Kidney disease. Use only with your care team.
- History of kidney stones or high blood calcium (calcium form)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Herpes outbreaks or low blood pressure (arginine form)
Usually found in healthy-aging formulas, workout and sports products. Browse the Lesher Wellness store
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.