Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is a calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate of the Krebs cycle that cells use in energy metabolism.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What is Ca-AKG?
Ca-AKG is a calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutarate, a substance involved in the Krebs cycle, a pathway cells use in energy metabolism. AKG also participates in processes that alter DNA methylation, chemical marks used by some tests to estimate biological age. These roles explain the research interest; they do not establish a supplement benefit. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does Ca-AKG reverse aging?
The early study found a lower DNA-methylation age estimate without a placebo comparison. It did not demonstrate reversal of disease, longer life or improved physical function. 2
Why might AKG influence an aging clock?
AKG participates in DNA-demethylation processes. A change in a methylation-based clock may therefore need confirmation with other biological and clinical outcomes. 1 2
Has a placebo-controlled trial been planned?
Yes. ABLE specified six months of 1 g sustained-release Ca-AKG versus placebo. The 2025 paper cited here reports recruitment, not efficacy results. 1 3
Is the studied product just calcium?
No. It contains the calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutarate. The retrospective study also used sex-specific vitamin A or vitamin D formulations. 2
Alpha-Ketoglutarate