Origin & tradition
Not traditional: AKG is an endogenous metabolite now studied as a longevity supplement.
Western tradition · Metabolite
Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)
A TCA-cycle metabolite that suppresses mTOR, co-factors DNA demethylation, and showed biological-age reduction in a 2023 human RCT.
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Why longevity buyers care
Key active: Alpha-ketoglutarate — TCA cycle metabolite & mTOR suppressor.
AKG is a co-substrate for TET enzymes (DNA demethylation) and an mTOR suppressor. A 2023 RCT by Rejuvant found a median 5.1-year reduction in biological (epigenetic) age over 7 months in older adults. Animal studies show lifespan extension in flies and worms.
Effect summary
Studied health outcomes
Editorial summary — This table is curated by hand from published research consensus, not automatically calculated from our trial database. Grades reflect our interpretation of the literature. Treat as a starting point, not a definitive verdict. See the Evidence panel below for the underlying trial and paper counts sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed.
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological age markers (epigenetic) | Decreases | Minor | C |
| TET enzyme DNA methylation activity | Increases | Moderate | C |
| Healthspan (animal models) | Increases | Moderate | D |
| Muscle recovery (sports use) | Increases | Minor | C |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
How Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) is typically used
- Typical dose
- 1,000–3,000 mg/day
- Form
- capsule or powder (AKG or Ca-AKG)
- Timing
- morning or pre-meal
Ca-AKG (calcium alpha-ketoglutarate) is the most-studied form for longevity. Bryan Johnson's Blueprint protocol uses 2g/day. AKG is also a standard sports supplement at 2–6g around exercise.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
What the research actually says
73Evidence confidence
Extensive human-trial evidence102 randomized controlled trials · 106 meta-analyses / systematic reviews
Promising early human RCT (epigenetic age); strong preclinical
AKG is a co-substrate for TET enzymes (DNA demethylation) and an mTOR suppressor. A 2023 RCT by Rejuvant found a median 5.1-year reduction in biological (epigenetic) age over 7 months in older adults. Animal studies show lifespan extension in flies and worms.
21registered clinical trials reference this intervention
3selected from 3+ PubMed papers (longevity / aging angle)
Key active: Alpha-ketoglutarate — TCA cycle metabolite & mTOR suppressor.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-06-12. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) appears in
Compare the evidence
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Compare the evidence
How Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) stacks up
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