Calcium Alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) is an intermediate metabolite of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and participates in the synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and organic acids and energy metabolism. It can be used as a dietary supplement and has broad application prospects. In addition to its biological functions in the human body, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is also widely used in the pharmaceutical field and has become an important component of many health products and medical solutions.
What is alpha-ketoglutarate?
AKG is a naturally occurring endogenous intermediary metabolite that is part of the Krebs cycle, meaning our own bodies produce it. The supplement industry also produces a synthetic version that is chemically identical to naturally produced AKG.
What does AKG do?
AKG is a molecule involved in many metabolic and cellular pathways. It serves as an energy donor, precursor for amino acid production and cell signaling molecule, and is a modulator of epigenetic processes. It is a key molecule in the Krebs cycle, regulating the overall speed of the organism's citric acid cycle. It works in various pathways in the body to help build muscle and aid in wound healing, which is one of the reasons it's popular in the bodybuilding world.
AKG also acts as a nitrogen scavenger, preventing nitrogen overload and preventing the build-up of excess ammonia. It is also a great source of glutamate and glutamine, which stimulate protein synthesis in muscles and inhibit protein degradation.
In addition, it regulates the 10-11 translocation (TET) enzyme involved in DNA demethylation and the Jumonji C domain-containing lysine demethylase, which is the major histone demethylase. In this way, it is an important player in gene regulation and expression.
Can AKG delay aging?
There is evidence that AKG can influence aging, and many studies show that this is the case. A 2014 study showed that AKG extended the lifespan of adult C. elegans by approximately 50% by inhibiting ATP synthase and target of rapamycin (TOR).
In this study, we found that AKG not only extends lifespan but also delays certain age-related phenotypes, such as the loss of rapid coordinated body movements common in aged C. elegans. To understand how AKG affects aging, we will describe the mechanisms by which AKG inhibits ATP synthase and TOR to extend lifespan in C. elegans and possibly other species.
How calcium alpha-ketoglutarate works
First, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate plays an important role in energy metabolism. As an intermediate product of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), calcium α-ketoglutarate participates in the intracellular energy production process. Through the TCA cycle, nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are oxidized and decomposed to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to provide energy for cells. As an important intermediate in the TCA cycle, calcium α-ketoglutarate can promote cell energy metabolism, increase the body's energy level, help enhance physical strength and endurance, and improve physical fatigue.
Secondly, calcium α-ketoglutarate plays an important role in amino acid metabolism. Amino acids are the basic units of protein, and calcium α-ketoglutarate is involved in the conversion and metabolism of amino acids. In the process of converting amino acids into other metabolites, calcium α-ketoglutarate transaminates with amino acids to generate new amino acids or α-keto acids, thus regulating the balance and utilization of amino acids. In addition, calcium α-ketoglutarate can also serve as an oxidation substrate for amino acids, participate in the oxidative metabolism of amino acids, and produce energy and carbon dioxide. Therefore, calcium α-ketoglutarate is of great significance in maintaining the homeostasis of amino acids and protein metabolism in the body.
In addition, calcium alpha-ketoglutarate acts as an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and protects cells from oxidative damage. At the same time, calcium α-ketoglutarate can also regulate the function of the immune system, promote the activation and proliferation of immune cells, and enhance the body's resistance to disease and infection. Therefore, calcium α-ketoglutarate is of great significance in maintaining the body's immune balance and resisting diseases.
Research on the effects of calcium α-ketoglutarate on aging
Aging affects us all and is a risk factor for many diseases, and according to Medicare industry demographics, the probability of getting sick increases with age.
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is an essential metabolite in our body, known for the cell's role in the Krebs cycle, a cycle essential for the oxidation of fatty acids and amino acids, allowing mitochondria to produce ATP (ATP is energy source of cells).
Which involves the loading of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate process, so calcium alpha-ketoglutarate can also be converted into glutamate and then into glutamine, which can help stimulate the synthesis of protein and collagen (collagen is a A fibrous protein that makes up 1/3 of all protein in the body and helps support bone, skin and muscle health).
Calcium α-ketoglutarate, as a multifunctional nutritional supplement, has broad application prospects in health care products. Its various biological functions such as antioxidant, anti-aging, immune regulation and amino acid metabolism make it a powerful tool to improve human health. With the increasing awareness of health care and the deepening of scientific research, it is believed that the application of α-ketoglutarate calcium in the field of health care products will receive more attention and development.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be construed as any medical advice. Some of the blog post information comes from the Internet and is not professional. This website is only responsible for sorting, formatting and editing articles. The purpose of conveying more information does not mean that you agree with its views or confirm the authenticity of its content. Always consult a health care professional before using any supplements or making changes to your health care regimen.
Post time: Oct-15-2024
