Do you want to be young again? (The role of alpha-ketoglutarate in ageing and longevity)

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a small molecule naturally present in our body. During ageing, levels of AKG decline.

 Alpha-ketoglutarate is used by the mitochondria, which convert this substance into energy, but alpha-ketoglutarate has various other functions in the body.

How alpha-ketoglutarate extends lifespan

Alpha-ketoglutarate has multiple effects on the ageing process. Firstly, it has epigenetic effects, which impact the molecular machinery surrounding DNA that determines which genes are activated or suppressed. As we age, the epigenome becomes dysregulated, which contributes to ageing. Alpha-ketoglutarate can help to regulate the epigenome by activating the TET enzyme, which requires vitamin C to function properly. Also, alpha-ketoglutarate is involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and can help cells maintain metabolic flexibility. It also improves mitochondrial health and activates AMPK, which is important for metabolic and longevity regulation.

Furthermore, alpha-ketoglutarate aids the body in detoxification by helping to eliminate ammonia, a waste product that can accumulate in the body. It may also provide energy and endurance by fueling the mitochondria. Alpha-ketoglutarate is involved in maintaining stem cell health and bone and gut metabolism, and calcium alpha-ketoglutarate can aid in collagen production and reduce fibrosis, promoting healthy, youthful skin.