Longevity
Ca-AKG — timing, dose & interactions
Krebs-cycle metabolite whose blood levels fall with age. Calcium AKG extended lifespan and shortened late-life frailty in mice. Human evidence so far is an uncontrolled report on epigenetic-clock age; a placebo-controlled trial is under way.
Also known as: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate, Alpha-ketoglutarate, AKG
Timing
When to take it
Morning, with or without food. It is a calcium salt — 1 g provides roughly 200 mg of calcium — so space it from iron and thyroid medication as you would calcium.
Interactions
Ca-AKG with other supplements
Safety
Medications & health conditions
The calcium in Ca-AKG reduces levothyroxine absorption. Ca-AKG is a calcium salt, and calcium binds levothyroxine in the gut. Keep it at least 4 hours away from your thyroid medication.
The calcium in Ca-AKG blocks absorption of these antibiotics. Calcium binds tetracycline and quinolone antibiotics in the gut, which can make the antibiotic less effective. Typically take the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Ca-AKG — follow the drug's label.
Ca-AKG: no safety data in pregnancy. Ca-AKG has not been studied for safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid unless your clinician recommends it.
Buying guide
What to look for on the label
Ca-AKG
- Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate — the form used in the mouse lifespan study
- Count its calcium toward your daily total
FAQ
Common questions
When is the best time to take Ca-AKG?
Breakfast. Morning, with or without food. It is a calcium salt — 1 g provides roughly 200 mg of calcium — so space it from iron and thyroid medication as you would calcium.
Should Ca-AKG be taken with food?
It can be taken with or without food. Morning, with or without food. It is a calcium salt — 1 g provides roughly 200 mg of calcium — so space it from iron and thyroid medication as you would calcium.
Can you take Ca-AKG with Iron?
Take them at different times — Ca-AKG is a calcium salt, and calcium blunts iron absorption. Keep them about 2 hours apart — for example iron on waking and Ca-AKG with lunch.
Can you take Ca-AKG with Calcium?
Yes, but count the calcium in Ca-AKG (about 200 mg per gram) toward your daily total. Keep total calcium from food and supplements under the adult upper limit of 2,000–2,500 mg/day (depending on age). Many people on Ca-AKG can lower their separate calcium dose.
Sources
References
- 01Asadi Shahmirzadi A et al. Alpha-ketoglutarate, an endogenous metabolite, extends lifespan and compresses morbidity in aging mice. Cell Metab 2020.
- 02Demidenko O et al. Rejuvant, a potential life-extending compound formulation with alpha-ketoglutarate and vitamins, conferred an average 8 year reduction in biological aging (retrospective, uncontrolled). Aging 2021.
- 03Sandalova E et al. Alpha-ketoglutarate supplementation and BiologicaL agE in middle-aged adults (ABLE) — intervention study protocol. GeroScience 2023.