How Calcium AKG Reverses Biological Age and Extends Lifespa

Can Biohacking with Calcium AKG Help You Live to 100—In Good Health?

If a genie offered you three wishes, would you dare ask to live to 100? Many hesitate—not because they fear more birthdays, but because they imagine decades of declining health. The real wish is to live longer, in good health. That’s where biohacking meets science, and calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) steps into the spotlight.

TL;DR – Why Calcium AKG Is a Rising Star in Longevity Science

Calcium AKG (calcium alpha-ketoglutarate) is a compound that plays a crucial role in the Krebs cycle, energy production, and DNA methylation. Research shows that CaAKG may extend lifespan and improve healthspan by reducing inflammation, supporting cellular metabolism, and rejuvenating aging biomarkers like DNA methylation clocks. Clinical and animal studies suggest it can reduce frailty, enhance bone and skin health, and possibly reverse biological age by up to 8 years—all without major side effects.

What Is Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)?
Why Does AKG Decline with Age?
How Does Calcium AKG Extend Lifespan?
Daily Use Case: How Biohackers Take Calcium AKG
What Are the Benefits of Calcium AKG?
Is Calcium AKG Safe to Use?
Conclusion & Longevity Checklist
FAQs
Glossary of Terms
About the Author

Science Snapshot: Calcium AKG at a Glance

Metabolic Role: Key player in the Krebs cycle and cellular energy production.
Anti-Aging Effects: Promotes DNA methylation, reduces inflammaging, and supports tissue regeneration.
Longevity Studies: Increases lifespan by up to 20% in mammals; reverses biological age by 8 years in humans (methylation clock).
Safety: Naturally occurring, FDA GRAS status, and no observed adverse side effects.
Biohacking Potential: Enhances mitochondrial function, reduces senescent cell activity, and promotes muscle protein synthesis.
New Research: AKG improves skin hydration and barrier function in humans (Yang et al., 2022).

What Is Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)?

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a naturally occurring molecule discovered in 1937 as part of the citric acid (Krebs) cycle, the process our cells use to generate energy. It regulates energy production, aids in amino acid synthesis, and participates in DNA methylation—a key biohacking mechanism for healthy aging.

AKG also supports protein metabolism, acts as a nitrogen scavenger, and fuels gastrointestinal cells. However, AKG isn’t found in food, which makes supplementation a key strategy for boosting levels.

AKG has been used in several human clinical trials related to kidney disease, wound healing, and trauma recovery (Filip, 2007; Jeevanandam and Petersen, 1999; Riedel et al., 1996). It contributes to detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing antioxidant defenses (Bayliak et al., 2022).

Why Does AKG Decline with Age?

Human plasma AKG levels decline approximately tenfold between the ages of 40 and 80 (Harrison and Pierzynowski, 2008). This steep drop impairs metabolism, cellular repair, muscle recovery, and immune responses—all critical for longevity.

CaAKG supplementation is one of the few feasible ways to restore youthful levels and sustain biological functions involved in healthy aging. Recent evidence also shows skin hydration and barrier integrity improve with AKG (Yang et al., 2022).

How Does Calcium AKG Extend Lifespan?

Can Calcium AKG Reverse Biological Age?

CaAKG (calcium-bound alpha-ketoglutarate) is a stable and bioavailable form of AKG used in anti-aging studies. According to research inspired by Dr. David Sinclair, mice given CaAKG at midlife lived up to 20% longer and showed fewer signs of frailty.

These signs included:

Improved fur quality and hair density
Reduced spine curvature
Fewer signs of dermatitis, eye discharge, and tumors

What Role Does DNA Methylation Play?

DNA methylation is how your body regulates gene expression—turning protective processes on or off. CaAKG supports optimal methylation, reversing age-related decline and rejuvenating cellular behavior.

In one human study (published in the journal Aging), participants taking CaAKG daily for seven months showed an average reversal of 8 biological years, measured via TruAge’s DNA methylation clock showing it is an effective supplement for longevity.

Daily Use Case: How Biohackers Take Calcium AKG

Most biohackers who supplement with calcium AKG begin with 300–1000mg daily, taken in the morning on an empty stomach or with light food to promote absorption. Many combine CaAKG with NAD+ precursors like NMN or NR to synergize energy production and epigenetic repair.

Some daily protocols may also include:

Intermittent fasting or cold exposure for mitochondrial health
Protein cycling to reduce ammonia load while supporting muscle
Exercise regimens tailored to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis

CaAKG fits into biohacking stacks aimed at reducing inflammation, increasing vitality, and supporting long-term anti-aging goals.

What Are the Benefits of Calcium AKG?

How Does CaAKG Support Energy, Metabolism, and Immunity?

CaAKG regulates the Krebs cycle to optimise cellular energy production, enhancing mitochondrial efficiency and reducing fatigue. It also detoxifies ammonia—a byproduct of protein metabolism—supporting muscle recovery and antioxidant capacity.

Studies also show that AKG supplementation promotes wound healing, immunity, and faster post-surgical recovery (Grzesiak et al., 2016; Cai et al., 2016).

How Does CaAKG Combat Inflammaging?

Calcium AKG suppresses inflammatory molecules secreted by senescent cells (SASP), reducing chronic low-grade inflammation associated with aging ("inflammaging").

How Does It Benefit Muscle, Bone, and Skin Health?

AKG-derived compounds like glutamine and glutamate stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit protein breakdown. CaAKG supports skeletal muscle repair, increases bone mass, and improves hair and skin quality—crucial for functional longevity.

Recent data suggests AKG also improves skin hydration and barrier function, making it a novel longevity nutrient for dermatological health (Yang et al., 2022).

Extended Research: Mechanisms, Doses, and Applications

AKG stands out among longevity compounds like rapamycin or metformin for several reasons:

It is naturally produced in the body
It has high aqueous solubility
It is completely metabolised, with no excretion in urine or feces
Certain forms like Ca-AKG can cross cell membranes, with differing diffusion rates

These features likely explain why AKG tends to have fewer side effects across trials.

Dose-Dependent Effects in Animal Models

C. elegans: 8 mM AKG increased lifespan by ~50% (Chin et al., 2014)
Drosophila (fruit flies): 10 mM AKG extended lifespan 23% in females, 2.8% in males (Lylyk et al., 2018a)
Mouse models: 1 mM CaAKG increased mean lifespan 10% in females, 5% in males (Shahmirzadi et al., 2020)
Human study: CaAKG reduced biological age by 6.98 years in women, 8.44 years in men (Demidenko et al., 2021)

Sex-specific responses suggest hormonal interactions with AKG longevity pathways.

Therapeutic and Regenerative Potential

Wound Healing: O-AKG reduced recovery time in burn patients (Coudray-Lucas et al., 2000)
Gut Health: Supports intestinal immunity and microbiota balance (Chen et al., 2017)
Neuroprotection: AKG-derived glutamate and GABA influence memory, cognition, and possibly Parkinson’s outcomes
Bone Density: CaAKG raised BMD by 1.6% in postmenopausal women after 6 months (Filip, 2007)
Fertility: Boosts embryo quality and ovarian reserve; promising for assisted reproductive tech (ART)
Stem Cell Modulation: Enhances differentiation and self-renewal—useful for regenerative medicine

Mechanistic Insights and Limitations

While promising, optimal doses are still debated. Too low or too high levels may impair mitochondrial function or fuel glucose/glutamine in cancer cells. Some derivatives like AAKG (arginine-AKG) may cause excess nitric oxide or hormonal effects in certain populations.

Still, the breadth of AKG’s influence—from mitochondria to fertility—makes it a central molecule in both anti-aging science and biohacking strategy.

Is Calcium AKG Safe to Use?

AKG is a compound our bodies naturally produce. CaAKG is simply AKG delivered in a stable, calcium-bound form. It has been used medically for:

Supporting kidney function
Reducing muscle loss after surgery
Preventing heart tissue injury during surgery

It’s not found in the diet, but fasting and exercise can mildly boost production. Supplementation is the most direct route, and the FDA has granted AKG GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status. No major side effects have been observed in trials.

"I believe that in the future, delaying and reversing aging will be the best way to treat the diseases that plague most of us." — Dr. David A. Sinclair

Where to buy Calcium-AKG?

Youth & Earth has been stocking Calcium AKG for years and is proud to be one of the world’s leading longevity supplement companies. Our CaAKG is affordably priced, available in the US, UK, and Europe—and we ship worldwide. You can purchase directly from our website and join thousands optimising their health through biohacking.

Conclusion & Longevity Checklist

Calcium AKG offers a unique entry point into biohacking longevity through metabolic and epigenetic support. Backed by human and animal studies, this supplement appears to not only extend lifespan but improve healthspan—potentially compressing years of illness into a shorter final stage of life.

Biohacking Checklist: How CaAKG Supports Longevity

Reverses DNA methylation age markers
Enhances mitochondrial energy output
Suppresses senescent cell inflammation
Supports skeletal and muscle repair
Improves skin, bone, and immune health
Detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Speeds up recovery from wounds and surgery

If you're looking to optimise aging at the cellular level, calcium AKG might just be your genie-free wish.

FAQs

How does biohacking with CaAKG promote anti-aging?

Calcium AKG supports DNA methylation, cellular metabolism, and inflammation control—key mechanisms for slowing biological aging.

Can CaAKG really reverse aging?

Human studies suggest it can reduce biological age markers by up to 8 years via DNA methylation tests.

When should I start taking CaAKG?

Levels drop significantly after age 40, so midlife may be an ideal time to begin supplementation.

Is calcium AKG the same as AKG?

Calcium AKG is a stable, bioavailable form of alpha-ketoglutarate. It combines AKG with calcium for better absorption.

Can I get AKG from food?

No. AKG is not found in dietary sources. Supplementation is the most effective way to restore declining levels.

Glossary of Terms

AKG (Alpha-Ketoglutarate): A molecule involved in the Krebs cycle, essential for cellular energy, antioxidant function, and metabolic regulation.
Calcium AKG (CaAKG): A stable, bioavailable form of AKG bonded to calcium, used in anti-aging research and supplementation.
Krebs Cycle: A fundamental energy-production pathway in the mitochondria that converts nutrients into ATP.
DNA Methylation: An epigenetic mechanism that switches genes on or off, often used as a biomarker for biological aging.
Senescent Cells: Aged or damaged cells that have stopped dividing and secrete inflammatory compounds.
Inflammaging: The chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules generated by metabolism that can damage cells and DNA if not neutralized.
BMD (Bone Mineral Density): A measurement of the mineral content in bones, used to evaluate bone strength and risk for osteoporosis.
O-AKG (Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate): A form of AKG combined with the amino acid ornithine, known for aiding wound healing, protein metabolism, and post-trauma recovery.
FDA (Food and Drug Administration): The United States agency that regulates food, drugs, dietary supplements, and medical products.
GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe): An FDA status indicating that a substance is widely accepted as safe for consumption based on scientific evidence and expert agreement.

About the Author

Ed Van Harmelen is the founder of Youth & Earth and a passionate advocate for biohacking and anti-aging since 2017. He has been featured in numerous podcasts and wellness publications for his insights on longevity, biohacking, and the science behind supplements. Ed is widely regarded as a pioneer in bringing cutting-edge anti-aging tools to everyday consumers, making the benefits of advanced biohacking science both accessible and actionable. He is also the founder of optimallyme.com, which is a leading B2B health optimisation platform, and V14, an all-in-one longevity supplement.

Last Updated: Sunday, July 27, 2025, 02:50 PM BST