AKG, also known as alpha-ketoglutaric acid, is an important intermediate metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The endogenous substance is found in human bodies but not available in our normal diet, so it can only be taken as a supplement. AKG has many effects: it participates in energy metabolism, improves mitochondrial function, and participates in protein synthesis. It has significant effects on improving physical fitness and health and is favored by fitness enthusiasts. In 2014, Professor Brian Kennedy, former CEO of the Buck Institute for Aging, David Sinclair's brother, and Singapore's anti-aging master, published a paper in the top issue of Nature announcing that AKG can extend the life span of roundworms by more than 50%, proving its great potential in anti-aging.
Overview
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AKG is involved in energy metabolism.
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AKG improves mitochondrial function.
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AKG is involved in protein synthesis.
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AKG prevents excessive accumulation of ammonia in the body.
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AKG inhibits the expression of ATP synthase and the activation of mTOR. AKG activates AMPK.
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AKG indirectly activates Sirtuins. AKG helps TET work properly.
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AKG has many other benefits.
AKG and Anti-Aging
AKG is an important intermediate metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that participates in the energy metabolism process, promotes the oxidative decomposition of glucose, produces ATP, and provides energy. Our bodies naturally contain a certain amount of AKG. But as we age and develop diseases, AKG levels in our bodies gradually decrease, with studies showing that human plasma AKG levels drop about 10 times between the ages of 40 and 80. AKG supplementation is therefore essential to fighting aging and maintaining good health.
Studies have found that AKG is involved in amino acid metabolism and is a transporter of amino acids. It binds to amino acids through transamination to form the corresponding amide, then participates in protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is a key process in maintaining cell health and function, and AKG promotes stem cell health, stimulates stem cell proliferation, regulates bone and intestinal metabolism, promotes muscle growth and health, and prevents muscle loss due to aging. In addition, AKG is involved in the binding of nitrogen in cells, which can also prevent excessive accumulation of nitrogen in the body and reduce damage to the body caused by increased nitrite content in the blood. These functions significant factors in anti-aging.
Mitochondrial damage is one of the important causes of aging. AKG provides energy for mitochondria, promotes mitochondrial energy metabolism and protein synthesis, improves the antioxidant capacity of mitochondria, and reduces the generation and damage done by free radicals. All to protect mitochondria from oxidative stress damage, thus delaying aging.
Moreover, AKG reduces the level of ATP and blocks the activation of mTOR by inhibiting the expression of ATP synthetase. mTOR is a serine/ threonine protein kinase involved in regulating cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, protein synthesis, and other functions. Blocking the mTOR signaling pathway can inhibit cell proliferation, delay the cell cycle, promote autophagy, reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste, maintain cell health, and thus help alleviate cell aging and extend the human life span. These effects are shown in a 2014 article by Professor Brian Kennedy, published in Nature, entitled "The metabolite α-ketoglutarate extends lifespan by inhibiting ATP synthase and TOR".
AKG can indirectly activate Sirtuins longevity proteins and AMPK. AMPK is a protein kinase, which is a key molecule in the regulation of intracellular energy metabolism. It is involved in the regulation of cell growth, reproduction, and autophagy, promotes the absorption and oxidation of glucose, inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, promotes the oxidation of fatty acids, and is closely related to the recovery from cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other diseases. The activation of AMPK delays cell aging and reduces oxidative stress, which helps to maintain the health of cells and tissues and fight aging. AKG can also improve epigenetics by encouraging an important enzyme called TET to work properly and reverse the epigenome to a younger state.
The anti-aging community has great hopes for AKG, and many animal experiments on the substance have shown amazing effects in the field.
AKG and Overall Health
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AKG and Overall Health
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AKG provides energy, relieves fatigue, and enhances physical fitness.
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AKG boosts metabolism, speeds up fat breakdown and consumption, and promotes weight loss.
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AKG controls blood sugar and lipid levels to alleviate cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
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AKG boosts immunity and reduces the risk of disease.
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AKG enhances cognitive function and memory and prevents neurological diseases.
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AKG improves skin condition, reduces wrinkles, restores elasticity, removes spots, and lightens the skin.
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AKG promotes bone health.
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AKG helps maintain gastrointestinal health.
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AKG may reduce the risk of cancer.
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AKG reduces hair greying.
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AKG improves sexual and reproductive functions.
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AKG and UDA Longevity coffee
AKG is one of the most important components of UDA longevity coffee, with each serving of UDA coffee containing 62.5mg of high-quality AKG.
Check out our case studies and follow our blog to learn more about AKG!