Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-Ketoglutarate
For the body system: Mitochondria
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG) is an intermediate compound in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle, a central pathway in mitochondrial energy production. Its fundamental role in cellular metabolism has led to scientific interest in its supplementation to support mitochondrial function. Experimental studies, primarily in animal models and cell cultures, suggest that AKG can enhance mitochondrial efficiency, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cellular energy dynamics. For example, research in mice has shown that AKG supplementation can extend lifespan and improve healthspan, potentially by optimizing mitochondrial metabolic processes and reducing markers of aging. Furthermore, AKG has been demonstrated to act as a signaling molecule influencing epigenetic regulation and cellular stress responses, both of which are closely related to mitochondrial health. However, direct evidence supporting AKG supplementation for improving mitochondrial function in healthy humans is limited. Most human data involve specific clinical contexts, such as critical illness or kidney disease, rather than general mitochondrial support. While its biochemical rationale is strong and preclinical data are promising, robust clinical trials evaluating AKG’s effects on mitochondrial health in the general population are lacking. Thus, the scientific evidence is moderate (rated 3/5), driven by mechanistic plausibility and animal studies, but awaits further validation in large-scale human research.
Other ingredients that support Mitochondria
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
bovine liver
caffeine
catechins
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
copper
creatine monohydrate
d-alpha tocopherol
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish oil
flavonols
fructose
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
grape
greens blend (proprietary)
hesperetin
knotweed
krill oil
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lentinula edodes mycelia
linoleic acid (LA)
liquid liver fractions
luteolin
mackerel
magnesium
maitake mushroom
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
manganese
maqui berry
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
melatonin
moringa
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quercetin
quinoa
resveratrol
rhodiola
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
rosemary
sardines
selenium
black ginger
spinach
starch
stearic acid
strawberry
succinic acid
sulforaphane glucosinolate
thiamin (vitamin B1)
tocotrienols
trans-geranylgeraniol
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
vitamin B
vitamin B
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
lingzhi
cistanche
ganoderma
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
fulvic acid
goji berry
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
thyroid substance
ashitaba
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide Ribonucleotide
Alpha polylactate
Apigenin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Ampelopsin
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef liver
berry
Caffeic Acid
Centrophenoxine
Camellia sinensis
Cardarine
Cocarboxylase
Capsinoids
Coenzyme A
Cardiolipin
Cyanidin
Capsiate
Chocolate
Creatine
C-Phycocyanin
Dihydrolipoic Acid
D-Ribose
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
glucose
Ketone Salts
Other body systems supported by Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Gastrointestinal TractHepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Liver
Mitochondria
Muscles