Evidence supporting the use of: Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
For the health condition: Radiation Sickness

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) has shown potential as a supportive agent in the management of radiation sickness, primarily based on preclinical scientific research. AKG is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle and plays roles in cellular energy metabolism and amino acid synthesis. Its use in radiation sickness is not rooted in traditional medicine but rather in its biochemical properties and results from experimental studies. Animal research, particularly in rodents, has demonstrated that AKG and its derivatives (such as calcium or sodium AKG) can mitigate some of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. These effects include reducing mortality, preserving bone marrow function, and limiting damage to the gastrointestinal tract—key concerns in radiation sickness (acute radiation syndrome, ARS).

The proposed mechanisms involve AKG’s ability to scavenge free radicals generated by radiation, support glutamine and glutamate synthesis for tissue repair, and modulate immune responses. Some Russian and Eastern European research, including studies from the 1980s and 1990s, explored AKG-containing mixtures as radioprotective agents in animal models and occasionally in limited human applications. However, robust, large-scale clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence remains mostly preclinical. Thus, while the scientific rationale is plausible and there is moderate animal data, the evidence supporting AKG’s use in treating or preventing radiation sickness in humans is limited, justifying a mid-range evidence rating.

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