Evidence supporting the use of: Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) is a compound formed by binding calcium to alpha-ketoglutarate, an intermediate in the Krebs cycle. There is growing scientific interest in its potential benefits for bone health, primarily due to two mechanisms: calcium’s essential role in bone mineralization and alpha-ketoglutarate’s influence on bone metabolism. Calcium is a well-established mineral required for the maintenance of normal bones, and its supplementation is standard in supporting skeletal health. Alpha-ketoglutarate, meanwhile, has been studied mainly in preclinical models, where it appears to promote osteoblast (bone-building cell) activity and inhibit osteoclast (bone-resorbing cell) function. Limited animal studies suggest that AKG supplementation may improve bone density and reduce bone loss, particularly in aging models.
However, direct clinical evidence in humans specifically using calcium alpha-ketoglutarate for bone health is currently limited. Most available research relies on extrapolation from studies of calcium or AKG individually, rather than the combined salt. Some small pilot studies and reviews highlight AKG’s potential to support bone structure and recovery from bone injuries, but larger and well-controlled human trials are lacking. Therefore, while the rationale for using Ca-AKG for bone support is scientifically plausible and supported by some preclinical data, the clinical evidence base remains modest at present.
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alfalfaalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
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Other body systems supported by Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate
Immune SystemMitochondria
Skeletal System (Bones)