The Benefits of Calcium AKG: Boosting Bone, Liver and Brain Health

Calcium Alpha Ketoglutarate, or Ca-AKG, is a salt form of alpha-ketoglutarate, a crucial molecule in the energy production of our cells. This is combined with calcium to make it stable and to help its absorption into our bodies.

AKG plays a vital role in cellular energy production and has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular, bone, muscle, kidney, brain and liver health, and weight management. This post will cover three areas: calcium AKG’s effect on bone, liver and brain health.

Understanding Calcium AKG

What is Calcium AKG and how does it differ from other forms of calcium?

Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is a form of mineral calcium that can be used to restore calcium levels in our blood.

This compound comes about during the Krebs Cycle, where alpha-ketoglutarate is produced when cells break down food into energy. It also helps regulate gene expression, preventing DNA errors that lead to diseases like cancer.

As we age, our natural levels of AKG decrease significantly, which researchers link to aging, age-related diseases and health issues.

AKG is a chemical naturally produced by the body and cannot be obtained from food. AKG supplements are available over the counter and can be a good option for maintaining healthy levels as we age.

Natural sources of Calcium

About 99% of calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, with the other 1% stored in our blood and soft tissues. As our bodies cannot produce calcium, it needs to be consumed, with at least half of our calcium intake ideally coming from our diet.

Natural sources of calcium include:

• Dairy products: milk, yoghurt, cheese
• Soybeans
• Dark green, leafy vegetables
• Calcium-fortified foods: some orange juices and cereals
• Canned salmon
• Figs
• Flour tortillas
• Baked beans

Calcium is not absorbed as well from plant and fortified foods, though, which is where supplements can become incredibly useful.

The benefits of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate

Calcium AKG and Bone Health

AKG has been shown to promote healthy bones and reduce risk of fractures, something we need to take into consideration as we age and when we have an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Over 25% of dietary AKG is converted into proline and glutamine, two amino acids that help the synthesis of collagen. Collagen makes up a third of all proteins in our bodies and helps support our bone, skin and muscle health.

Studies have shown AKG's effectiveness in preventing pressure overload-induced myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, reducing ischemic markers during coronary surgery, promoting healthy bones and reducing the risk of fractures.

There are numerous studies demonstrating calcium alpha-ketoglutarate benefits on bone health and development, such as earlier examples in rats and lambs, where AKG increased bone mass and bone density, as well as increased bone production. This means that calcium AKG has longevity effects through the delay of frailty, especially since less bone mass was found to be lost over the experiment, with older rats experiencing improved bone healing.

For those over 40, Ca-AKG may help enhance bone tissue formation, which declines with age.

Researchers have even found that taking an alpha-ketoglutarate supplement can preserve bone mass and lower bone loss in post-menopausal women.

Calcium AKG and Liver Health

In our bodies, the liver processes and breaks down the blood from our stomach and intestines and creates the nutrients we need. It also turns the proteins, carbohydrates and fats we take into forms that are easier for the rest of our body to use.

It also:

• Cleans any harmful toxins out of our blood.
• Removes old red blood cells
• Creates bile, the fluid that helps break down food.
• Produces substances to help blood clot.
• Regulates the amount of blood in the body.
• Stores the energy source, glycogen, and vitamins to be used by the body later.

Alpha-ketoglutarate is a significant source of adenosine triphosphate for cells and a needed compound for amino acid biosynthesis in the liver, skeletal muscle, heart, brain and adipose tissue. It was also found to limit liver disease progression while reducing steatosis and cholesterol levels.

Animal studies have found AKG might be useful in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and reducing brain ammonia and glutamine levels in those with hepatic encephalopathy.

An impaired liver can lead to the accumulation of various harmful substances, most commonly ammonia. AKG may reduce levels of ammonia in patients with liver disease, while oxidation of AKG by enterocytes may halt glutamine degradation and reduce ammonia production by intestinal epithelial cells.

Calcium AKG and Brain Health

Calcium AKG supports brain health due to its role in energy metabolism, which supports mental clarity as we age.

AKG has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, be neuroprotective and improve neurological disorders. This means AKG is a possible neuroprotective agent against brain disorders and can improve brain function, helping with anti-aging. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further aiding in neuroprotection. Calcium AKG can also reduce injury and cell apoptosis in the brain.

Calcium alpha ketoglutarate benefits our brain health as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of damage and dysfunction to our brain and even our heart, so calcium AKG can significantly inhibit inflammation and oxidative damage.

Calcium AKG also has numerous other effects, such as:

• Protects cardiac tissues and maintains cardiovascular health.
• Fuels your cells with the crucial support they need for optimal energy production.
• Help in the maintenance of a healthy body weight.
• Supports muscle recovery by preventing muscle protein loss and supporting recovery.
• Delays the aging process and helps enhance vitality.

These benefits are why Xandro Lab developed a standalone product, one of the best Ca-AKG supplements created through clinically tested, scientific research.

The Synergy of Calcium AKG with Other Nutrients

Alpha-ketoglutarate works alongside vitamin C to effectively regulate the epigenome. The epigenome needs the enzyme, TET (ten eleven translocation), to keep it young and healthy. It also needs vitamin C to function properly, so make sure your vitamin C levels are maintained when taking alpha-ketoglutarate supplements.

Our body’s natural alpha-ketoglutarate levels can differ based on our genetics, diet and even if we fast, so the potential health benefits can vary.

Alpha-ketoglutarate supplements are often combined with other compounds, such as calcium, arginine, magnesium and glutamine, so any potential side effects would come from the bound compound.

Xandro Lab’s Calcium AKG is bound with calcium, the form of alpha-ketoglutarate used in most clinical studies for potential health benefits.

Due to limited research, children and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid alpha-ketoglutarate supplements. There are currently no known alpha-ketoglutarate side effects, especially since it’s a naturally produced compound in our bodies and should not cause any unwanted side effects.

Summary

Calcium Alpha Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) offers a range of impressive health benefits, particularly in boosting bone, liver and brain health. As a vital component in cellular energy production, AKG plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It can increase bone mass and density, reduce the risk of fractures, support liver health by reducing disease progression and limiting harmful substance accumulation, and act as an antioxidant, making it beneficial for brain health, potentially protecting against neurological disorders and having longevity effects.

With its demonstrated advantages in bone, liver, and brain health, Calcium AKG proves to be a valuable supplement for those seeking to enhance their overall well-being and vitality. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially for children, pregnant or nursing women, despite the absence of known side effects. Embracing the potential calcium AKG benefits may help you to maintain a healthier and more active lifestyle.