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All You Need To Know About Ca-AKG

All You Need To Know About Ca-AKG

by Gataca Admin in News

Introduction

We all know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell - we had to learn it by rote in school. Alpha ketoglutarate is a necessary metabolite for a number of processes that occur in the body- production of ATP, protein synthesis from amino acids, DNA regulation and expression, the ability of cells to stay as stem cells or to differentiate into specialised types and to help reduce the production of superoxide radicals, just to name a few. Since it is mainly required in the energy production department, the muscle cells which are metabolically very active benefit the most, when you supplement with AKG. But, AKG by itself is very unstable, which is why it is sold as a mineral salt- Ca-AKG or calcium salt of AKG is a great way to ensure that you get enough calcium and AKG to meet your nutritional needs because AKG, like NAD+ levels tend to reduce dramatically as you age.  PLus, Ca-AKG is way more bioavailable than when you take just AKG alone. 

Does Ca-AKG Improve Mitochondrial Health?


Yes, since AKG helps kickstart the Krebs cycle, more energy can be produced efficiently, while also helping the mitochondria function better by reducing oxidative stress. The mitochondrial membrane needs to have a particular potential and environment to work in. Also, Ca-AKG can help cells recycle old and damaged cell parts like mitochondria by a process called ‘mitophagy’. This ensures that the mitochondria already present are in good shape to work well.

Best Time To Take Ca-AKG For An Energy Boost


Ca-AKG can be taken in the morning after breakfast, so you get a boost in energy, but it can also be taken just before a workout, to give your muscles a chance to work better and to help them recover faster after a punishing workout. The only thing to remember is that you will need to take it at the same time everyday for the best results. 

How Does Ca-AKG Support Cellular Health?


Ca-AKG helps mitochondria work better, and ensures that amino acids get broken down in the right way. Inflammatory pathways are normally regulated by cytokines like NF-kappa B and interleukins. Ca-AKG actively tries to reduce inflammation by influencing their synthesis itself. Muscle cells have better respiratory response and hence they can move better. 

Ca-AKG For Improving Metabolic Health


Recent studies have shown that Ca-AKG can help in regulating blood glucose levels. It definitely does have some kind of therapeutic potential. 

Conclusion

Ca-AKG has been used in medical settings to help people who deal with hyperparathyroidism, which can cause dangerously high levels of phosphate ions to accumulate in the blood. It is also very helpful for people who want to build muscle, as it can help increase calcium concentrations that decrease due to whey supplementation. It has also been used to treat kidney disease. Combine this with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties and you have a powerful supplement that has potential anti-aging effects on your cells. Its effects have been well studied in animal models anyway and when humans supplement with at least 1000 mg per day for 7 months, there was a significant lifespan increase that was noted- almost  years more for women and 8 years longer for men.

FAQs

1. What is Ca-AKG, and how does it work in the body?
The Calcium salt of Alpha ketoglutarate is helpful for regulating and even reducing chronic inflammation. Ca-AKG does this by reducing the amounts of inflammatory cytokines produced by cells- notable IL10. It also provides a framework for energy to be produced by the mitochondria, as it is a raw material needed to make ATP. It also helps in regulating DNA expression and has potent antioxidative properties. 

2. Can Ca-AKG be taken with other supplements like NMN or resveratrol?
Yes, when taken together, all these supplements work pretty synergistically- they help the body make more energy, help in promoting repair mechanisms and are especially useful in ensuring that muscles work well and have all the resources needed for their function, as they are super metabolically active cell types. 

3. Who should avoid taking Ca-AKG—are there any contraindications?
If you are on medications that reduce blood pressure or are on calcium channel blockers, then you should definitely talk to your doctor before taking this medication. The additional calcium can mess with the kidneys, heart and brain in a lot of ways, but these are considered very rare. 

4. When is the best time to take Ca-AKG—morning, pre-workout, or night?
Ca-AKG is great for promoting muscle function and gets you off to a flying start because of how it can help your cells make energy. So, you should take it 30 minutes before a workout or after breakfast- whatever works for you. 

5. What is the recommended dosage of Ca-AKG for different health goals?
You can take 500 mg per day - it is safe for use as it is a versatile supplement which will help you achieve all of your health goals- more energy, better muscle recovery, better cellular health and less inflammation.

Tags: Longevity
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