Can alpha-ketoglutarate prolong healthy lifespan?

The first studies showing that AKG might be able to both extend lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases were done on roundworms.^[1] More recent studies in mice also showed an increase in both lifespan and healthspan with AKG supplementation.^[2][3] AKG also slows down muscle loss, both as an amino acid precursor and through its interaction with protein receptors that can reduce muscle atrophy. Through epigenetic regulation, AKG decreased signs of age-related bone loss in mice. One study showed that AKG supplementation increased bone mass and accelerated bone regeneration in mice.^[4] Its anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, and its role in the production of glutamate could lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.^[5][6][7] Interestingly, in some studies done in fruit flies and mice, AKG only had an impact on the lifespan of females, although healthspan did seem to improve in both males and females.^[8][2][9] These all point to a promising role in anti-aging for AKG in the future, but more clinical trials will need to be done before AKG can be recommended as an anti-aging supplement for humans.