Through the years research has shown that the diet has an effect on aging phenotypes. Particular eating patterns can delay the aging process (Fontana L, Partridge L, 2015). By reducing the amount of food consumed, the timing of meals and intermittent fasting has been shown to help improve health and body function and increase lifespan.
A phenotype in genetics is described as a characteristic or trait that can be observed. It could be physical, physiological or biochemical.
Research has also found that particular compounds can also promote healthy aging. One of them being Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG).
The body has different metabolic pathways that are involved in producing energy. One of the pathways is the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), which makes ATP energy in the mitochondria of cells. AKG is an important metabolite of the TCA cycle. It has been manufactured and added as a soluble, nontoxic supplement to beverages.
Athletic Performance
As a supplement it has been added to sports beverages. Human research has been performed showing that AKG helped to promote a better training performance, higher power output, peak muscle torque and recovery. It also improved exercise tolerance (Liu Y et al, 2912).
Longevity
AKG has also been studied for benefits for longevity. Researchers have showed that AKG provided to a particular worm, the Caenorhabditis elegans, could lengthen their life expectancy greater than 50%.
AKG has been studied in animals showing that it causes them to be healthier, increases their lifespan and reduces inflammatory markers in their bodies (Shahmirzadi AA et al, 2020). AKG demonstrated to reduce the animal’s body weakness and reduce the length of time animals would be sick. The animal’s scores improved by 40% in frailty (body weakness), which included markers such as grip strength, balance and coordination in walking; hearing and hair color.
Another animal study demonstrated that AKG also increased length of lifespan, reduced the length of time being sick and reduced frailty. The investigators stated that this research gives evidence for the connection between “metabolism, inflammation, and aging.” (Rhoads TW, Anderson RM, 2020). Remember that AKG is involved in metabolism.
Research has also shown that consumption of AKG reduces mTOR pathway activation by inhibiting ATP synthase, thereby extending the lifespan of a particular worm (Su Y et al, 2019). This shows for great potential in humans.
MTOR stands for mammalian target of rapamycin. It is a protein that has a negative effect on some cellular functions and metabolism. When mTOR is inhibited it can delay the aging process (WU JJ et al, 2013).
Protein Synthesis and Gastrointestinal Support
In the body, AKG is an essential source of the amino acids, glutamine and glutamate to promote protein synthesis. It also prevents breakdown of muscle.
AKG also provides key metabolic fuel for the gastrointestinal tract cells. Glutamine is important for the gastrointestinal lining to strengthen the tissue for good digestion and absorption of food.
As all dietary supplements, one should check with their health care provider if they have a health condition and/or take medication.
In summary, particular dieting patterns are important for longevity, but there is a compound called AKG that is an important metabolite of the TCA cycle. It is added to many beverages for health benefits. It has been shown to help improve athletic performance, but also has been shown in different species to promote longevity.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not for the purpose of marketing any products.
