Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)

Name: Double Wood Supplements Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AKG)
Brand: Double Wood Supplements
Price: 25.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Evidence WeakLongevity & Anti-Aging

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a Krebs cycle intermediate that has shown lifespan extension in mice and emerged as a longevity supplement candidate. Ames et al. (2021) showed calcium AKG extended healthspan and compressed morbidity in mice. In humans, a small study suggested AKG supplementation might reduce biological age markers. Double Wood offers AKG at an excellent price, but the human evidence is still very early.

61/ 100

Biorank Score

Independently ranked

61/ 100

Biorank Score

Independently ranked by Biorank Laboratories

Our Verdict

Evidence Weak

Double Wood AKG scores 61 with an 'Evidence Weak' verdict. The mouse data is compelling (Asadi Shahmirzadi et al., 2020) and the biological age study is intriguing, but a 42-person open-label trial with no placebo control does not constitute reliable evidence. The score reflects good value ($0.21/serving) and safety profile, but weak human evidence. No hype penalty because Double Wood does not make longevity claims — they sell it as a basic supplement, and the longevity narrative comes from the research community rather than the brand.

Key Findings

Asadi Shahmirzadi et al. (2020, Cell Metabolism) showed CaAKG extended mouse lifespan by ~12%
Demidenko et al. (2021) reported 8-year biological age reduction — but open-label, no placebo control
AKG is a basic Krebs cycle metabolite that declines with age
DNA methylation clock methodology is debated as a proxy for biological aging
Excellent value at $0.21/serving — among the cheapest longevity supplements available

Evidence Analysis

Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key metabolite in the Krebs (citric acid) cycle involved in cellular energy production, amino acid metabolism, and epigenetic regulation. Asadi Shahmirzadi et al. (2020, Cell Metabolism) showed calcium AKG (CaAKG) extended lifespan by ~12% in mice, reduced frailty, and compressed morbidity (shorter period of age-related decline). Demidenko et al. (2021, Aging) reported that CaAKG supplementation reduced biological age (as measured by DNA methylation clocks) by an average of 8 years in a small open-label human study (n=42, 7 months). However, this was not a placebo-controlled RCT and the biological age clock methodology is debated. AKG levels decline naturally with age. The mechanism involves TET enzyme activation (demethylation) and possible mTOR modulation.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient	Dose	Effective Dose	Adequacy	Verdict
Alpha-Ketoglutarate (as Calcium AKG)	300mg	300-1000mg (estimated from limited data)		Adequate

True Cost Analysis

Properly Dosed -- What You Pay Is What You Get

Listed Price

$0.21/serving

$6.30/month at 1 serving/day

True Cost Per Effective Dose

$0.21/effective dose

$6.30/month for effective dosing

Value Score

Decent value

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Where It Falls Short

The key human study (Demidenko et al., 2021) was open-label with no placebo control — methodological limitations make the 8-year biological age reduction claim unreliable. DNA methylation clocks are a debated proxy for biological aging and have not been validated as clinical endpoints. The optimal dose for any longevity effect in humans is unknown. AKG is a basic Krebs cycle metabolite that the body produces endogenously — whether supplementing it adds meaningful benefit in healthy adults is questionable. The leap from mouse healthspan extension to human longevity is unvalidated.

Best For

Budget-conscious longevity enthusiasts ($0.21/serving is very affordable for experimentation)
Those interested in Krebs cycle and epigenetic approaches to aging
Biohackers who want to add AKG while larger clinical trials are underway
People who prefer supplements from basic metabolites rather than exotic compounds

Not Ideal For

Evidence-focused consumers (the human data is from one small, uncontrolled study)
Anyone expecting proven biological age reduction (the clock methodology is debated)
People who need well-established supplements with decades of human evidence
Those who believe supplementing basic metabolites the body already produces is unnecessary