Evaluation of the Efficacy of Calcium a -Ketoglutarate(AKG-Ca) in Improving Human Aging

Summary

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) supplementation on biological aging and age-related health indicators in middle-aged and older adults. Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, has been investigated for its potential role in modulating aging-related metabolic and cellular pathways. Due to the poor oral bioavailability of free AKG, its stabilized form-calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG)-is used to enhance absorption and additionally provides calcium supplementation benefits. At the population level, there is currently a lack of systematic assessment studies on the effects of CaAKG on human ageing-related indicators.

The study will recruit generally healthy adults aged 45 to 75 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CaAKG or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The primary objective is to assess changes in biological aging, as measured by PhenoAge. Secondary outcomes include changes in physical performance, inflammatory markers, glucose and lipid metabolism, ageing-related gene expression, and self-reported quality of life.

This trial is designed to provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of CaAKG as a potential dietary intervention to support healthy aging. All participants will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments. The study has been reviewed and approved by Medical Ethics Committee of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, and informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

Conditions

• Aging

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Calcium-a-ketoglutarate

Description: Participants in the intervention group will receive oral calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG) in granular tablet form. Each tablet contains 0.5 grams of CaAKG.Participants will take two tablets twice daily (morning and evening). The total daily dose is 2 grams. The intervention period will last for 12 weeks. CaAKG is a stabilized form of alpha-ketoglutarate that enhances bioavailability and provides supplemental calcium. The tablets are identical in appearance and texture to those in the placebo group to maintain blinding.

OTHER

Placebo(starch)

Participants in the placebo group will receive oral tablets identical inappearance and texture to the CaAKG tablets, but containing starch with no active calciumalpha-ketoglutarate. Each tablet weighs 0.5 grams. Participants will take two tablets twicedaily (morning and evening), for a total daily intake of 2 grams. The placebo tablets arepackaged and administered in the same manner as the CaAKG tablets to ensure blindingthroughout the 12-weekintervention period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Shenzhen Hygieia Biotech Co., Ltd

  lead INDUSTRY

Principal Investigators

• Li Jiaomei · Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

75 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-20

Primary Completion

2026-01-30

Completion

2026-01-30

Countries

• China

Study Locations