AKG (Rejuvant) reverses biological age in humans – BUT, what you must know.

Summary

This video dives into a recent study on alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), a compound previously linked to lifespan extension in animals. Participants in the study took an AKG-based supplement for seven months, and DNA methylation was used to assess biological age. The results showed an average reduction in biological age of 8.31 years. However, the study was not placebo-controlled, and only DNA methylation was measured. While the findings are intriguing, they are not conclusive, and more research is needed, especially longer-term, placebo-controlled studies to confirm the potential anti-aging effects of AKG.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle and is essential for aerobic respiration, generating ATP from glucose, fats, and proteins.
• 😀 AKG supplementation has been shown to extend the lifespan and health span of organisms like worms and mice, and is considered safe for human use.
• 😀 A recent human study tested AKG supplementation using a sustained-release calcium salt of AKG, combined with vitamin D for females and vitamin A for males.
• 😀 The study involved 42 participants, aged 41 to 79, with a mean age of 63, all of whom were healthy and took AKG for an average of seven months.
• 😀 DNA methylation was used as a marker of biological age, measured by sequencing saliva samples before and after the supplementation period.
• 😀 After seven months, participants showed an average decrease in biological age by 8.31 years, as predicted by DNA methylation clocks.
• 😀 The study revealed that most participants had reduced biological age, though the effect varied, and two participants showed a slight increase in their biological age.
• 😀 There were no correlations between the duration of supplementation and the magnitude of the effect, suggesting that the benefits may plateau over time.
• 😀 Despite the encouraging results, the study was not placebo-controlled, and the potential placebo effect should be considered in the findings.
• 😀 The study focused solely on DNA methylation and did not measure other clinical or functional markers, making it difficult to fully understand the impact of AKG on aging.

Q & A

What is alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), and why is it important in the study?

Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is an intermediate in the Krebs cycle, a key part of cellular respiration that helps generate ATP, the energy source for cells. AKG is also involved in amino acid production and enzyme function, making it an important molecule for metabolism and overall cell health. The study explored its potential in reducing biological age in humans.

How did the study assess the effects of AKG supplementation on aging?

The study assessed aging through DNA methylation, a process that marks DNA and can be used to estimate biological age. The researchers measured methylation levels in participants' DNA at baseline and after seven months of AKG supplementation.

What was the average reduction in biological age observed in the participants?

On average, participants saw a reduction of 8.31 years in their biological age after taking AKG supplementation for seven months, as measured by DNA methylation.

Were there any differences in the results between male and female participants?

Both male and female participants showed a decrease in biological age. The supplementation included sex-specific vitamins (Vitamin D for females and Vitamin A for males), but both groups experienced similar reductions in biological age.

What does it mean when the biological age is younger than chronological age?

When biological age is younger than chronological age, it indicates that the participant's body is functioning in a way that is 'younger' than their actual age. This could reflect healthier cellular function, a reduction in aging markers, or a slower rate of biological aging.

What were the main limitations of the study?

The study lacked a placebo control, meaning all participants knew they were taking AKG, which could influence the results due to the placebo effect. Additionally, the study was short-term (7 months), with no long-term follow-up to assess the lasting effects of AKG. Only DNA methylation was measured, and no other functional or clinical markers were tested.

Why is the lack of a placebo control a concern in this study?

The lack of a placebo control means there is no way to determine if the observed improvements in biological age were truly due to AKG supplementation or if they were influenced by psychological factors such as the participants' belief that the treatment would work (placebo effect).

What is DNA methylation, and how is it linked to biological age?

DNA methylation refers to the addition of methyl groups to DNA, which can affect gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Certain patterns of DNA methylation are associated with aging, and by measuring these patterns, scientists can predict an individual’s biological age, which may differ from their chronological age.

What other markers or measurements could have strengthened the study's findings?

In addition to DNA methylation, the study could have measured other clinical markers of aging, such as cognitive function, physical performance, or biomarkers of inflammation. Including these would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of AKG’s effects on aging.

What role did the company behind the study play, and how might this affect the findings?

The company behind the study, Ponce de Leon Health, is also selling the AKG-based product tested in the research. This raises potential concerns about bias, as the company's financial interest in the product could influence how the data is presented or interpreted.