The Science of Ca-AKG+

Alpha-ketoglutarate is a compound your body produces naturally and uses in the Krebs cycle — the metabolic pathway cells use to convert nutrients into energy. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown that natural AKG levels decline with age. Because of this, AKG has become a focus of nutritional research into healthy ageing. It is important to note that much of the published research is preclinical (laboratory and animal studies), and these findings do not establish effects in humans. Ca-AKG is the calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutarate; calcium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal muscle function.

Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption and utilisation of calcium, the maintenance of normal bones, normal muscle function, and the normal function of the immune system. Vitamin K contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal blood clotting. We use vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form, which has a longer half-life in the body than the MK-4 form. These authorised roles are why the D3 + K2 pairing is one of the most common combinations in bone-focused supplements.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and coenzyme Q10 are compounds found naturally in the body and in foods. CoQ10 is present in mitochondria, the structures in which cells produce energy, and its levels in the body decline with age. Both compounds are the subject of ongoing nutritional research. No health claims for PQQ or CoQ10 are currently authorised on the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register, so we make none — we include them at clearly stated, research-typical doses as part of the overall formula.

Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal psychological function, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function, and the maintenance of normal bones. We use magnesium bound to glycine (glycinate), a form generally regarded as well absorbed and gentle on the stomach compared with magnesium oxide.

Hydroxytyrosol is a polyphenol found in olives and olive oil, and is one of the compounds studied in connection with the Mediterranean diet. Our hydroxytyrosol is sourced from Olea europaea (olive) leaf. Polyphenols are a broad class of plant compounds that continue to attract research interest; we present hydroxytyrosol as a nutritional ingredient, not as a medicine.

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in foods such as wheat germ, mushrooms, aged cheese and fermented products. It has become a notable subject of research into nutrition and ageing. Human evidence is still developing, and no health claims for spermidine are authorised on the GB register — we include 50mg from wheat germ as part of the formula's overall design.

The bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) is a source of procyanidins, a family of plant compounds also found in berries, grapes and cocoa. Pine bark extract has a long history of use in European phytotherapy. We include a standardised 100mg extract to complete the seven-ingredient formula.