Can a dietary supplement help mice live longer and healthier?
Alpha-Ketoglutarate, an Endogenous Metabolite, Extends Lifespan and Compresses Morbidity in Aging Mice
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Researchers fed middle-aged mice a diet supplemented with alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG), a naturally occurring molecule involved in cell metabolism. They found that female mice lived longer and spent less time frail or sick.
Surprising Findings
Only female mice showed statistically significant lifespan extension
Most longevity interventions show either no sex difference or better results in males. This is one of the few studies where females responded dramatically better, and the researchers don't fully understand why.
Practical Takeaways
Don't start taking alpha-ketoglutarate supplements expecting to live longer—yet
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Researchers fed middle-aged mice a diet supplemented with alpha-ketoglutarate (CaAKG), a naturally occurring molecule involved in cell metabolism. They found that female mice lived longer and spent less time frail or sick.
Surprising Findings
Only female mice showed statistically significant lifespan extension
Most longevity interventions show either no sex difference or better results in males. This is one of the few studies where females responded dramatically better, and the researchers don't fully understand why.
Practical Takeaways
Don't start taking alpha-ketoglutarate supplements expecting to live longer—yet
Publication
Journal
Cell Metabolism
Year
2020
Authors
Azar Asadi Shahmirzadi, Daniel Edgar, Chen-Yu Liao, Yueh-Mei Hsu, Mark Lucanic, Arash Asadi Shahmirzadi, Christopher D. Wiley, Garbo Gan, Dong Eun Kim, Herbert G. Kasler, Chisaka Kuehnemann, Brian Kaplowitz, Dipa Bhaumik, Rebeccah R. Riley, Brian K. Kennedy, Gordon J. Lithgow