Ca-AKG vs NAD+
A side-by-side research comparison of Ca-AKG and NAD+ across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Ca-AKG | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ / NMN / NR) |
| Category | Anti-Aging | Anti-Aging |
| Status | Dietary compound (research ongoing) | Research compound |
| Mechanism | Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key TCA-cycle intermediate and a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism, collagen synthesis, and epigenetic regulation (it influences DNA/histone demethylases). Supplementation aims to restore age-related declines. | NAD+ serves as cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair), and CD38. Declining NAD+ impairs mitochondrial function and epigenetic maintenance. Restoration reactivates longevity pathways. |
| Molecular weight | ~204 Da (AKG portion) | 663.4 Da |
| Half-life | Short; rapidly metabolized | 1-4 hours (IV), 4-8h (oral precursors) |
| Bioavailability | Oral | 100% (IV), variable (oral 5-30%) |
| Typical dose | 1-3 g per day | 250-500mg IV or 500-1000mg NMN oral |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily | Weekly (IV) or Daily (oral) |
| Route | Oral | IV infusion or Oral (precursors) |
Ca-AKG reported benefits
- Supports cellular energy metabolism
- Studied for reduced biological-aging markers
- May lower inflammation
- Supports collagen synthesis
NAD+ reported benefits
- Restored cellular energy
- Enhanced DNA repair
- Sirtuin activation
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Cognitive clarity
- Anti-aging
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Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.