Calcium 2-oxoglutarate for Energy Metabolism Support Physical Endurance Boost and Recovery Enhancement

1. Description

Calcium 2-ketoglutarate is the calcium salt of α-ketoglutarate, a key intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that occurs naturally in all living organisms. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with the molecular formula C₅H₄CaO₅ and a molecular weight of approximately 184.16 Da. The compound is soluble in a 5% trifluoroacetic acid solution but insoluble in water and dimethyl sulfoxide. It should be stored in a sealed container at room temperature; in powder form, it has a shelf life of 2–3 years.

2. Application

(1) Energy metabolism research: As a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle, it is used to study the metabolic regulatory mechanisms involved in ATP/GTP production. α-Ketoglutarate is an important rate-limiting substrate in the citric acid cycle and is used in basic research on cellular energy metabolism.

(2) Tyrosinase Inhibition Research: As a reversible tyrosinase inhibitor, it is used to study the regulatory mechanisms of melanin synthesis. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of α-ketoglutarate for tyrosinase is 15 mM, making it suitable for basic research on skin-whitening mechanisms.

(3) Mitochondrial Function Research: Used to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of aspartate formation in cardiac mitochondria. Studies indicate that upon calcium-mediated activation, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase influences the efficiency of the malate/aspartate shuttle by altering the steady-state concentration of α-ketoglutarate and the mitochondrial redox potential.

(4) Skeletal metabolism research: As a calcium supplement, it is used to investigate the effects of the synergistic interaction between calcium ions and organic acid anions on bone health. α-Ketoglutarate plays a potential role in bone formation and the regulation of bone metabolism.

3. Main Efficacy

(1) Role as an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle: As a key intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, it participates in intracellular energy metabolism and serves as a crucial link between amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. α-Ketoglutarate can be converted into glutamate through transamination, thereby participating in nitrogen transport and metabolism.

(2) Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity: As a reversible tyrosinase inhibitor, it blocks the melanin synthesis pathway by competitively inhibiting tyrosinase activity. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of α-ketoglutarate against tyrosinase is 15 mM, and it is used as a positive control or tool compound in studies on skin-lightening mechanisms.

(3) Calcium Supplementation and Bone Health: In the form of an organic acid calcium salt, it provides calcium ions while retaining the physiological functions of the α-ketoglutarate anion, potentially exerting a synergistic promotional effect on bone metabolism and calcium absorption.

(4) Regulation of Mitochondrial Metabolism: By influencing the activity of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, it regulates the steady-state concentration of α-ketoglutarate and the NADH/NAD⁺ redox potential within mitochondria, thereby affecting the efficiency of the malate/aspartate shuttle and aspartate production.

(5) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential: As an intermediate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, α-ketoglutarate participates in maintaining intracellular redox balance and plays a regulatory role in cellular metabolic stress and inflammatory responses.