Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG) | NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Supplements | Supplements |
| Standard Dose | — | 600-1200mg daily |
| Timing | — | On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg. |
| Cycle Duration | — | Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production) |
| Evidence Level | Moderate (healthspan), Emerging (human longevity) | strong_human |
AKG is a TCA cycle intermediate that declines with age. Supplementation reduces inflammatory cytokines, improves stem cell function, and extends healthspan in mice. Calcium salt form provides sustained release. Also supports collagen synthesis and reduces frailty markers.
NAC is a precursor to L-cysteine, the rate-limiting substrate for glutathione (GSH) synthesis via glutamate-cysteine ligase. It directly replenishes intracellular GSH, the master endogenous antioxidant. NAC also modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission by stimulating the cystine-glutamate antiporter (system Xc-), influencing extrasynaptic glutamate levels. Additionally, it acts as a mucolytic by cleaving disulfide bonds in mucus glycoproteins.
600-1200mg daily
On empty stomach for best absorption, 30 min before meals. Split doses if >600mg.
Cycle 8 weeks on, 2 weeks off (to avoid potential downregulation of endogenous GSH production)
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