Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2

Does Alpha-ketoglutarate Supplementation Lower BiologicaL agE in Middle- Aged Adults?

Singapore120 participantsStarted 2023-02-24

Plain-language summary

Geroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field of study in gerontological sciences. With emphasis on understanding the mechanistic drivers of aging, it seeks translational approaches that could eventually be applied to improve human healthspan and delay age-associated chronic diseases. Contrary to popular opinion that aging is irreversible, advances in geroscience research have demonstrated that aging is modifiable and inhibiting or activating specific molecular pathways can improve healthspan and extend lifespan in model organisms. Advocates of geroscience take the view that age-related chronic diseases are best treated by slowing the aging process, rather than using the prevailing disease-centric approach of addressing each disease alone. Thus, the concept is that biological aging, rather than chronological aging, is amenable to intervention. In this regard, geroscientists are at the forefront of longevity medicine in rigorously testing novel supplements, drugs and other prophylactics that can enhance healthspan. Some of these interventions involve repurposing existing drugs such as rapamycin, a well-known immunosuppressant, at different dosing regimens to specifically target biological hallmarks of aging. This study will investigate the effects of alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), an endogenous metabolite, on biomarkers of aging in middle-aged residents of Singapore.

Who can participate

Age range

40 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Exclusion criteria

. Waist circumference more than or equal to 90 cm for males or more than or equal to 80 cm for females
. Fasting triglycerides more than or equal to 1.7 mmol/l
. High-density lipoprotein less than 1.0 mmol/l in men or less than 1.3 mmol/l in women
. Blood pressure more than or equal to 130/85 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication
. Fasting glucose more than or equal to 6.0 mmol/l
. Osteopenia
. Mild Osteoarthritis not interfering in daily activities
. Fatty liver

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in blood DNA methylation status, years

Timeframe: from baseline to end of intervention (6 months)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05706389

SponsorNational University of Singapore

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-15

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