AKG-Ca
Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Key Specifications
| CAS Number | 71686-01-6 |
| Purity | ≥98.0% |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₄CaO₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 172.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage | Room temperature, dry |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
CAS 71686-01-6
What Is AKG-Ca?
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate (Ca-AKG, CAS 71686-01-6) is the calcium salt of alpha-ketoglutaric acid (2-oxoglutaric acid), a keto-acid intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle that occurs naturally in virtually all living cells and in trace amounts in foods such as meat, fish, and certain vegetables. With the molecular formula C5H4CaO5 (MW 172.15 g/mol), it presents as a white, water-soluble crystalline powder that pairs the metabolic activity of the alpha-ketoglutarate anion with a bioavailable calcium source. Rather than being extracted from plants, commercial bulk material is typically produced by microbial fermentation or enzymatic bioconversion of low-cost carbon sources to generate the free acid, which is then purified and neutralized with a food-grade calcium base to form the crystalline calcium salt. This biosynthetic route supports the consistent ≥98.0% purity required for dietary supplement and functional-ingredient use.
Other Names
Key Features
Verified High Purity (≥98.0%)
Each batch is assayed by HPLC to confirm alpha-ketoglutarate content meets or exceeds 98.0%, giving formulators a consistent, well-characterized active ingredient.
Controlled Bioconversion & Traceable Inputs
Produced on a synthetic-biology and enzymatic conversion platform with defined feedstocks and in-process controls, supporting batch-to-batch consistency and full raw-material traceability.
Free-Flowing Crystalline Powder
Supplied as a white, odorless, free-flowing crystalline powder that disperses readily in water, simplifying blending, tableting, and capsule filling.
Comprehensive Contaminant Testing
Every lot is screened for heavy metals (Pb, As, Hg, Cd) and microbial limits, with results documented on a certificate of analysis for each shipment.
Flexible Bulk Supply & OEM Support
Available in bulk quantities with flexible packaging, custom particle size, and OEM/private-label formatting to fit finished-product manufacturers' specifications.
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₄CaO₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 172.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Storage Condition | Room temperature, dry |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| Grade 1 | Supplement Grade · ≥98.0% · COA |
End-Product Applications
Mechanism & Benefits
Supplies calcium, participates in energy metabolism and protein synthesis, supports anti-aging and bone health.
Packaging Options
1 kg 5 kg 25 kg
Lead Time
5–7 business days
Minimum Order
1 kg
Custom Packaging
Custom packaging (foil bags, HDPE drums), GMP labeling, and export documentation are available. Contact us for specifics.Certifications
ISO
ISO
Manufacturing Process
Strain & Feedstock Preparation
An engineered production strain and a low-cost carbon source (e.g., glucose or glycerol) are prepared under controlled conditions to seed the fermentation stage.
Fermentation / Enzymatic Bioconversion
The strain is cultivated in a fed-batch bioreactor with monitored pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, converting the carbon source into alpha-ketoglutaric acid via microbial metabolism or biocatalytic conversion.
Biomass Removal
The fermentation broth is clarified by centrifugation and/or membrane filtration to remove cell mass and coarse solids, yielding a clear alpha-ketoglutarate-rich liquor.
Purification & Decolorization
Ion-exchange chromatography and activated-carbon treatment remove residual proteins, salts, and pigments to concentrate and purify the alpha-ketoglutaric acid intermediate.
Neutralization / Salt Formation
The purified free acid is reacted with a food/pharmaceutical-grade calcium base (calcium hydroxide or calcium carbonate) under controlled pH to form calcium alpha-ketoglutarate in solution.
Crystallization & Isolation
Controlled cooling and evaporative crystallization precipitate calcium alpha-ketoglutarate crystals, which are then separated from the mother liquor by filtration or centrifugation.
Drying & Milling
The isolated crystals are dried under vacuum or in a controlled-humidity dryer, then milled and sieved to achieve the target particle size and free-flowing powder form.
Quality Control & Packaging
Finished powder is tested against full specifications (assay, heavy metals, microbial limits) and packaged in moisture-protective containers under quality-controlled conditions.
Quality Specifications
| Test Item | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Complies |
| Odor | Odorless | Complies |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥98.0% | 98.6% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | 2.4% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 6.5–8.5 | 7.3 |
| Particle Size (through 80 mesh) | ≥95% | 98% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤2 mg/kg | <1 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg/kg | <1 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 mg/kg | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 mg/kg | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g | <100 CFU/g |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Negative/25 g | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative/25 g | Negative |
Purity & Assay Method
Purity is determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) against a reference standard, which quantifies alpha-ketoglutarate content independent of moisture or minor salt-form variation. Buyers should request the current certificate of analysis for each lot and confirm the assay method, reference standard, and acceptance range specified in the purchase agreement, as well as whether results are reported on an as-is or dried basis.
Solubility & Formulation
Calcium alpha-ketoglutarate is soluble in water, allowing it to be readily incorporated into aqueous formulations such as powdered drink mixes, effervescent tablets, and liquid or gel-based delivery systems, in addition to standard tablet and capsule formats. Because solubility and dissolution rate can be influenced by particle size, temperature, and co-formulated excipients, buyers developing water-based or fast-dissolving products are encouraged to run compatibility and stability trials with their specific matrix and to request a micronized or custom particle-size grade if faster dissolution is required.
Available Product Forms
Bulk AKG-Ca Powder
High-purity raw powder for supplement factories, research organizations, ingredient distributors, and contract manufacturers.
AKG-Ca Capsules
Custom capsule strength, shell material, bottle count, excipients, and label design for private-label brands.
AKG-Ca Tablets
Tablet formulation, granulation, compression, coating, bottle packaging, and custom labeling support.
AKG-Ca Powder Blends
AKG-Ca can be blended with complementary actives (antioxidants, other longevity ingredients, vitamins, minerals) per customer formula.
How is the purity and specification of each batch confirmed?+
Each production lot is tested in-house against our full specification (assay, appearance, heavy metals, microbial limits) using HPLC and standard analytical methods, and a certificate of analysis is issued with every shipment.
How is this ingredient produced, and where does the raw material come from?+
The alpha-ketoglutarate intermediate is generated through microbial fermentation or enzymatic bioconversion of low-cost carbon sources on our synthetic-biology production platform, then purified and neutralized with a food-grade calcium base to form the crystalline calcium salt — it is not derived from plant extraction.
Is this ingredient water-soluble, and how should it be formulated?+
Yes, it is soluble in water and can be used in powders, tablets, capsules, and aqueous formulations such as drink mixes; we recommend compatibility testing in your specific matrix and can advise on particle size selection.
Can we request a sample before placing a bulk order?+
Yes, samples are available for evaluation upon request so you can verify appearance, solubility, and quality against your internal specifications before committing to a bulk purchase.
Do you support third-party testing of the product?+
Yes, in addition to our internal certificate of analysis, buyers are welcome to submit samples to an independent laboratory of their choice for third-party verification of purity, heavy metals, and microbial limits.
Do you offer OEM or private-label services?+
Yes, we support OEM and private-label arrangements, including custom packaging, labeling, and formulation assistance for finished-product brands sourcing this ingredient.
What packaging options are available?+
Standard bulk packaging is typically supplied in moisture-protective drums or bags (e.g., 25 kg units), with custom packaging sizes and formats available on request to suit different order volumes.
What is the minimum order quantity and how can we get a quotation?+
Minimum order quantity and pricing depend on packaging format and order volume; please contact our sales team with your target quantity and application to receive a formal quotation and lead time.
Why Choose PathGene
- Direct China manufacturer supply — factory pricing, no middleman
- Batch-specific COA & full traceability on every shipment
- In-house R&D + synthetic biology / enzymatic production platform
- Free sample for qualified B2B buyers before commercial order
- Flexible MOQ — from lab-scale trial to ton-scale commercial supply
- One-stop OEM/private-label support for finished dosage forms
- Worldwide shipping by courier, air freight, and sea freight
OEM & Private-Label Services
- ·Custom capsule manufacturing
- ·Custom tablet manufacturing
- ·Powder blending & custom formulation
- ·Private-label bottles, pouches & labels
- ·Small trial orders
- ·Bulk commercial production
- ·Export documentation
- ·Third-party laboratory testing
Documents Available
- ·Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- ·Product specification sheet
- ·Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- ·Manufacturing flow chart
- ·HPLC test report
- ·Heavy-metal test report
- ·Microbiological test report
- ·Non-GMO / allergen statement
- ·Country-of-origin documentation
- ·Packing list & commercial invoice
Certificate availability should be confirmed with our sales team before ordering.
Sample Certificate of Analysis
PathGene Biotech Co., Ltd.
南京派琪生物科技有限公司
CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS
Layout example — not an issued batch record
Product Name
AKG-Ca
CAS No.
71686-01-6
Batch No.
PG-SAMPLE-000000
Packaging
Issued upon order confirmation
| Test Item | Specification | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Complies |
| Odor | Odorless | Complies |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥98.0% | 98.6% |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5.0% | 2.4% |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | 6.5–8.5 | 7.3 |
| Particle Size (through 80 mesh) | ≥95% | 98% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤2 mg/kg | <1 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤2 mg/kg | <1 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 mg/kg | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 mg/kg | <0.5 mg/kg |
| Total Plate Count | ≤1000 CFU/g | <100 CFU/g |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Negative/25 g | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative/25 g | Negative |
Conclusion: Conforms to internal quality specifications
The COA issued with your order will carry the actual batch number, manufacture/test dates, and QC signature.
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