a-Ketoglutarate

α-Ketoglutarate, like pyruvate, requires a dehydrogenase enzyme which also requires vitamin B1 , B2 , B3 , B5 , and lipoic acid to function properly.

An elevation of α-ketoglutarate can indicate a need for one or more of these B vitamins.

The mineral elements magnesium, iron, and manganese are additional factors that are frequently needed in the Krebs cycle pathways. Magnesium is required for conversion of succinate. In addition, the entire central energy pathway is dependent on iron and manganese.

A need for CoQ10 may also be identified when α-ketoglutarate, succinate, fumurate, and malate are all elevated

High urine levels of alpha-KG can also be found in people with hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome (HHS). Hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome is a frequent form of diazoxide-sensitive diffuse hyperinsulinism, characterized by an excessive/ uncontrolled insulin secretion (inappropriate for the level of glycemia), asymptomatic hyperammonemia and recurrent episodes of profound hypoglycemia induced by fasting and protein rich meals, requiring rapid and intensive treatment to prevent neurological sequelae. Epilepsy and cognitive deficit that are unrelated to hypoglycemia may also occur.

The energy pathways in your cells require the key compounds citrate, a-ketoglutarate, and succinate, which are formed from essential amino acids. Low levels of citrate, a-ketoglutarate, and succinate may indicate amino acid imbalances that can affect your energy pathways.

Low levels of α-ketoglutarate may reflect lack of precursors higher up from enzymatic dysfunction due to lack of nutritional cofactors, genetic defects, or toxin exposures.

Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an organic acid that is important for the proper metabolism of all essential amino acids. It is formed in the Krebs cycle, the energy-producing process that occurs in most body cells.