Updated: 10/30/23
Are you looking for ways to boost your health and feel better than ever? If so, have you considered patient-specific supplements to address mitochondrial diseases? Mitochondrial diseases are a group of disorders that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, exercise intolerance. To tackle these symptoms effectively it’s important to take the right kind of supplements. We’ve researched the most effective ingredients that can provide relief from mitochondrial diseases and put together an extensive range tailored specifically for each individual. Read on to discover more about our mitochondrial disease supplement lineup and how it can help you make big strides in improving your overall wellbeing.
What is a Mitochondrial Disease?
Mitochondrial diseases are still a mystery to many. These rare genetic disorders are caused by faulty mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells that keep our body working efficiently. Though rare, mitochondrial diseases can affect anyone, at any age. The symptoms are diverse and can vary depending on the affected body parts.
Mitochondria are small organelles within our cells that produce energy for our body. They are responsible for converting the food we eat into a form of energy (ATP) that our cells can use to perform daily activities. The mitochondria have their unique DNA, known as mtDNA, which carries the genetic information needed to build and maintain healthy mitochondria. Any mutations or changes in mtDNA can lead to mitochondrial diseases, affecting the energy production process.
A mitochondrial disease is a genetic condition, so it can appear at birth or later in life. If the condition is present at birth, it can lead to problems in the child’s development, interfere with muscle growth and cause other health complications. The condition develops as a result of another condition that interferes with mitochondrial function.
Symptoms of Mitochondrial Diseases
Mitochondrial diseases affect three or more organ systems. This can make the condition hard to identify and patients may experience different symptoms in different organs—the muscles, heart, nervous system, brain, eyes and ears.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are the most common symptoms of mitochondrial diseases. This is because these diseases affect the production of energy within the cells of the body. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult your doctor to rule out other health conditions.
Neurological Symptoms
Mitochondrial diseases can also affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as seizures, stroke-like episodes, and cognitive decline. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, individuals may require a neurological consultation to determine the best course of action.
Respiratory Symptoms
Mitochondrial diseases can also impact the respiratory system, leading to shortness of breath, wheezing, and chronic cough. These symptoms can be particularly challenging to manage, making it essential to work with a healthcare provider experienced in mitochondrial diseases.
Developmental Delays
In children, the symptoms of mitochondrial diseases may manifest as developmental delays. These delays can impact speech, motor skills, and cognitive functions. Early intervention is essential for managing symptoms and helping children reach their full potential.
Muscles
Lack of muscle coordination is called ataxia. It causes difficulties with muscle movement, including walking or swallowing. There are a few types of ataxia. Cerebellar, vestibular and sensory ataxia are some of the most common.
Cerebellar Ataxia
This form of ataxia affects voluntary movement as a result of problems in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls sensory perception, coordination and motor control. It causes jerking muscle movements, reduced muscle mass and difficulty controlling and coordinating the muscles between other muscles, joints or limbs.
Sensory Ataxia
Sensory ataxia is a loss of body perception that causes difficulties sensing different parts of the body in relation to each other. The patient relies on vision to coordinate the different parts of the body so they may have an unsteady walk or difficulties with posture and balance.
Vestibular Ataxia
The vestibular system affects hearing and mitochondrial diseases can cause nerve damage in the ear that leads to vestibular ataxia. Symptoms include vertigo, nausea, vomiting and lack of balance.
Heart
Cardiomyopathy is a collection of diseases affecting the heart muscle, causing it to grow and thicken and it may even develop scar tissue. The heart weakens and the disease interferes with blood circulation, causing heart failure or arrhythmias.
Nervous System
Dysautonomia is a severe condition that causes the autonomic nervous system to fail, specifically sympathetic and parasympathetic function. It interferes with the body’s ability to regulate the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, digestion and respiration.
Mitochondrial diseases can also affect the nerves by causing neuropathic pain. In addition, the muscles may be weak and cramp up. The patient may also have gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation or gastroesophageal reflux.
Eyes & Ears
It can cause vision loss, blindness, hearing loss, ptosis or strabismus. Mitochondrial diseases can affect the eyes and ears, leading to vision and hearing loss. Some individuals with mitochondrial diseases may also experience visual disturbances like blurred vision, double vision, or even blindness.
Causes of Mitochondrial Diseases
Genetic Mutations
Mitochondrial diseases can arise due to mutations in the mitochondrial or nuclear genomes. Mitochondrial DNA is inherited solely from the maternal side of the family and any mutations can be passed from mother to child. Both small and large mutations in the mitochondrial DNA can impair its functions, resulting in a wide range of diseases, such as Leber’s optic neuropathy, progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO), and mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS).
Environmental Factors
Environmental toxins can also cause mitochondrial disease. Prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke, toxins found in pesticides and herbicides, and heavy metals can all lead to mitochondrial dysfunction. Environmental factors such as poor nutrition, stress, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to mitochondrial disease development.
Infections
Certain bacteria and viral infections can also negatively impact mitochondrial functions. For example, the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is known to damage mitochondrial DNA and can cause neuromuscular disorders, including encephalitis and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Aging
As cells age, their mitochondria also age, leading to decreased mitochondrial function, which results in a decline in cellular energy production. This decrease in energy production can lead to the onset of mitochondrial disease symptoms.
Drug-Induced Mitochondrial Toxicity
Numerous prescription drugs can lead to mitochondrial toxicity, including cancer drugs, antibiotics, antiviral agents, and antipsychotics. Long-term use of some of these drugs can impair mitochondrial function and lead to mitochondrial diseases.
Diagnosing Mitochondrial Diseases
There are several tests used to diagnose mitochondrial diseases. A diagnosis of mito is based on the clinical presentation of symptoms, results from imaging studies or blood tests measuring the level of mitochondrial metabolites. A muscle biopsy can also help confirm a diagnosis by showing characteristic abnormalities in muscle tissue. Genetic testing is another way to diagnose mitochondrial diseases. Mutations in mitochondrial genes can be inherited or occur spontaneously, and so genetic testing can help confirm a diagnosis and even guide treatment options.
Treatment for Mitochondrial Diseases
Different patients may require different treatment methods depending on their specific condition. There is no cure for this disease, but there are ways to treat some of the symptoms and help the patient manage them. Doctors usually aim to address the symptoms since they cannot treat the genetic mutation.
Nutritional Supplements
One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage mitochondrial dysfunction is by taking nutritional supplements, such as coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), and creatine. These compounds play important roles in energy production and can help improve mitochondrial function. In fact, some research has suggested that taking these supplements may even help slow the progression of mitochondrial diseases. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may not be safe for everyone.
Gene Therapy
Another promising area of research is gene therapy, which involves delivering healthy copies of the defective genes responsible for mitochondrial dysfunction into the patient’s cells. This approach has shown some success in preclinical studies, and clinical trials are currently underway to test its safety and effectiveness in humans. While gene therapy is still in the early stages of development, it holds promise as a potential cure for mitochondrial diseases.
Stem Cell Transplantation
Stem cell transplantation is another treatment option that has shown promise in preclinical studies. In this procedure, healthy stem cells are transplanted into the patient’s body to replace the defective ones. This approach has been successful in animal models of mitochondrial diseases, and clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in humans.
Antioxidants
Mitochondrial dysfunction is often associated with increased levels of oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to disease progression. Antioxidant therapies, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and resveratrol, have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function in preclinical studies. While more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in humans, these therapies hold promise as a potential treatment option for mitochondrial diseases.
Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Finally, one of the most promising treatment options for mitochondrial diseases is mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT). This technique involves replacing defective mitochondria in the patient’s cells with healthy ones from a donor. While controversial, MRT has shown promise in animal models and has even been successfully used in a handful of human cases. However, there are still many ethical and safety considerations that need addressing before it can be a treatment option.
Supplements for Mitochondrial Diseases
Physicians may recommend dietary supplements to make sure the patient gets certain vitamins that regulate chemical reactions to produce energy in the body. Most people get enough nutrients from their diets, but patients with mitochondrial diseases may need to supplement these nutrients. However, supplements will not treat mitochondrial diseases. Instead, they may only help improve body functions. Consult a doctor for approval before starting a supplement regimen.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 can function as a part of the mitochondrial electron transport chain as a shuttle. In fact, one of its main functions is to transport materials around the mitochondria. CoQ10 deficiency can cause muscular and neurological dysfunctions that supplementation may improve, according to research. As a dietary supplement, the recommended dosage for CoQ10 powder is 50 to 200 mg once a day.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is a key factor in mitochondrial processes, specifically in energy creation. It helps increase mood and energy levels in the body because it improves metabolism. It may also reduce fatigue, anxiety and depression. As a dietary supplement, take riboflavin (vitamin B2) powder in 50 mg doses once or twice a day.
Creatine
Creatine is a nonessential amino acid that the body produces in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is comprised of the amino acids glycine, arginine and methionine. It helps store glycogen in the body to use as energy and creatine deficiencies can also reduce muscle mass. The recommended dosage for creatine monohydrate powder is 2,500 to 5,000 mg once a day with water. Do not use it with caffeine. It may cause muscle cramps and dehydration.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced by the body. It can help improve mitochondrial function by reducing oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies have shown that ALA can improve exercise performance, reduce inflammation, and improve glucose uptake in cells. It also appears to be safe and well-tolerated, making it an appealing option for those with mitochondrial diseases to use them as Alpha-lipoic acid supplements.
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps to transport fatty acids into mitochondria so they can be used for energy. Some research suggests that L-Carnitine supplements may improve heart and muscle function in people with mitochondrial diseases. The recommended dose for adults is 1-3g per day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that can help protect the mitochondria from oxidative damage. It has shown to improve muscle strength and endurance in people with mitochondrial myopathies, a type of mitochondrial disease that affects the muscles. Vitamin E supplements has also been found to improve heart function in people with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy, another type of mitochondrial disease that affects the heart.
Vitamin C
The Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that can help improve mitochondrial function. It has shown to reduce muscle damage and improve exercise performance in people with mitochondrial myopathies. This is particularly important for people with mitochondrial diseases, as they are more prone to musculoskeletal problems. important for maintaining healthy connective tissues like tendons and ligaments, these supplements is also essential for collagen synthesis.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is a compound found in grapes and red wine that has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and increase energy production. It has been to improve muscle strength and endurance in people with mitochondrial myopathies. Resveratrol supplements may also be beneficial for people with mitochondrial dysfunction due to its ability to activate a protein called SIRT1, which plays a role in regulating cellular energy metabolism.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in energy production and muscle function. Studies have found that people with mitochondrial diseases often have low levels of magnesium in their cells. Taking a magnesium supplement may help to improve muscle function and reduce fatigue. The recommended dose for adults is 400-800mg per day.
The Bottom Line
Mitochondrial diseases result from other conditions that interfere with mitochondrial function. Usually they affect at least three different symptoms in the body, such as the heart, the nerves, the nervous system, the muscles and the brain. It may cause heart diseases that affect the heart muscle, vision loss, hearing loss or gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may also lack the ability to control the muscles and coordinate movement.
Mitochondrial diseases are a genetic condition, usually from parents to their offspring. There are different ways the condition transfers but it is a result of a genetic mutation. Treatment options include supportive therapy, dietary changes and physiological stress management. Patients may also take supplements to help metabolic processes in the body, with a doctor’s permission. Supplements are not a cure for mitochondrial diseases, but they may help support the body and improve health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease