Mitochondria (the cells’ power plants) deteriorate with age but you can help take care of yours and slow down the aging process with our tips and natural remedies.
Mitochondria are organelles within cells, often referred to as ‘powerhouses’ (1).
They are the site at which cellular respiration takes place, the process whereby glucose is converted into ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate). ATP is a molecule essential for cellular energy metabolism: it provides the energy cells need to function.
Mitochondrial function relies on a delicate balance involving calcium transporters and the voltage-dependent anion channel.
As our cells age, mitochondrial dysfunction increases, leading to the accumulation of calcium in the cell matrix. This causes the mitochondria to release pro-apoptotic factors (apoptosis being programmed cell death) as well as free radicals which eventually reduces the mitochondria’s potential.
Indeed, over recent decades, scientists have been closely studying the effects of mitochondrial dysfunction on aging. They largely concur that, like telomeres, mitochondria constitute key elements in the fight against the effects of aging and thus require care and attention (2-4).
As we’ve seen, the main threat to mitochondria comes from free radicals. A diet high in trans fatty acids (the fats found in ultra-processed foods), free sugars, salt, alcohol, processed and red meat, etc. encourages free radical production and puts a severe strain on our mitochondria (5).
First of all then, it’s essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins, and ‘good’ fats.
It’s equally important to take regular exercise, as long as it’s moderate: strenuous exercise has been shown to promote free radical production whereas moderate activity stimulates antioxidants and the immune system.
The human body is a complex ecosystem: any kind of excess upsets the balance and causes the aging process to speed up. So to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and acceleration in aging, it’s vital to adopt a healthy, balanced and natural lifestyle.
Also called methoxatin, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is the cofactor of several redox enzymes. Combined with coenzyme Q10 in the mitochondria, PQQ/methoxatin also supports production of ATP.
Several studies have also shown a correlation between a lack of PQQ and certain physiological abnormalities.
Most significantly, however, an American study found pyrroloquinoline quinone to have 30,000-50,000 times more antioxidant efficacy than vitamin C, and to be capable of neutralizing thousands of free radicals before being reduced - the same free radicals that cause mitochondrial dysfunction (6-7).
A natural antioxidant, alpha-lipoic acid is present in the mitochondria where it acts as a co-enzyme of pyruvate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, two enzymes that function as catalysts of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
Alpha-lipoic acid thus plays a key role in mitochondrial function and APT production (8-9).
L-carnitine is produced in the liver, brain, and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Its role in the body is to help transport fatty acids to the mitochondria where they will be metabolized to ultimately provide ATP. Some studies suggest it leads to increased oxygen consumption in the mitochondria.
Given that concentrations of these substances in the body decline with age, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, conducted an experiment in which they combined acetyl-L-carnitine, to stimulate the activity of an enzyme that plays an important role in mitochondria, with alpha-lipoic acid, in particular for its antioxidant action. Their results showed an increase in memory and energy levels in the subjects examined (10).
Alongside a healthy, balanced diet; regular, moderate exercise; sufficient good quality sleep; and cutting down or giving up alcohol, smoking, and added sugars, some people also choose to take supplements targeted at the mitochondria, to delay the effects of aging.
In this respect, it may help to take supplements containing pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine, all of which play a role in how mitochondria function.
You could also opt for a synergistic formulation in which all three of these molecules are combined to maximize their benefits (such as Mitochondrial Formula).
References
Keywords
16 Hours
Product always arrives timely and in good shape. Company is easy to work with. Website is user-friendly.
Diane
1 Days
The h pylori supplement has helped my digestive issues. I was diagnosed with h pylori more than once. Also was hospitalized with h pylori several times. Even after taking prescription meds for this condition I still had ongoing digestive issues. So I decided to give this product a try. It has helped with the bloating and inflammation in my stomach and chest. So I gave it a 4 star rating. It helps to calm the pain in my stomach and also acid reflux pains. It is a good product and I would recommend.
Sandra
4 Days
Have purchased from this company many times. A package arrived damaged and with an 1 email to customer service it was fixed. Thank you for great products and great customer service
jd
8 Days
Above and beyond customer service! Bravo. Love SuperSmart.
Isabella Jimenez
12 Days
Still great! I have given my opinion on this several times and it remains the same.
WRIGHT Connie
15 Days
I have been very happy with all my supplements from supersmart
kirstin Torres
15 Days
Quality supplements
Edward P
22 Days
Good products at a good price.
HELLAND Edward
25 Days
Any will be taken care of by SuperSmart staff.
DOMINIC
27 Days
Quality 3rd party tested products without fillers
Edward P
28 Days
great products and prices..
Marie
36 Days
product delivered on time and in good shape
Jack
41 Days
Great supplements at great prices
cynthia b
48 Days
It was easy and timely,
GEORGE Verne
51 Days
Receiving a link to the correct website, showing the currency in USD, was just what I needed. It would be better if that choice was available on the site that persistently appeared in my browser.
Brenda