CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 for example, is probably the most widely used cofactor for treating mitochondrial related health conditions. Basically, CoQ10 functions as the electron carrier in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In addition to increasing biosynthesis of ATP (the universal energy molecule), and acting as a potent free radical scavenger, CoQ10 also reduces lactic acid levels, improves muscle strength, and decreases muscle fatigability. In particular it has an infinity with the heart muscles and is often used to improve recovery from cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 is an important antioxidant component of the lipid (fatty) membranes that surround all cells, as well as the lipid membranes surrounding the various organelles ("little organs"), such as mitochondria and microsomes, inside the cells.

Studies of CoQ10 have mostly focused on its role in improving certain types of heart disease, including congestive heart failure. However evidence suggests that CoQ10 may benefit brain function, help maintain healthy blood pressure, assist in elevating energy for suffers of chronic fatigue syndrome, muscular dystrophy, periodontal disease, breast cancer and allergies.

N Acetyl-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine is derived from the lysine and methionine amino acids. It is mainly synthesized in the liver and  kidneys, and must be transported for use to other tissues in the body. It is found in highest concentration in tissues that use fatty acids as fuel, such as the skeletal and cardiac muscles.

When mitochondrial damage occurs, the organelle structure show changes which include alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential, a reduction in membrane levels of cardiolipin (an important phospholipid that serves as a cofactor for a number of critical mitochondrial transport proteins); a reduction in Coenzyme Q10 levels (an important factor in the electron transport chain); and a decrease in the concentration of carnitine (an important factor in the beta oxidation of fatty acids).

Dr. Tory Hagen, in the Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory of Dr. Bruce Ames at the University of California, proposed that dietary supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) might reverse some of these age-related mitochondrial changes. Dr. Hagen and his associates demonstrated that ALC restores mitochondrial membrane potential and cardiolipin levels, facilitates fatty acid transport into mitochondria, and increases overall cellular respiration. The researchers also noted that ALC enhances cognitive performance, increased production of neurotransmitters, and restores levels of certain hormone receptors to more youthful levels. They concluded that ALC reverses many aspects of age-related cellular dysfunction, principally through maintenance of mitochondrial function.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), also known as lipoic acid is a powerful, natural antioxidant. Alpha lipoic acid can be found in foods such as meats, and veggies (ie. spinach). Alpha lipoic acid is also easily absorbed into the blood stream, and it can also cross the blood brain barrier.

Its main function is to increase production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. An antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals in our bodies and protects our cells from damage. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) plays an important link in mitochondria respiration, in particular glycolosis and the Kreb’s cycle. Most of the metabolic reactions in which ALA participates occur in mitochondria.

Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to increase ATP synthesis (bio-energy) in the mitochondria of heart cells. It is believed that increased ATP production occurs because of ALA’s role in the oxidation of pyruvate and the alpha-ketoglutarate in the mitochondria. For energy metabolism to progress to the Kreb’s cycle, pyruvate must be converted into acetyl-CoA. Alpha-lipoic acid is one of four coenzymes required by the body in order to create acetyl-CoA. Oxidative phosphorylation completes the complex procedure of capturing energy and ultimately enhancing energy production which contributes to our sense of vitality.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The use of omega-3 fatty acids is well documented and researched and has become a popular supplement for the health conscious particularly those concerned about there cardio-vascular system which includes the heart. Fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are present in fatty fish.

More recently research on omega 3 fatty acids has shown to benefit the health of the mitochondria. As the body ages mitochondrial calcium levels increase and mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin content decrease. Scientists at the National Institute on Aging found that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils are cardio-protective in aging animals, in that they minimized the increase in mitochondrial calcium content, prevented the decrease in cardiolipin content, and increased levels of phosphatidylcholine.

Dr. Salvatore Pepe of the Alfred Hospital Cardiac Surgical Research Unit in Melbourne, Australia, reported similar findings. Dr. Pepe demonstrated that an omega-3 rich diet directly increases mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin concentrations, increases the ratio of mitochondrial membrane omega-3 to omega-6, and increases tolerance of the heart to Ischemia and infarction (heart attack).

Exercise

Elderly subjects tend to use more glucose and less fat during exercise than young subjects. However, endurance training increases muscle respiratory capacity, decreases glucose production and oxidation, and increases fat oxidation, thereby correcting or compensating to some degree the age-related alterations in substrate oxidation and energy production.

One argument that is put forth by some scientists as an excuse for their sedentary lifestyles is the fact that exercise increases the production of free radicals. However, scientists at the Guangzhou Institute of Physical Education in Canton, China, showed that endurance training actually increases the production of mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH px), resulting in an overall increase in antioxidant activity and decrease in lipid peroxidation. Simply, regular exercise contributes to health and longevity.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as one of the principal causes of age-related bio-energetic decline. Although there is no single “silver bullet” or even combination of substances that will unfailingly resuscitate all aspects of aging mitochondria, anti-aging physicians and scientists have discovered a number of nutrients that alleviate or completely restore many aspects of mitochondrial failure. Some of these substances have been discussed in this article, and their sites of action and specific mitochondrial resuscitating properties are summarized in Table 2. Combinations of these nutrients, acting on multiple targets, may normalize mitochondrial function, increase cellular and systemic energy production, alleviate mitochondrial-related disease, and delay age-related decline in many organs and systems of the body.