What causes mitochondrial dysfunction?

What you’ll learn: 

• Discover why mitochondria are central to your long-term health 
• Understand the everyday lifestyle, environmental and nutritional factors that leave your mitochondria vulnerable to oxidative stress 
• Learn practical steps you can take to reduce oxidative stress and support your mitochondria through diet, movement and targeted supplementation 
   

What are mitochondria and what do they do?  

Mitochondria are an integral part of our make-up and we would not survive without them. These free-floating, bean-shaped organelles live in almost every cell type in the body. They generate more than 90% of the energy needed by our bodies to sustain life and promote growth.  

Besides converting the food we eat and the air we breathe into fuel in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondria are also involved in the manufacture of DNA, haemoglobin, estrogen and testosterone. They help metabolize cholesterol and produce antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 which neutralize free radicals and decrease oxidative stress. They are the only separate structure in the cell to have their own DNA, which gives them the ability to self-replicate and increase their numbers if the cell requires more energy (during growth or intense exercise). Mitochondria also help the cell perform specialized functions. For example, mitochondria in liver cells allow the cell to breakdown toxic ammonia into harmless urea which is then excreted.  

How are mitochondria related to longevity? 

Mitochondria are such an integral part of our make-up that we wouldn’t survive without them. The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Ageing (MFRTA) suggests that longevity comes down to well-performing mitochondria and well-controlled rates of free radical production. This theory is backed by research on long-lived animals, which tend to produce fewer free radicals and have cell membranes that are better at resisting free radical damage. The MFRTA offers an explanation for longevity variation among different animal species that is not related to size, shape or cognitive ability. 

Why are mitochondria vulnerable to damage? 

These delicate organelles are easily damaged by environmental toxins (pollution, UV rays and chemical exposure) as well as excessive free radical production triggered by poor diet, psychological stress, poor sleep and lack of recovery. Over time, this overwhelms the body's natural antioxidant defences and leads to oxidative stress. Diet also plays a significant role, as well as genetic mutations, which can further disrupt mitochondrial functioning. 

The problem compounds itself because mitochondria self-replicate, meaning defective mitochondria simply produce more defective mitochondria. Free radicals accelerate this process by stealing electrons from nearby stable molecules, damaging their molecular structure. 

As ATP production becomes compromised by these accumulating factors, the first noticeable symptom is typically a loss of energy. This impacts vital cellular processes and the effects become increasingly widespread - impairing the brain, liver, heart, kidneys and eventually undermining entire body systems. 

How can I prevent mitochondrial damage? 

Oxidative stress is at the core of mitochondrial dysfunction.  It disrupts ATP production which affects every body system, it causes mitochondrial DNA damage and damages mitophagy (which can lead to cell damage and even cell death). Because oxidative stress is a large contributor to mitochondrial damage and dysfunction, one of the best ways to support mitochondrial health is to reduce oxidative stress. 

How to reduce oxidative stress 

The production of free radicals is a natural by-product of normal metabolic processes in the body, and while you can’t completely avoid exposure to free radicals, you can help keep your body in balance by implementing a few lifestyle changes.  

Increase antioxidants in the diet 

The body naturally produces its own antioxidants to combat free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, but they are also found in high amounts in a healthy diet. Foods high in antioxidants include colorful plant-based foods like berries, broccoli, tomato, bell peppers and spinach, as well as nuts and seeds like brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds.  

While antioxidant-rich foods provide a strong foundation, they don’t always reach mitochondria in meaningful amounts – which is where targeted supplementation can play a complementary role. MitoQ® Mitoquinol is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that has been specifically designed to accumulate inside the mitochondria, delivering antioxidant protection right where it's needed most.  

2 capsules a day for healthier cells

Proven to get deep into cells to combat the root causes of aging and support cellular longevity, metabolism, healthier aging, and sustained energy.

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