Targeting mitochondria for healthy aging and resilience: Insights from Resiliency Radio

In a recent episode of Resiliency Radio, host Dr. Jill Carnahan sat down with Dr. Siobhan Mitchell, Chief Scientific Officer at MitoQ, to explore one of the most fascinating frontiers in health science: mitochondrial health. Their conversation unpacked why these tiny powerhouses matter for energy, aging, performance, and healing, and how innovations like MitoQ are changing the game. 

Meet Dr. Jill Carnahan 

Dr. Jill Carnahan is a board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine, widely recognized for her expertise in functional medicine. She’s passionate about empowering patients to take control of their health through science-backed strategies that address root causes rather than symptoms. 

Watch the full conversation

Want to dive deeper into the science behind mitochondrial health and resilience? In this episode of Resiliency Radio, Dr. Jill Carnahan and Dr. Siobhan Mitchell unpack everything from energy production and aging to athletic performance and mental health. If you’re curious about how MitoQ works, why mitochondria matter, and practical steps to optimize your health, this is a must-watch. 

Watch the full interview here:

Why mitochondria matter 

“Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell,” explains Dr. Mitchell. They convert the food we eat, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, into ATP, the energy currency that fuels everything from protein synthesis to DNA repair. But their role goes far beyond energy: 

Aging & oxidative stress: While generating energy, mitochondria produce free radicals that can damage DNA and proteins. “Protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress is a major way to slow aging mechanisms,” says Dr. Mitchell. 

Brain health: The brain consumes up to 25% of the body’s energy. Healthy mitochondria reduce inflammation and amyloid buildup, supporting cognitive resilience. 

Immune & vascular function: Mitochondria influence innate immunity and vascular health. Dysfunction can lead to stiff arteries and poor blood flow, issues MitoQ has been shown to improve in clinical trials (Rossman et al., 2018; Kirkman et al., 2023). 

MitoQ: A breakthrough in mitochondrial support 

Traditional CoQ10 struggles to penetrate mitochondria effectively. MitoQ solves this with a unique design: a positively charged triphenylphosphonium tag that draws it into the negatively charged mitochondria. “MitoQ was designed to get into mitochondria better than anything else,” says Dr. Mitchell. This innovation means up to 90% direct absorption when taken orally. 

Key takeaways from the interview 

Here are some standout insights: 

• Exercise synergy: “MitoQ plus exercise - it’s a really good combination,” notes Dr. Mitchell. Clinical studies show improved power output and mitochondrial biogenesis when MitoQ is paired with physical activity. (Broome et al., 2021 & 2022) 
• Cardiovascular benefits: Trials reveal MitoQ improves aortic stiffness and reduces oxidized LDL, even in healthy individuals. 
• Mental health potential: Preclinical data suggests MitoQ may help regulate mitochondrial function in brain regions linked to anxiety and PTSD. 
• Clinical research: With 29 completed trials and 20 more underway, MitoQ shows promise in areas like cognitive frailty, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Dosing & Safety: MitoQ is generally well-tolerated and free from negative interactions. The recommended dose is 10mg daily for general health, with 20mg available through physicians for advanced needs. 

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MitoQ and NAD: A powerful partnership 

One of the most exciting insights from the interview is the synergy between MitoQ and NAD boosters (such as NR, NMN, or niacin). NAD is essential for energy generation and DNA repair inside mitochondria, while MitoQ protects these energy hubs from oxidative stress and supports optimal ATP production. When combined, they create a comprehensive approach to cellular health—fueling energy, enhancing resilience, and slowing the mechanisms of aging. As Dr. Mitchell explains, “No single supplement can do everything, but together, MitoQ and NAD boosters provide extra benefits for your mitochondria and overall vitality.” 

MitoQ Pure – Our hero product featuring our breakthrough mitochondria-targeted antioxidant for addressing oxidative stress at its source. 

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MitoQ NAD+ Dual Action - A dual-action formula that increases NAD+ levels by up to 300%* and helps your cells actually use it for real impact on energy, clarity and vitality. 

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As Dr. Carnahan emphasizes, becoming your own health advocate is key. Supporting mitochondrial health through lifestyle and targeted supplements like MitoQ can help you age well, perform better, and recover faster. 

Learn more about stacking MitoQ Pure and NAD+ here

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Watch the full interview here: 

References: 

• Rossman MJ et al. Hypertension. 2018;71:1056-1063. DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.117.10787  
• Kirkman, Danielle L et al. Am J Physiol-Renal Physiol. 2023. Aug;10 doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00067.2023 
• Broome SC et al. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021 Aug 21. . DOI: 10.1186/s12970-021-00454-0  
• Broome SC et al. Redox Biol. 2022 Jul;53:102341. DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102341