Factors Supporting Mitochondrial Function
Diet:
Key nutrients and vitamins that are essential for mitochondrial health include:
B vitamins
All 8 B vitamins play an important role in mitochondrial function and energy production. From acting as potent antioxidants to critical coenzymes, B vitamins provide the keys to the lock that is the Krebs cycle.
CoQ10
During the energy generation process, mitochondria produce free radicals as a byproduct. One of the key antioxidants your body produces inside the mitochondria to control free radicals is CoQ10. MitoQ® Mitoquinol is an advanced, modified form of CoQ10 that is bio-designed to be smaller and is positively charged so it can easily pass through the mitochondrial wall.
MitoQ ® is made of three main parts, each with key functions:
1. The active site of MitoQ ® is its antioxidant head. This is the same as in CoQ10 and is the part of the molecule that neutralizes free radicals.
2. Attached to the antioxidant head is the carbon chain made of 10 repeating units. This chain is much shorter in MitoQ® than it is in CoQ10, which improves its absorption.
3. At the base of MitoQ ® is a positive charge that electrochemically pulls MitoQ ® through cells into the negatively charged inner mitochondrial wall, where its antioxidant capabilities are released.
Glutathione
Abundant in the mitochondria, glutathione is an antioxidant that helps mitigate the oxidative stress in the cell.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a key mineral for maintaining mitochondrial health and it plays a crucial role in ATP production.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)
ALA is a natural antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function by fighting free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants.