MITOCHONDRIA: What they are, what they do, and how we can improve their function (Part 2)

(PART 2)

QUICK REVIEW FROM PART 1

What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are organelles found inside our cells, commonly referred to as “the powerhouse of the cell”. Mitochondria are important because they convert glucose, fat, and oxygen into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration.  ATP is the “energy currency” used for all cellular processes, including:

• Metabolism
• Muscle contraction
• Nerve impulses
• Hormone synthesis
• Calcium uptake
• Genetic expression
• Apoptosis (programmed cell death)

ATP must be constantly regenerated in order to keep us going.  This requires mitochondria to work efficiently, but there is a dysregulation of mitochondrial function as we age.  This results in fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, low stamina, inflammation, delayed wound healing, and visible signs of aging (such as wrinkles). 

What else can we do to improve mitochondrial function?

Last time, we covered diet, exercise, sleep, infrared light exposure, sauna, and cold plunge – SEE “MITOCHONDRIA: What they are, what they do, and how we can improve their function, (PART 1)

This time, we will cover some supplements and other options that can also improve mitochondrial function. It’s important to note that these things should be considered additions to an already solid foundation of healthy fitness habits.

Supplements

There are several over-the-counter supplements that plug in to different steps in the cellular respiration cycle.  These supplements can help if your body is deficient.

• CoQ10 (ubiquinone) 
• ALA (alpha-lipoic acid)
• L-carnitine 
• Omega Fatty Acids
• Creatine
• Magnesium
• B vitamins
• NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) – a coenzyme
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) – a precursor to NAD

**AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT PEPTIDE THERAPY**

The information provided regarding peptide therapy is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the use of peptides. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The peptides discussed below are not FDA approved.  

Peptides

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. They are essentially smaller versions of proteins, typically containing between 2 and 50 amino acids. Peptides signal important functions in the body.  These peptides specifically target mitochondria:

• SS-31 (elamipretide) (injection) – actually repairs and stabilizes the internal structure of mitochondria by stabilizing cardiolipin, a phospholipid component of mitochondrial membranes.  It increases the surface area of the inner membrane/electron transport chain to increase ATP production. SS-31 also significantly lowers the production of reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress), preventing damage to mitochondrial DNA.
• MOTS-C (Mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA Type-C ) (injection) – stimulates the production of new mitochondria to expand cellular energy capacity as well as activating one of the pathways (AMPK) that replenishes ATP.   This improves glucose metabolism and fat burning, as well as reducing inflammation.
• SLU-PP-332 (oral capsule) – binds the estrogen-related receptor in the cell cycle to trigger the same metabolic pathways normally stimulated by exercise.  This peptide tells the cells in the muscles, heart, and brain that they are exercising.  It has been called “exercise in a bottle”. While most mitochondrial peptides (like MOTS-c) are derived from mitochondrial DNA, SLU-PP-332 is a synthetic agonist that targets estrogen-related receptors. It not only triggers the creation of new mitochondria, but also activates one of the steps in oxidative phosphorylation (converting nutrients into cellular energy), and increases fatty acid oxidation, which shifts metabolism toward burning fat for fuel, similar to the state achieved during fasting or endurance training.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.