The Mitochondrial Maestro
How ubiquinol supports the health of mitochondria and impacts all body systems
Stephanie Berglin | DipNut , DBM , BAComms , Nutritionist , Herbalist , Writer , Editor , Researcher
Recent research has revealed that the pervasive issue of mitochondrial dysfunction is an underlying factor in a multitude of chronic disease states ; from cardiovascular diseases , neurodegenerative disorders , type 2 diabetes , obesity , chronic fatigue syndrome and infertility , with its impacts being seen across the spectrum of human health . 1-6 Therefore , an understanding of chronic disease requires knowledge about mitochondria for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes . Results of a number of studies have also shown that restoration of mitochondrial function via a variety of diet and lifestyle factors , including targeted supplementation , can delay the onset and slow the progression of chronic disease development . 1 , 7
What are mitochondria ?
Life depends on energy and energy is produced by the mitochondria in cells . Therefore , maintaining healthy mitochondrial function is crucial for the health and functioning of the entire body , particularly organs and tissues with high energy demands such as the heart , brain , liver and muscles . Mitochondria are complex organelles ,
Figure 1 . Krebs Cycle
of which hundreds to thousands are found in all cells in the body . Inside the mitochondria , the Krebs cycle uses molecules nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide + hydrogen ( NADH ) and flavin adenine dinucleotide ( FADH2 ) that carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain ( ETC ) in the mitochondrial membrane , where ubiquinol facilitates electron transport ( see Figure 1 ). The ETC uses these electrons to produce adenosine triphosphate ( ATP ), the energy currency of the cell , through a process called oxidative phosphorylation ( OXPHOS ).
162 | vol30 | no3 | JATMS