Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Chronic Disease: Treatment with Membrane Lipid Replacement and Other Natural Supplements

Abstract

Mitochondria provide most of our cellular energy needs; therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction can cause fatigue and other symptoms that are commonly found in every chronic and many acute conditions. Reductions in mitochondrial function occur when there is loss of maintenance of inner mitochondrial membrane trans-membrane potential, modifications in the electron transport chain, damage to mitochondrial DNA, altered mitochondrial transcription, and reductions in the transport of critical substrates and metabolites into mitochondria. These events can result in reduced efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and reductions in ATP production. Several components of mitochondria require routine replacement, and this can be facilitated with dietary changes and the use of natural supplements. Clinical trials have shown the utility of using oral mitochondrial replacement supplements, such as replacement glycerolphospholipids, l-carnitine, alpha-Lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, NADH, pyrroloquinoline quinone and other mitochondrial supplements to improve mitochondrial function. Membrane Lipid Replacement supplements with or without other mitochondrial supplements can significantly diminish fatigue and other mitochondria-associated symptoms found in aging, cancer and chronic diseases.