What Does It Mean?
- Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs when the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells, fail to generate adequate energy for cellular function.
- This dysfunction is linked to chronic fatigue, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and overall poor cellular health.
- Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of mitochondrial impairment to optimize energy production.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Oxidative Stress: Excessive free radicals damage mitochondrial membranes and impair ATP production.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: CoQ10, magnesium, B vitamins, and carnitine are essential for mitochondrial function.
- Toxic Load: Heavy metals, environmental toxins, and mold exposure can inhibit mitochondrial activity.
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation damages mitochondrial DNA and reduces efficiency.
- Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Dysregulation: Poor glucose utilization affects mitochondrial energy production.
- Poor Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary behavior, chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep contribute to mitochondrial decline.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy levels
- Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance
- Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Poor recovery from physical exertion
- Metabolic imbalances, such as insulin resistance
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help assess potential mitochondrial dysfunction:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Albumin | Altered | 4.50-5.00 g/dL |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen | Positive/Negative | Negative |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Altered | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Coenzyme Q10 | Decreased | 1.0-2.0 µg/mL |
| Globulin | Altered | 2.40-2.80 g/dL |
| Glutathione | Decreased | 373.00-838.00 µM |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) | Increased | 140.00-200.00 U/L |
| LDL Cholesterol Direct | Altered | 80.00-99.99 mg/dL |
| Lymphocyte % | Altered | 30.00-40.00 % |
| Platelet Count | Altered | 190.00-300.00 Cells/µL |
| Uric Acid (Male) | Altered | 3.50-4.50 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on optimizing mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting energy metabolism.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Magnesium | Essential for mitochondrial enzyme activity | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports mitochondrial ATP production | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation and cellular energy | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant protection for mitochondria | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Supports metabolic function | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Omega | Supports mitochondrial membrane integrity | 1 capsule with food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Optimize Nutrition: Emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
- Support Detoxification: Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and support liver detox pathways.
- Exercise Appropriately: Engage in moderate exercise to enhance mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Improve Sleep & Stress Management: Prioritize restorative sleep and stress-reducing practices like meditation and breathwork.
- Balance Blood Sugar: Maintain stable glucose levels to prevent mitochondrial damage.