The role of mitochondria in nutrition and health

Understanding mitochondria
Mitochondria and nutrition: a deeper connection
Mitochondrial dysfunction and health consequences
The role of mitochondria in aging and longevity
Dietary strategies to support mitochondrial health
Future directions: mitochondria in medical research
References
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The powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a surprising role in nutrition and health because their function in energy production directly affects the body’s metabolism, which is also involved in aging and longevity.

Understanding mitochondria

The history of mitochondria begins with the endosymbiotic theory, which posits that mitochondria were primitive bacteria that formed a mutually beneficial relationship with larger cells.¹ Despite the lack of intermediates bridging prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the mitochondria’s unique DNA reflects its bacterial ancestry.¹ However, the exact ecological conditions that led to this partnership remain the subject of intense debate.

Mitochondria are involved in processes such as nutrient metabolism and utilization, cellular signaling, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense.² However, their best known function is the production of energy for the cell.³ This process is called oxidative phosphorylation.

Oxidative phosphorylation produces ATP, which are high-energy molecules used by cells.³ Depending on the energy demand, more mitochondria are present (for example muscle cells).³

Mitochondria and nutrition: a deeper connection

The diet provides macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) and these are necessary to produce energy, cellular components and structures essential for cellular functions.³

For example, some nutritional strategies encourage the consumption of healthy fats that promote mitochondrial health.³ On the other hand, calorie restriction or intermittent fasting can increase its efficiency by drawing necessary resources from the body’s stores.³

Nutrients such as vitamin B, iron, selenium and coenzyme Q10 obtained through the diet are also important for supporting mitochondrial function and energy production.³ In addition to their crucial role in energy production, mitochondria also play an important role in the intracellular regulation of calcium, cell death and redox balance.³

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Mitochondrial dysfunction and health consequences

Various etiologies, including genetic mutations, infections, aging and lack of physical activity, can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which in turn affects the mechanisms of various diseases.²

Mitochondrial dysfunction in brain cells contributes to the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease (where impaired function leads to accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques), Parkinson’s disease (where impaired metabolism results in loss of dopaminergic neurons), and Huntington’s disease (where abnormal protein aggregation disrupts mitochondrial neurons). function). ²

In metabolic diseases such as diabetes, impaired mitochondrial function in the beta cells of the pancreas can affect insulin secretion, leading to insulin resistance.² In obesity, mitochondrial dysfunction in adipose tissue can disrupt the balance between energy intake and expenditure, increasing the risk of obesity. ²

Current research focuses both on improving mitochondrial function and on understanding the mechanisms that lead to the onset of specific diseases. For example, research is being conducted into the use of antioxidants such as mitoQ, which reduce damage or increase the biogenesis of this organelle through signals activated during exercise or through the use of chemical compounds.⁴

The role of mitochondria in aging and longevity

Mitochondria play a critical role in aging and longevity due to their central functions in energy production, cellular signaling, and regulation of cell death.

As organisms age, mitochondrial function tends to decline.⁵ This decrease is characterized by a decrease in the efficiency of the electron transport chain, leading to a reduction in ATP production and an increase in the leakage of electrons, which can form reactive oxygen species (ROS).⁵ These ROS can cause oxidative damage to mitochondrial DNA, proteins and lipids, leading to further mitochondrial dysfunction and a vicious cycle of damage and inefficiency.⁵

Furthermore, mitochondria play a role in the regulation of apoptosis.⁵ Dysfunctional mitochondria can activate cellular pathways that lead to apoptosis, which can contribute to the degeneration of tissues and organs as part of the aging process.⁵

On the contrary, longevity is often associated with improved mitochondrial function and resistance to oxidative stress.⁵ Calorie restriction, exercise, and certain genetic factors that promote mitochondrial health have been linked to increased lifespan in several organisms.⁵

Exercise and a healthy diet have been linked to ROS reduction and improved repair and repair of damaged mitochondria through processes such as mitophagy, potentially slowing the aging process.⁵

Dietary strategies to support mitochondrial health

To support mitochondrial health, certain nutritional choices must be made.⁶ This starts with limiting the consumption of highly processed foods and promoting the consumption of legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds and fiber-rich foods. ⁶ It is also essential to include sources of unsaturated fats such as avocado, salmon and olive oil. ⁶ Adequate protein intake and consumption of micronutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins and magnesium are vital. ⁶

These dietary choices must be individualized, as energy needs vary from person to person. ⁶

Another strategy involves adopting the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb diet that induces a state of ketosis, where the body uses ketones for fuel instead of glucose. ⁶

This diet can reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial biogenesis and improve the efficiency of ATP production. ⁶ However, this diet must be supplemented with certain nutritional supplements to avoid possible metabolic complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia and hyperlipidemia. ⁶

Future directions: mitochondria in medical research

Research in mitochondrial health covers a broad spectrum of areas, from genetic editing to the evaluation of the microbiome and its influence on mitochondrial functions.⁷ Numerous clinical trials use the CRISPR-Cas9 system to modify genes in the mitochondria with the aim of improving their function or altering genes that contribute to certain metabolic diseases.⁷

In addition, the process that regulates the production of mitochondria is being investigated, with the aim of enhancing this process in patients suffering from specific diseases such as skeletal muscle disorders and Parkinson’s disease, where changes in mitophagy are observed.^2.8

A diet designed to improve mitochondrial health could be personalized, as nutritional needs vary from person to person. It is also critical to understand how certain nutrients, when consumed in appropriate amounts, contribute to mitochondrial function. ^2.8

From a medical point of view, many studies are still in the preparatory phase.⁸ However, the majority of these studies focus on early diagnosis and intervention, optimization of existing treatments, and the development of therapies that directly target the mitochondria.⁸

References

1. Zachar I, et al. (2017). Breathtaking collaboration: critical assessment of the origins of mitochondrial hypotheses. Biology Direct, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13062-017-0190-5
2. San-Millán I. (2023). The key role of mitochondrial function in health and disease. Antioxidants, 12(4), 782. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12040782
3. Picard M, et al. (2016). The rise of mitochondria in medicine. Mitochondrion, 30, 105–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2016.07.003
4. The Best Foods to Support Your Mitochondria | MitoQ. (n.d.). MitoQ. [Online] https://www.mitoq.com/journal/ Which-foods-help-your-mitochondria
5. Srivastava S. (2017). The mitochondrial basis of aging and age-related disorders. Genes, 8(12), 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes8120398
6. Kyriazis I, et al. (2022). The impact of diet on mitochondrial physiology (review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 50(5). https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2022.5191
7. Gammage, PA, et al. (2018). Mitochondrial genome engineering: the revolution should not be CRISPR isolated. Trends in genetics, 34(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tig.2017.11.001
8. Bernardi P, et al. (2021). Mitochondria in health and disease. Boundaries research topics. https://doi.org/10.3389/978-2-88971-251-9

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