Article highlights:
- Mitochondria are essential for energy production, supporting brain function, physical performance, healthy aging, and overall health by producing ATP for every cell in the body.
- Mitochondria Ultra provides key nutrients and antioxidants to support ATP production, mitochondrial protection, and cellular renewal.
- Healthy mitochondria require proper nutrition and protection because stress, poor diet, toxins, and aging impair mitochondrial function, reduce energy, and contribute to fatigue and age-related health decline.
Mitochondrial function is extraordinarily vital for all perimeters of health, making it a top priority for vitality and longevity. Every cell depends on healthy mitochondrial function to power daily activities, support physical performance, maintain mental clarity, and promote healthy aging.
We are excited to introduce Mitochondria Ultra, an advanced formula providing essential nutrients used by mitochondria in energy production. Select antioxidants are also included to support mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis and protect against ROS free radicals that are generated during the production of ATP (energy). Since mitochondrial function is the lifeforce of your body, mitochondrial nutrition is a must for everyone wanting to support their overall health.
The Importance of Mitochondria
Mitochondrial production of ATP occurs in three major processes: beta oxidation of fats, citric acid/TCA cycle, and the electron transport chain in each mitochondria. Mitochondria take up as much as 25% of cell volume to produce ATP every second of every day2 because ATP cannot be stored.
Hundreds to thousands of mitochondria exist in each cell depending on the organ’s energy output. Your brain is the most energy demanding organ using 70% of ATP. This means optimal mitochondria function is a top priority for memory, mood, cognitive function and overall brain health. The liver, heart, kidneys, and gut are also rich in mitochondria with high ATP demand.
Mitochondria are involved with many other functions such as growth, development, adaptation, thermogenesis, fertility, cell signaling, immune competence, burning of fats and glucose metabolism, hormone functions, calcium homeostasis, and more. Mitochondrial function is at the core of life.
Mitochondria Under Stress
Even though there are numerous mitochondria in each cell, it is essential to protect their structure and provide the necessary nutrients for their intensive energy production demands. In the production of ATP, mitochondria naturally release ROS free radicals which creates oxidative stress.
Furthermore, several factors place additional stress on mitochondria structure and function including poor diet, toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, alcohol, anesthesia, medication side effects, unhealthy blood sugar levels, high stress, sedentary lifestyle, intensive activities, immune challenges, cellular inflammation and free radicals, and more. Maintaining an environment of homeostasis is essential with nutrition as insufficient protection and inefficient function lead to a decline in energy production, resulting in faster aging and health challenges.
Core Nutrients for ATP Production
Nutrient dense quality proteins, fats, whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits, and vegetables in your diet ideally provide the molecules necessary for mitochondria energy production. Insufficient dietary intake and increased needs intensify the nutritional demands for mitochondrial energy generating pathways.
What’s In Mitochondria Ultra?
Mitochondria Ultra is formulated to provide a constellation of nutrients to support and enhance key aspects of ATP production with antioxidants.
This cutting-edge formulation contains
• Vitamin B1 (as benfotiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (as riboflavin-5-phosphate)
• Vitamin B3 (25 mg as niacinamide and 15 mg as niacin)
• Biotin
• Creatine Monohydrate
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine
• D-Ribose
• Taurine
• R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (as Bio-Enhanced® Na-RALA sodium R-lipoate)
• PrimaVie® Purified Shilajit
• Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
• Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)
• Spermidine (as spermidine trihydrochloride)
Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and Biotin
B vitamins are required for ATP production in mitochondria. Of great importance are vitamins B1, B2, B3, and biotin which are essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids in mitochondria to produce ATP. These B vitamins are critical cofactors and essential parts of the three pathways required to make ATP.
A lack of any of the B vitamins results in a decline in ATP production, contributes to increased free radicals, lactic acid and buildup of other metabolites that lead to physical and mental fatigue, and a decline in organ and mitochondrial function.
For example, vitamin B1/thiamin is an essential cofactor and antioxidant used in the Krebs cycle and mitochondria to metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids for energy production. B1 is a key enzyme regulator for energy in the brain which uses 70% of ATP production. Thiamin also has antioxidant properties that quench free radicals (ROS) produced by mitochondria in the generation of energy and helps reduce lactic acid formation.
Insufficient vitamin B1 and other B vitamin intake can lead to fatigue, mood swings, irritability, feelings of brain fog, subtle memory impairment, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal discomfort or dysmotility.
Even in the U.S., there is an increased need for B vitamins due to the Western diet, restrictive diets, high carbohydrate/ultra processed food intake, high stress, alcohol use, trauma, drug-nutrient depletions, bariatric surgery, gut microbiome dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability, pregnancy and breast feeding, and elderly age.
Mitochondria Ultra uses only pure, bioactive forms of B1 as benfotiamine, B2 as riboflavin-5-phosphate, and B3 providing immediate fuel for ATP production.
Vitamin B1 as Benfotiamine is proven to be more bioavailable and has higher tissue absorption than thiamin HCl. It is considered highly neuroprotective and supports healthy glucose metabolism.
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin-5-phosphate provides vital bioactive support for the FAD and FMN electrochemical/electron transport pathways as well as the Krebs cycle and fat burning pathways in mitochondria.
Vitamin B3 as niacin and niacinamide are critical precursors for NAD+ and its related cofactors. B3 is the backbone of cellular homeostasis and metabolism central to glycolysis (burning of blood sugar), Krebs cycle, and fatty acid metabolism.
Biotin (vitamin B7) helps convert carbohydrates into usable energy by supporting enzymes that feed the Krebs cycle. Biotin works with heme and iron metabolism in mitochondria. Old or dysfunctional cells are at higher risk of biotin insufficiency which can impair the electron transport chain’s last stage of energy production leading to increased oxidative stress and aging.
Creatine, ALC, Ribose, and Taurine
Creatine is an amino acid used by mitochondria to enhance energy production and regenerate ATP. Muscles, heart, and brain have high demand for creatine. Numerous human studies with various age groups and abilities show creatine’s benefits on mitochondrial function and energy output. Although widely used by athletes, creatine can benefit people of all ages, especially older adults. It safely increases energy and muscle strength, supports cardiovascular output and cognitive function, especially when combined with strength training or other exercise.
Creatine needs increase with age, athletics, and recovery from trauma, illness or simply overdoing it. Vegan or other low protein restrictive diets provide insufficient creatine intake as animal proteins are the best sources of creatine. Modest doses of creatine, when combined with other mitochondria focused nutrients, can create effective results comparable to high dose creatine.
Acetyl-l-carnitine transports fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Nerve function, synapse activity and transmission of nerve impulses which are high energy-mitochondria rich tissue depend upon ALC for healthy function.
D-Ribose is a carbohydrate used to replenish ATP when energy levels are depleted, especially in nerves, muscle, and heart. Ribose activates the salvage pathway where ATP production is recycled. It helps to quickly salvage the end products formed by ATP breakdown recycling them to make new molecules. R-ribose is often referred to as “molecular currency”.
Taurine is an amino acid that works as an antioxidant for mitochondrial protection. It helps regulate the stability and functionality of respiratory chain complex, protects mitochondrial membranes, manages calcium balance in energy production, and is involved with apoptosis management and more. Taurine is commonly lacking in plant-based or protein restricted diets. Age, stress, illness, xenobiotics and toxins increase the need for taurine.
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, PQQ
Mitochondria Ultra contains three highly critical antioxidants for mitochondria function and protection: R-alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and PQQ.
R-alpha lipoic acid is considered the universal antioxidant going to all tissues inside an outside of cells neutralizing ROS free radicals. It is a cofactor for the Krebs cycle and supports the burning of blood sugar for energy production.
We use the advanced form of R-alpha lipoic acid called Na-RALA or sodium-R-lipoate. It is more stable, absorbable, and potent, demonstrating 10 to 30 times higher peak blood levels than regular RALA and ALA forms.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It must be present for electrons to flow through the different mitochondrial complexes to make ATP. A reduction of Q10 impairs this flow of electrons in mitochondrial complexes I, II, and III hindering the final stages of energy production in all organs, especially brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Q10 is considered a regulator of your health span.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone or PQQ plays a crucial role in regulating cell signaling pathways that enhance mitochondrial activity and metabolism. It improves energy production while reducing oxidative stress, leading to lower levels of metabolic waste and inflammatory products including C-reactive protein, IL-6, and lactic acid.
PQQ activates autophagy and mitophagy which are cellular and mitochondrial processes that recycle old worn-out parts to make new cells and mitochondria. PQQ is also over 1,000 times more effective in antioxidant recycling than vitamin C, K, or several other phytonutrients.
Shilajit and Spermidine
Shilajit is a mineral-rich plant substance extracted from the Himalayan mountains. It is naturally rich in fulvic acid and has been used by traditional Ayurvedic medicine since 3,000 BC.
PrimaVie® is a highly purified shilajit extract standardized for fulvic acid which supports mitochondrial energy production, provides antioxidant support against ROS, and protects against tissue injury. Shilajit supports oxidative balance and the efficient transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain in the final stages of energy production. This process is essential for generating cellular energy while minimizing oxidative stress. Animal studies showed that shilajit protects mitochondria-brain-adrenal function or HPA-axis health during times of stress.
Spermidine is a polyamine molecule found in all living substances and is associated with lifespan and health span. Levels decline with age. Like PQQ, spermidine promotes healthy autophagy and mitophagy, helps protect against age-related decline, and protects mitochondria efficiency. Furthermore, spermidine supports mitochondria mass, enhances mitochondrial metabolic function, and is involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis.
Mitochondrial health is at the forefront of health. Every tissue and organ depends upon ATP production from mitochondrial function. From cognitive function, mood, and brain health, immune function, thyroid, adrenals, heart and blood vessels, blood sugar and weight management, digestion, gastrointestinal health and motility, cartilage, bones, joints, liver and detoxification, and everything else, your ability to function and thrive depends on mitochondrial health. No matter your athletic ability, age, busyness of life, and quality of diet, it is essential to protect, support, and enhance your mitochondrial structure and function to optimize your health span and lifespan.
Mitochondria Ultra works synergistically with Wellness Resources supplements like NAD+ Helper with NMN, Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin, Daily Prenatal Multiple Vitamin, or Daily Protector Eye & Immune. Other items of interest for mitochondrial functions include Blood Booster, Strengthener Plus, Muscle Mag, Pantethine or Stress Helper, and Vitamin C.
Additional Resources
NAD+Helper with NMN Product Feature Article 28A
What Each B Vitamin Does for Your Body
Exploring the Benefits of Thiamin and its Super Form Benfotiamine
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid Enhances Brain and Metabolic Wellness
Plant-Based Diets Lack Taurine
Q10: Critical Nutrient for Mitochondria and Organs
PQQ: Powerful Antioxidant for Mitochondria, Energy, and Longevity
PQQ and Coenzyme Q10 – Powerful Nutrients for Your Health
Power Up: How Mitochondrial Health Influences Aging and Vitality
Mitochondria: Your Battery Pack for Thyroid, Adrenals, and Stress Tolerance
Mitochondria – Drugs that Injury and What Mitochondria Injury Looks Like
Grumpy and Exhausted? Support Your Mitochondria, Brain, Adrenals
What’s Your Cellular Age? How Telomeres and Mitochondria Impact Aging
Bone Strength, Mitochondria, and Gut Health Linked
Mitochondria and Osteoarthritis: An Exciting New Frontier
Joint Health Depends on Healthy Mitochondria
Cartilage and Brain Health Linked with Mitochondria and Circadian Rhythm
Exercise and Mitochondria: Use It and Nurture It
Taking Statins? Protect Your Muscles and Mitochondria
Mitochondria Health and Sleep Apnea – Digging Deeper
Taming Anxiety Requires Healthy Brain Mitochondria Function
The Immune System Requires Healthy Mitochondria
Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiac Disorders Linked with Mitochondria Dysfunction
Monsanto’s Roundup Linked to Cancer, ADHD, Mitochondrial Dysfunction
