In our previous post we covered mitochondria basics and examined the critical part they play in energy and overall health. See that post here. In this follow-up we'll examine the nutrients proven to support mitochondrial function. Specifically, we'll review the nutrients in Opti-Mito-Force and learn why these ingredients were included in the formula. They weren't picked haphazardly; they were intentionally integrated because each one is scientifically proven to play a specific synergistic role in mitochondrial function. B-vitamins The B-vitamins are critical for the actual conversion of food into energy B1 (Thiamine) can be thought of as the "entry point." It helps convert glucose into the raw material the mitochondria can actually "burn B2 (Riboflavin) is a key component of FAD, a molecule that carries electrons to the "power grid" of the cell. B3 (Niacin) is a NAD+ precurser. NAD+ is the primary molecule that moves electrons to create ATP (energy). Without B3, the "powerhouse" essentially runs out of signal. B9 plays a very special part. Unlike most parts of the cell, mitochondria have their own separate DNA. Vitamin B9 is essential for repairing and protecting that DNA. If the DNA gets damaged, the mitochondria can't replicate, leading to that "drained" feeling everyone experiences at times. Alpha-lipoic acid Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is often called the "universal antioxidant" in this field because it works in both water and fat-soluble environments, allowing it to get right into the heart of the mitochondria. When we pair ALA with the B-vitamin complex, we’ve essentially optimized the "assembly line" of the cell. While the B vitamins act as the essential co-factors that convert food into raw energy, ALA acts as a protector neutralizing the natural oxidation that is caused by producing energy. PQQ PQQ, or Pyrroloquinoline quinone, is a unique nutrient in mitochondrial support. It has been proven to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis—the growth of brand-new mitochondria within aging cells! As early as 2009 scientists discovered that PQQ can signal the body to grow entirely new mitochondria. One researcher put it this way: If we think of mitochondria as an automobile, while other nutrients are providing fuel to the engine, PQQ is adding additional cylinders! It's worth noting that PQQ is especially beneficial for brain health, mental focus and heart health. That's because the brain and the heart have the highest concentration of mitochondria in the body, they tend to feel the effects of PQQ more noticeably than other tissues. L-Carnitine L-Carnitine is a transporter nutrient, acting like a "shuttle bus." It’s responsible for transporting long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria so they can be burned for fuel. Grape skin AND grape seed Grape Skin Extract and Grape Seed Extract offer different, but synergistic, mitochondrial support. Grape skin extract provides resveratrol. Resveratrol is a defense molecule that protects the grape from fungus and stress—and in the human body these same molecules stimulate longevity genes known as Sirtuins. Meanwhile, grape seed extract brings a completely different set of tools to the "mitochondria toolkit." Grape seeds are packed with Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These are antioxidants that have been shown to be even more powerful than resveratrol. These OPCs neutralize the free radicals that the "mitochondrial engines" produce. Recent research has also shown that grape seed OPCs help increase the expression of Sirtuin 3. This is a specific protein that lives inside the mitochondria and regulates how efficiently they burn fuel. NADH NADH is the active, coenzyme form of Vitamin B3. It plays a lead role in the electron transport chain, which is the final stage of energy production. Curcuminoids When examining the synergy of blended nutrients, curcuminoids, the active compounds in turmeric, provides a perfect example. It has a specialized relationship with mitochondria that complements the other mitochondrial support nutrients. Curcuminoids target the same PGC-1α switch that the aforementioned PQQ does—but through a different pathway. The result: When you combine PQQ and curcuminoids, you are essentially hitting the "on" switch for new mitochondrial growth from two different directions at once. It makes the signal much stronger than using either one alone. N-Acetyl Cystein N-Acetyl Cysteine is another heavy-duty antioxidant that protects the mitochondrial DNA from getting damaged over time. Vitamin A While Vitamin A may sound like just another innocuous vitamin that provides generic mitochondrial support, nothing could be further from the truth. Some fascinating research shows Vitamin A (Retinol) acts as a necessary "switch" for mitochondrial respiration. Basically, without a specific amount of Retinol, the mitochondria struggle to burn fuel efficiently. Vitamins C & E Including vitamins C and E in a mitochondrial formula is a classic antioxidant "insurance policy" for the cell—but they also serve a very specific mechanical function way beyond being general antioxidants. In a high-quality blend, they aren't just there to neutralize free radicals: they also act in a "recycling" capacity for the other nutrients. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so it sits in the mitochondrial membrane (the "wall") to protect it. Once it catches a free radical, it becomes "spent." Vitamin C (which is water-soluble) then comes along and "donates" an electron to the Vitamin E, bringing it back to life so it can go back to work. Catalase (Aspergillus niger) Catalase is a "Super-Antioxidant" specifically for the mitochondria. When your mitochondria create energy, they produce a byproduct called hydrogen peroxide. If that sits around, it turns into "rust" (oxidative stress) that damages your DNA. Catalase is the specialized enzyme that instantly breaks hydrogen peroxide down into harmless water and oxygen. Selenium This isn't just a trace mineral; it is the "Master Key" for your body’s own antioxidant systems. It works synergistically with the body's built-in antioxidant called Glutathione. While Glutathione provides a valuable free radical cleanup benefit, it cannot work without Selenium. Selenium is the essential "bolt" that holds the Glutathione peroxidase enzyme together. Pine Bark Extract In the realm of synergy, Pine Bark Extract is the "cousin" to Grape Seed Extract: It is also rich in OPCs (Proanthocyanidins). While Grape Seed is great for blood flow, Pine Bark is legendary for protecting the endothelium (the lining of your blood vessels). Recent studies suggest Pine Bark extract helps protect mitochondria from "leakage." When mitochondria get stressed, they can leak their internal contents into the rest of the cell—a process that triggers inflammation. Pine Bark helps "seal the leak" and reduces inflammation. Final word Each and every ingredient in Opti-Mito-Force is there for specific reason. This is the advantage of a scientifically-blended product created by an experienced formulator. The efficacy and effectiveness is far greater than a single-nutrient product. Click the banner ad below to learn more about Opti-Mito-Force. - - - Sources: Journal of Biological Chemistry (Pyrroloquinoline quinone study), JustAPedia (Glutathione-peroxidase), Antioxidants/PubMed (Oligomeric proanthocyanidins), JustAPedia (NAD+).
