The Role of Mitochondria in Diet and Health

Understanding Mitochondria
Mitochondria and nutrition: a deeper connection
Mitochondrial dysfunction and health effects
The role of mitochondria in aging and longevity
Nutritional strategies that support mitochondrial health
Future directions: mitochondria in medical research
References
further reading

Mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, play a surprising role in nutrition and health because their function in energy production directly affects body metabolism, which is also involved in aging and longevity.

Understanding Mitochondria

The history of mitochondria begins with the endosymbiotic theory, which proposes that mitochondria are primitive bacteria that enter into a mutually beneficial relationship with larger cells.^one Despite the absence of bridging intermediates between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mitochondria’s unique DNA reflects its bacterial ancestor.^one However, the exact ecological conditions that led to this partnership remain the subject of intense debate.

Mitochondria play a role in processes such as nutrient metabolism and utilization, cellular signaling, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense.² However, their most well-known function is to produce energy for the cell.³ This process is called oxidative phosphorylation.

Oxidative phosphorylation produces ATP, high-energy molecules used by cells.³ More mitochondria are available depending on energy demand (e.g. muscle cells).³

Mitochondria and nutrition: a deeper connection

The diet provides macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) that are needed to produce energy, cellular components, and structures indispensable for cellular functions.³

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

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

Explore More Diet and Nutrition Articles Here

Mitochondrial dysfunction and health effects

Various etiologies, such as genetic mutations, infections, aging, and lack of physical activity, can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, affecting the mechanisms of various diseases.²

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

In metabolic diseases such as diabetes, decreased mitochondrial function in pancreatic beta cells may affect insulin secretion, leading to insulin resistance.² Mitochondrial dysfunction in fat tissue in obesity may increase the risk of obesity by disrupting the balance between energy intake and expenditure. ²

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

The role of mitochondria in aging and longevity

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

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

Additionally, mitochondria play a role in regulating apoptosis.⁵ Dysfunctional mitochondria can trigger 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 Caloric restriction, exercise, and certain genetic factors that promote mitochondrial health have been associated with increased lifespan in a variety of organisms.⁵

Exercise and a healthy diet have been associated with better repair and regeneration of damaged mitochondria through processes such as ROS reduction and mitophagy, potentially slowing the aging process.⁵

Nutritional strategies that support mitochondrial health

Certain dietary choices need to be made to support mitochondrial health.⁶ This starts by limiting consumption of highly processed foods and encouraging consumption of legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds and high-fiber foods. ⁶ It is also important to include sources of unsaturated fat 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

Because energy requirements vary from person to person, these dietary choices need to be tailored to the individual. ⁶

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

This diet can reduce oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial biogenesis, and increase efficiency in ATP production. ⁶ However, this diet needs to be supported with certain nutritional supplements to prevent potential metabolic complications such as ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia and hyperlipidemia. ⁶

Future directions: mitochondria in medical research

Research in mitochondrial health covers a wide range of areas, from genetic regulation to assessment of the microbiome and its impact on mitochondrial functions.⁷ Numerous clinical studies are leveraging the CRISPR-Cas9 system to alter genes within mitochondria or improve their function, or to replace genes that contribute to certain metabolic diseases.⁷

Additionally, the process that governs the formation 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 alterations in mitophagy are observed.^2.8

Because nutritional needs vary among individuals, a diet designed to improve mitochondrial health can be personalized. It is also very important to understand how certain nutrients contribute to the functioning of mitochondria when consumed in appropriate amounts. ^2.8

From a medical perspective, many studies are still in their early stages.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 mitochondria.⁸

References

1. Zachar I, et al. (2017). Breathtaking collaboration: critical review of the origins of mitochondria hypotheses. Biology Direct, 12(one). 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. Mitochondria, 30, 105–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2016.07.003
4. Best Foods to Support Your Mitochondria | MitoQ. (n.d.). MitoQ. [Online] https://www.mitoq.com/journal/when-foods-help-your-mitochondria
5. Srivastava S. (2017). Mitochondrial Basis of Aging and Age-Related Disorders. genes, 8(12), 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes8120398
6. Kyriazis I, et al. (2022). Effect of diet on mitochondrial physiology (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 50(5). https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2022.5191
7. Gammage, P.A., et al. (2018). Mitochondrial Genome Engineering: The Revolution May Not Be Traced to CRISPR. 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. Borders Research Topics. https://doi.org/10.3389/978-2-88971-251-9

Further reading