Mitochondrial Nutrients We Keep Coming Back To

At Optimum Health we have been huge proponents of mitochondrial health since the early 2000’s… And 20+ years later, we’re hearing a lot about it! Many know mitochondria are your cellular power plants. Since your brain requires so much energy, (approximately 20% of your body‘s energy expenditure), it is one of the main benefactors of strong mitochondria. 

For decades, we relied on the combination of coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid, and  acetyl-L-carnitine to enhance mitochondrial function, energy, metabolism and to positively affect a very wide variety of health challenges. 

Below is a brief description of each one, how and why I use it, and what I have personally seen it accomplish over the years. 

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is literally part of your mitochondrial machinery. If you don’t have it, your mitochondria’s energy pathways halt. Those experiencing muscle pain and failure after taking a stain drug will know, because stains block production of CoQ10. If you happen to be taking a stain drug to lower cholesterol, make SURE you are taking CoQ10!

Best known for its effects on cardiovascular and heart health, coenzyme Q10 is one of those that had excellent research early on, long before it’s more expensive newer version called ubiquinol came along. So why do we still use the older form called ubiquinone? Because it works!!

What you never hear is that after absorption 90% of ubiquinone in your system gets converted to ubiquinol anyway. I even used to take it on an empty stomach and still do in our broad-spectrum mitochondrial support formula called Cell Fuel. The main reason I personally use coQ10, is for anti-aging, which applies to healthy mitochondria in general.  For those on a budget I have always found the less expensive form just as effective. However if you have absorption problems, taking it with meals containing fat is a good idea.

Alpha-lipoic acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is one of the most versatile supplements you can take. It is a potent energizer and free radical mop /antioxidant in the mitochondria. It readily penetrates tissues as it is both fat and water soluble. 

I have found it to be one of the best and most immediate pick me up for the “afternoon nods”, or if you are simply feeling weak and tired. 

It is also known to fortify nervous system function. It is often suggested for peripheral neuropathy, or enhancing such things as sense of smell. It is also known to help get rid of heavy metals, such as mercury. It is an absolute boon for the liver, which is why we include it in our Opti-Liv Extra formula. However, one important thing to know about ALA Is that it is metabolized very rapidly, so your blood levels fall off quickly. It is for this reason that we elected to remain with a 200 mg dosage and for those looking for its benefits recommend taking it 2 to 3 times a day… But not at bedtime!

It does bother some peoples' stomachs, in which case you can take it with food.

Acetyl-L-carnitine

Because this form of carnitine is absorbed across the blood brain barrier, it can quickly protect and energize the brain. Many get a noticeable boost from it, noticing heightened alertness and general feeling of well-being. However, just like an engine, more energy output means more heat in the engine (oxidative stress ) and this is partly why it combines so well with with alpha-lipoic acid to increase brain output while absorbing the extra heat. Said plainly it gives you more brain power. ALCAR, as it is often abbreviated, is again one of the most protective substances for maintaining your brain function long term.

I have found taking two capsules first thing in the morning and an additional one or two in the afternoon produces the most noticeable effects.

The Bottom Line

There are always new compounds, new forms and new conversations in the world of supplements. But new doesn’t necessarily mean better—and some things earn their staying power.

CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine are the nutrients I’ve come back to again and again over the past 20+ years. They each support mitochondrial health in a different way, and together they remain some of my favourites for supporting cellular energy, healthy aging and brain health.

We may be hearing a lot more about mitochondria these days, but supporting them is certainly nothing new around here!

Until next time - 

Be Well!

John