Food supplement dedicated to mitochondria (cellular power plants)

Mitochondria are the little powerhouses found in each of our cells which convert the energy in our food into a form that can be used by the body (‘ATP’). Over time, these powerhouses become compromised because this energy conversion involves the unwelcome production of toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). While these unstable molecules attack the body as a whole, they have a preference for compounds close to their site of production. Mitochondria are therefore particularly affected by oxidative attack throughout life.

The body fights off these attacks by producing antioxidants, which, rather like a ‘flak-jacket’, take the brunt of these attacks in the place of molecules that are important to the body order for it to function properly. It also uses exogenous antioxidants obtained from the diet or produced by the bacteria with which it collaborates. PQQ is one of these exogenous antioxidants. It’s found in tiny amounts in plant-sourced foods, primarily green vegetables (7).

Over time, the damage from these attacks degrades the systems responsible for producing endogenous antioxidants, which rapidly increases the extent of the damage and speeds up the overall decline. It is precisely to delay this latter stage that antioxidant supplements have been developed such as lipoic acid and PQQ. This offers the additional benefit of supporting the growth of new mitochondria (8-9).

As these powerhouses ensure the conversion of energy essential for life, mitochondrial dysfunction quickly leads to accelerated ageing and a deterioration in health.

There are two things to bear in mind here:

• PQQ and carnitine are absorbed most effectively when taken with fat-containing food (as they’re fat-soluble).
• R alpha-lipoic acid has a relatively short life in the body so it’s better to take two capsules at different times of the day.

It’s therefore advisable to take one capsule in the morning with breakfast (ensuring it contains some fat), and potentially a second capsule with lunch.

In clinical studies, scientists used doses of 10mcg-20mcg of PQQ a day. In studies demonstrating benefits from supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid and PQQ, several weeks’ treatment was required before these effects were seen.

1. It contains the R form of alpha-lipoic acid, the form produced by the body.
2. Alpha-lipoic acid supplements are always produced in a laboratory. The process results in a mix of two forms: the R and S forms. The R form is exactly the same molecule as that produced by our bodies, while the S form is merely a poor copy and appears to be completely inactive once absorbed. Most of the supplements on the market contain both forms as separating them is quite a costly process. Mitochondrial Formula contains just the R form, avoiding the need to ingest the non-natural and inactive S form.
3. The form of carnitine included is fat-soluble, which means it acts more specifically in the brain (10-15). The majority of carnitine supplements contain water-soluble forms.
4. Older people’s cells contain far fewer mitochondria than those of young people, and function slowly. This leads to a significant fall in energy production. This is a factor in almost all age-related degenerative diseases.
5. Mitochondria have their own DNA which unlike the DNA in the cell nucleus, does not have effective repair systems. They are therefore much more vulnerable to self-generated ROS.

Yes, it’s perfectly possible to combine Mitochondrial Formula with a number of other products available to buy at Supersmart. In addition to the previously mentioned anti-ageing supplements, you can also take:

• Stem Cells Activator, an enhanced formulation for increasing the capacity for cell division.
• AC-11®, a patented extract of Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa).
• AMPK Booster, for countering metabolic decline.
• Asc2P, a powerful form of vitamin C for boosting the antioxidant system.
• the exceptional Anti-Aging Pack for slowing down the ageing process.