Mitochondria: Is a double-membrane-bound organelle found in most cells of the body. Think of it as the “engine” of each cell in our body Function: To produce the energy currency of the cell (ATP), and to regulate cellular metabolism. When researchers at the University of Otago, New Zealand identified a way to target mitochondria with antioxidants, they looked carefully at mitochondrial free radical quenching. This led to the MitoQ® a mitochondria-targeted form of quinone (a form of CoQ10) MitoQ® penetrates and accumulates inside the mitochondria hundreds of times more effectively than all other forms of CoQ10 supplements. MitoQ® is a shortened form of the antioxidant ubiquinol (CoQ10) with the addition of an ion called Triphenylphosphonium, which gives it a positive charge. (+ Charge is the key to penetrate the mitochondrial membrane) This enables optimal absorption and interaction with the inner membrane of the mitochondria. Other CoQ10 does not have the ability to enter the mitochondria. Benefits of using MitoQ to improve the health & function of the Mitochondria reverses age-related vascular dysfunction. Findings suggest that mitochondrial- targeted antioxidants may have utility in terms of counteracting the effects of blood flow and vascular dysfunction associated with advancing age. -Reduces the effect of acute HPV (hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction), -may reduce pain and increase working memory of muscle tissue in fibromyalgia. -reduced the demand for insulin (likely due to the action of MitoQ to mitigate weight gain and improve liver function). -protected the high fat diet-fed rats from some features of the metabolic syndrome through its effects on muscle lipid metabolism and mitochondrial activity. -Along with other therapeutic strategies, may hold promise for improving motor function, and reducing the risk of clinical disability with aging. MitoQ® was selected for a world-leading independent research program in the USA to evaluate its effects on slowing and potentially reversing the aging process. To date, more than $50 million of research and over 350 peer-reviewed papers have been published Investigating MitoQ’s effect. (Research articles available on request)
