Supplements for Mitochondrial Health

As the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria gives you the energy you need to perform at your best each day. However, many people don’t get the necessary nutrients, antioxidants, and compounds needed to support good mitochondrial health. If you want better mitochondrial health and more energy, consider these four supplements.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and ROSs. It can also serve as supportive fuel for your muscle mitochondria.

ALA has also been shown to stabilize blood sugar. Elevated blood sugar and insulin levels are known contributors to mitochondrial dysfunction. ALA has also been shown to reduce inflammation, a major contributor to mitochondrial dysfunction.

You can get ALA in red meat, organ meats, broccoli, or spinach, but many people have trouble fitting enough ALA into their daily diet. To get your recommended dose of 600-1200 mg a day, it’s important to consider investing in an ALA supplement.

Resveratrol 

Resveratrol is a polyphenol with powerful antioxidant activity. It has been shown to be anti- inflammatory and neuroprotective. Resveratrol mimics the beneficial effects of calorie restriction and can directly affect the activity of sirtuin enzymes.

Resveratrol can be found in red wine, but it is not advised to get your resveratrol solely by drinking red wine. You would need to drink 150 glasses of it to match the dose you can get in a supplement. The recommended dosage is 200 mg a day.

CoQ10 

CoQ10 is an antioxidant your body can produce, but as we age, production drops off. No matter our age, our mitochondria need CoQ10 for energy.

Supplementation can help make cells more resilient and less susceptible to damage. Individuals on statins tend to have CoQ10 levels 40% lower and should supplement. The recommended dose is 200 mg a day. Make sure to get Ubiquinol, the active form of COQ10.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme required by your mitochondria to make energy. NR (nicotinamide riboside) is an alternative form of B3 that is converted into the coenzyme NAD. This coenzyme can protect and repair cells and is a crucial factor in longevity and mitochondrial health.

You can find NAD in some fish, such as tuna and salmon. In order to get the recommended dosage, consider a NAD supplement, especially if you don’t eat fish every day.

The mitochondria gives you energy, but only if they receive the necessary nutrients and compounds for peak performance. These four supplements are worth considering to improve mitochondria health and energy levels.