INFOGRAPHIC: Optimising Mitochondrial Function

Optimising Mitochondrial Function

Loss of function in mitochondria, the key organelle responsible for cellular energy production, can result in excess fatigue and other symptoms that are common complaints in almost every chronic disease. At the molecular level, a reduction in mitochondrial function occurs as a result of the following changes:

1. A loss of maintenance of the electrical and chemical transmembrane potential of the inner mitochondrial membrane;
2. Alterations in the function of the electron transport chain;
3. A reduction in the transport of critical metabolites into mitochondria. In turn, these changes result in a reduced efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation and a reduction in production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).