mitochondrial support

If you have health problems, in addition to a quality multi-vitamin and pharmaceutical grade fish oil, consider the following options. Always consult your medical provider before using supplements for medical problems.

MITOCHONDRIAL SUPPORT

As noted previously, mitochondrial support in theory may increase energy and slow the overall aging process. Oxidative stress decrease mitochondrial energy production and function. Many of the suggested agents below have marked antioxidant activity. The supplement sources listed below are fairly expensive, and these agents are of only theoretical benefit. Optimal dosages have not yet been identified and are being investigated. My recommendations below mirror common dosing used in studies which are in addition to the multi-vitamin support:

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in red grapes and wine. It has anti-tumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Resveratrol appears to suppress growth of certain cancer cells and can also kill some cancer cells. It seems to be the most potent antioxidant within grape skins and seeds.

While laboratory tests with resveratrol are promising and its research clearly warrants observation, the real benefits of this product in humans studies is still unclear. For mitochondrial support, I recommend 25 to 50 mg of red grape seed and skin extract with resveratrol, but the optimal dosage for resveratrol is still unknown.

Cysteine

While N-acetyl-cysteine is a potent antioxidant, it plays its most important role as the building block of glutathione, the body's most important antioxidant within your cells. Ironically, taking glutathione orally does not increase glutathione levels because it's broken down in the digestive process, but adding N-acetyl-cysteine will. N-acetyle-cysteine should be considered if you have problems with oxidative stress and to enhance the function of your mitochondria. Again while intriguing as a supplement, clinical trials have not shown it to slow aging.

Cysteine (in the form of N-acetyl cysteine or NAC) is one of the most potent detoxifiers in your body. It's often used in hospitals for Tylenol Ô overdoses or eating poison mushrooms.

For mitochondrial support, aim to include:

• Alpha lipoic acid 50-100 mg twice daily
• Coenzyme Q 10 25-50 mg twice daily
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine 100-500 mg twice daily
• N-Acetyl-Cysteine 50-200 mg twice daily
• Lecithin 100-200 mg twice daily
• Phosphatidylserine 100-200 mg twice daily
• Resveratrol 10-25 mg twice daily (extract from grape skin and seed)

Rather than taking a single agent, these likely work better when combined. In mathematical situations, 1 + 1 =2, often in mother nature, synergy means that adding 1 + 1 + 1 = 4. Hence, the combination of agents may be better than only single use alone.