The mitochondria is a separate strand of DNA that develops in the uterus, responsible for producing 90% of the body's energy. Mitochondria exist in every cell in the body except red blood cells. When an individual suffers from a mitochondrial disease, their energy is compromised, causing muscle weakness, severe fatigue, difficulty chewing and swallowing, poor gut mobility and inability to stabilize body temperature. A simple cold or flu can have devastating effects, even death. The energy required to fight off infection, fatigue, stabilize temperature or simply "getting through the day" can reduce energy from effectively reaching the entire body, eventually causing organ failure and dementia. I often explain it as a "total body Alzheimer's".

Research has just begun to scratch the surface of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction.

Studies have shown that supplements such as CoQ10 and L-Carnitine can aid energy and food absorption in individuals with mitochondrial disease, helping to prevent organ failure. Unfortunately, not just any supplement will do. Since the mitochondria cannot break down what is consumed, patients need special "high bio-available" supplements, which means it is the easiest form of the supplement for the body to break down & absorb. These supplements are very expensive, and mito patients require very high doses in order for them to be effective. An estimated 2/3 of mito patients have shown so much improved energy with bio-available supplements, some even began to talk and can now play sports. However, most insurance companies will not cover the cost of supplements of any kind, even with a letter of medical necessity.

Research spent on mitochondrial dysfunction has the potential to help so many!

Research has now linked dysfunction of the mitochondria to Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, Huntington Disease, intellectual impairment, blindness, hearing impairment, cardiovascular disease, migraines and stroke.

Current research is being conducted on autoimmune disease such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, Sjogrens Syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

On the horizon:

As more research dollars are raised for mitochondrial diseases to find more effective treatments and ultimately a cure, some affected children and adults are living fairly normal lives with mitochondrial disease. At the opposite end of the spectrum, many are severely affected, and do not survive their teenage years.

Team Calgon

2009 All Aboard For A Cure