Why buy multiple mitoIQ tests?

The mitoIQ test is repeatable, allowing you to establish a baseline, implement interventions to enhance mitochondrial numbers, and measure improvements every three months.

Introducing mitoIQ

Cellular powerhouses

Mitochondria are specialised structures found in eukaryotic cells (cells that have chromosomes), including those of humans, animals, plants, and fungi. They are often referred to as the "powerhouses" or "energy factories" of the cell because they play a crucial role in the production of cellular energy.

Mitochondria are unique in that they have their own DNA and are capable of producing some of their own proteins. They are thought to have evolved from a symbiotic relationship between an ancestral bacterium and a primitive eukaryotic cell.

The main function of mitochondria is to generate energy for the cell through a process called cellular respiration. During this process, glucose and oxygen are converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary source of energy for the cell. In addition to producing energy, mitochondria also play a role in regulating the cell cycle, cell death, and the response to oxidative stress.

Mitochondria are dynamic structures that can change in number and shape in response to the needs of the cell. They can also divide (fission) and fuse with one another, which is important for maintaining the health of the organelle and the cell as a whole.

 

Fission and fusion

Fission is the process of division of a single mitochondrion into two or more separate mitochondria. This can occur in response to cellular stress, such as oxidative stress, or to meet the energy demands of the cell. For example, when a cell needs more energy, it can increase the number of mitochondria through fission to meet the demand.

Fusion, on the other hand, is the process of merging of two or more mitochondria into a single organelle. This can occur in response to cellular stress, such as oxidative stress, or to repair damaged mitochondria. For example, when a damaged mitochondrion is fused with a healthy mitochondrion, the damaged organelle can be eliminated and the healthy organelle can be repaired.

Both fission and fusion are important for maintaining the health of mitochondria and the cell as a whole. Fission can increase the number of mitochondria to meet the energy demands of the cell, while fusion can repair damaged mitochondria and eliminate those that are beyond repair.

 

Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the cell's ability to remove them. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids.

Excessive oxidative stress can lead to damage and dysfunction of mitochondria, which can result in decreased energy production and increased oxidative stress. To compensate for this, cells may respond by increasing the number of mitochondria through the process of fission. This allows the cell to increase its energy production capacity and counteract the effects of oxidative stress.

However, in some cases, oxidative stress can also lead to the death of mitochondria, resulting in a decrease in the number of mitochondria. This can occur if the oxidative stress is too severe or if the cell is unable to repair the damaged mitochondria.

 

Causes of oxidative stress

There are several factors that can contribute to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including:

1. Normal cellular metabolism: During normal cellular metabolism, a small amount of ROS is produced as a byproduct. This is known as "physiological" oxidative stress and is usually balanced by the cell's antioxidant defense mechanisms.

2. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental stressors, such as radiation, pollutants, and toxic substances, can increase the production of ROS in cells.

3. Inflammation: Inflammation can increase the production of ROS, especially in immune cells that are involved in the inflammatory response.

4. Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a diet high in processed foods, lack of physical activity, and exposure to second-hand smoke, can increase the production of ROS in cells.

5. Genetic factors: Some genetic conditions, such as hereditary oxidative damage syndromes, can increase the production of ROS in cells.

 

Aging

Aging is associated with a decline in the number and function of mitochondria, which can have important implications for overall health.

As we age, the number of mitochondria in cells can decline, leading to decreased energy production and increased oxidative stress. This decline in mitochondrial function can contribute to the aging process and increase the risk of age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in several aging-related processes, including cellular senescence, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Over time, the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and the decline in the number of functional mitochondria can lead to cellular dysfunction and decreased cellular energy production.

In addition to these direct effects, the decline in mitochondrial function with aging can also have indirect effects on other cellular processes. For example, oxidative stress and inflammation can activate signaling pathways that promote aging, leading to a further decline in mitochondrial function.

 

Overtraining

Overtraining is a condition that occurs when an individual engages in excessive physical activity, beyond what their body can handle. This can result in chronic stress and fatigue, which can increase oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria.

Chronic oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria can lead to a decrease in the number of organelles, as well as decreased mitochondrial function. This can result in decreased energy production and increased fatigue, which can further contribute to the negative effects of overtraining.

In addition to oxidative stress, overtraining can also increase inflammation, which can further damage mitochondria and contribute to a decrease in their numbers.

 

Obesity

Studies have shown that obesity can lead to an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation, which can result in damage to mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial function. This can contribute to a decline in the number of functional mitochondria in cells, leading to decreased energy production and increased oxidative stress.

In addition, obesity has been linked to insulin resistance, which can further impact mitochondrial function and contribute to a decline in the number of organelles.

 

Cognitive function

Cognitive performance, or the ability to think, learn, and remember, is closely linked to the function of mitochondria in the brain.

Mitochondria play a critical role in providing energy for the brain, and their dysfunction has been linked to a number of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression.

Studies have shown that a decline in mitochondrial function can lead to decreased energy production in the brain, which can impact cognitive performance. In addition, oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, can also contribute to cognitive decline.

On the other hand, maintaining healthy mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation has been shown to improve cognitive performance and protect against cognitive decline.

 

Sports performance

Mitochondria play a critical role in sports performance by providing energy for muscle contraction and supporting recovery from exercise.

Studies have shown that an increase in the number and function of mitochondria can improve athletic performance by increasing energy production and endurance. Exercise has been shown to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells, as well as improve their function, which can help to improve athletic performance.

On the other hand, a decline in mitochondrial function, as a result of oxidative stress and inflammation, can impair athletic performance by decreasing energy production and increasing fatigue.

 

Healthy numbers

There are several strategies that can be used to maintain healthy mitochondrial numbers, including:

1. Eating a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help to maintain healthy mitochondrial numbers. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, can also help to reduce oxidative stress and protect against damage to mitochondria.

2. Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to increase the number of mitochondria in cells, as well as improve their function. Exercise can also help to reduce oxidative stress and improve overall cellular health.

3. Managing stress: Chronic stress can increase oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria, so it's important to find ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or exercise.

4. Getting enough sleep: Sleep is important for maintaining overall health, including the health of mitochondria. Lack of sleep has been shown to increase oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria, so it's important to get enough sleep and maintain good sleep hygiene.

5. Avoiding harmful substances: Exposure to harmful substances, such as tobacco smoke, pollutants, and toxic chemicals, can increase oxidative stress and damage to mitochondria. Avoiding exposure to these substances and maintaining a healthy environment can help to maintain healthy mitochondrial numbers.

6. CoQ10 supplements: Studies have shown that a decline in CoQ10 levels can impair mitochondrial function and increase oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in the number of functional mitochondria. In addition, supplementation with CoQ10 has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and protect against oxidative stress, which can help to maintain healthy mitochondrial copy numbers. 

7. Creatine: Creatine is a molecule that is stored in muscle cells and used as a source of energy during high-intensity exercise. Supplementation with creatine has been shown to improve energy production in mitochondria and increase their numbers.

 

Counting mitochondria

A test that can measure the average number of mitochondria in cells can be a very useful biomarker for various health conditions because the number of mitochondria can provide insight into cellular energy production, oxidative stress, and other cellular processes that are crucial for overall health. 

Now imagine being able to routinely get a count of your mitochondrial levels: you can gain an understanding on whether a diet or exercise regime is working for you; you can track whether your mitochondrial counts are healthy for your age; if you're experiencing brain fog you can check if low mitochondrial counts are the cause.

This is where the mitoIQ test comes in. With a simple swab and methods similar to the ones we use for genetic testing, we can now obtain mitochondrial counts from your cells. The cells in your saliva include epithelial and white blood cells so we are able to obtain a good representation of the cells involved in immune function, inflammation and those that protect deep tissues from the external environment.