Mitochondrial Disease: The Basics

Mitochondrial disease is a group of disorders caused by mitochondria that are not working as well as they should. Mitochondria can be considered the body’s powerhouse because they produce energy that our cells need to function properly. When our mitochondria fail to produce energy for our cells, it causes cell injury and even cell death.

The parts of the body most affected by this disease are the heart, brain, muscles, and lungs due to their high energy requirements. Because mitochondria are found in almost all cells in the human body besides red blood cells, mitochondrial disease can affect many organ systems and can cause severe symptoms and complications (including fatigue, poor muscle coordination, poor developmental growth, seizures, vision or hearing loss, and gastrointestinal issues).

Unfortunately, there is no cure for mitochondrial disease at this time. However, many patients benefit from using “mitochondrial cocktails” and notice an improvement in their symptoms. Mitochondrial cocktails are prescription medications that typically contain multiple different supplements, at very high doses.

At Chemistry Rx, we create a personalized mixture of the prescribed supplements unique to the needs and preferences of each patient. The concentration per dose for each supplement in the prescribed mitochondrial cocktail is usually substantially higher compared to commercially available over-the-counter supplements found at a community retail pharmacy.

Without the personalized cocktails we prepare in our pharmacy, some patients would have to take 50 or more tablets or capsules a day to reach the required dose of the needed supplement. Commercially available tablets and capsules contain many additives such as fillers and preservatives which, if taken in very large amounts, can have negative effects especially in patients with mitochondrial disease.

Thus, in our pharmacy, we only use the pure powdered form of each active ingredient to prepare the prescribed mitochondrial cocktails. The resulting medications do not contain fillers or preservatives. Using pure powders and making mitochondrial cocktails from scratch also allows us to be respectful of any specific dietary or allergy requirements a patient may have.

The prescribed mitochondrial cocktails are based on individual patient needs.  They are designed to support mitochondrial function and to improve the function of the organs in the body.  Your doctor will be able to determine if a mitochondrial cocktail might be a therapeutic option for you!

You are welcome to visit one of these organizations’ websites for more information:

• MitoCanada
• Mitochondrial Research Guild
• Mito Hope and Help

This information provided is for reference only and does not constitute clinical assessment or judgement in regards to a patient’s condition. Please consult with your physician for more information and before beginning or altering any medication, vitamin, or supplement regimen.