MitoCORE | Calabasas Medicine Group

The body's cells and organ systems depend on an adequate supply of energy to function optimally. The mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, contain nutrients and enzymes that are important for recharging cellular energy production. Some of these enzymes convert food to usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the key source of energy for all cells. In order to increase mitochondrial output, there must be adequate fuel supply for combustion and abundant antioxidants to scavenge free radical by-products. Preserving energy reserves and increasing energy output is a critical part of maintaining optimal health.

Lack of sleep, too much stress, poor nutrition and prescription medications can draw on energy reserves, using them up faster than they can be replenished. Even the vital biologic systems can create an energy deficit that needs to be restored.

Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) is an amino acid associated with recharged cellular energy production. It has been shown to increase the flow of free fatty acids — the fuel source for mitochondria — resulting in a significant boost in energy production. With age, free radical production increases oxidative damage to the mitochondria, which can potentially decrease energy production. ALC has been shown to recharge cellular energy production and has been found, in combination with lipoic acid, to lower oxidative stress. Studies have also shown that ALC supports immune function by protecting CD4 and CD8 immune cells and by supporting the reproduction of lymphocytes for the identification and elimination of invading antigens.

Broccoli seed extract contains a high amount of glucoraphanin, a compound that is a precursor to sulphoraphane. Sulphoraphane is an antioxidant and supports detoxification capacity and immune response. Sulphoraphane has been shown to induce Phase II detoxification enzymes and raise intracellular glutathione levels.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and supports detoxification capacity. NAC has been shown to increase production of glutathione, an important antioxidant found in the body. In addition to its antioxidant activity, glutathione supports immune function by activating T-cells.

Riboflavin is a precursor to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), both of which are central to energy production, intermediary metabolism, and act as powerful antioxidants. Riboflavin-depleted cells have been found to display signs of greater oxidative stress and disrupted energy generation. Studies have also shown that optimal riboflavin status has been found to help maintain healthy blood pressure already within normal range in patients with certain genetic predispositions.

Niacin is a cofactor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which produces cellular energy. In the body, niacin is transformed into NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which both play a role in oxidation-reduction reactions in cells. Niacin or nicotinic acid has a long history of use in cardiovascular health, having been shown in numerous studies to support endothelial health.

Vitamin B6 is involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body and is essential for gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, neurotransmitter formation, immune health and hormone modulation, and is essential in methylation for the breakdown of homocysteine. A large, prospective study found that women who consumed, on average, 4.6 mg of vitamin B6 daily had significantly better markers of cardiovascular health compared to women who consumed an average of 1.1 mg daily. In addition, vitamin B6 has been found to promote normal lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin-2 production in older people, both of which are important for optimal immune function.

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant and also plays a synergistic role in recharging other antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10 and glutathione. Lipoic acid also plays a key role in supporting detoxification capacity. Studies have shown that a combination of ALA and ALC helps minimize oxidative damage. Oxidative stress causes damage to DNA, RNA, proteins, mitochondrial membranes and lipids, and contributes to the functional decline of mitochondria, cells, tissues and eventually organs such as the brain.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol molecule found in many plant species, including grapes and cranberries, and is found in high concentrations in wine. Polyphenols act as antioxidants that protect plants from damage that can be caused by bacteria, fungi and radiation. Resveratrol is believed to be the dietary factor behind the "French Paradox" — the high rate of cardiovascular wellness in the French population despite their high fat intake. In addition to its antioxidant properties and support for cardiovascular function, resveratrol has been shown to support immune function.

Green tea polyphenols have demonstrated significant antioxidant, probiotic- and immune-supporting properties. The hydroxyl group of green tea polyphenols increases antioxidant protection by forming complexes with free radicals and neutralizing them, minimizing oxidative damage throughout the body. Green tea polyphenols also stimulate the activity of liver detoxification enzymes, supporting detoxification capacity.

To recharge cellular energy production efficiently, optimal levels of critical nutrients and enzyme cofactors must be achieved. MitoCORE provides an optimized backbone of vitamins and minerals necessary for increasing energy output and meeting daily nutritional needs.