Mitochondrial Disease Treatment

Physicians specializing in metabolic diseases have found that every child and adult is biochemically different, meaning that no two people will respond to a particular treatment in a specific way, even if they have the same disease. Therefore, treatment is individualized for each patient, symptoms, and type of mitochondrial disease.

Mitochondrial patients may become ill more quickly and more severely than other people because of a lower cellular reserve of energy. Cellular stresses, such as illness, fatigueThe overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It is not the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. Being fatigued means having no motivation or energy., or poor nutrition, may lead to cell injury and associated worsening of baseline symptoms or the onset of new symptoms.

Exercise 

Research has shown that both endurance (such as running) and resistance (such as weight lifting) exercise can benefit patients with mitochondrial disease. Some benefits include an increase in mitochondrial health, antioxidant and muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, oxygen uptake, and muscle strength, as well as improved clinical symptoms and a decrease in resting and post-exercise blood lactate levels. 

The majority of research has shown exercise that is slowly increased can be safe for patients with mitochondrial diseases. Exercise should begin with short duration and low intensity. Exercise intolerance is common with mitochondrial disease, but even patients who have a difficult time exercising should still be encouraged to exercise beginning at their current level of function. Patients should consult their physician before beginning to exercise as cardiac or other evaluations may be needed. Physicians may recommend supervised progressive exercise aimed at improving function.

Treatment During Illness 

• Carry an emergency care plan that explains the disorder and management recommendations.
• Wear a Medic Alert bracelet or similar device.
• Take precautions to prevent prolonged fasting, including IV hydration for prolonged vomiting or other GI issues or fasting prior to procedures.
• IV hydration and/or lipids may be necessary for acute decompensation (organ failure from functional overload).

Mito Cocktail

“Mito Cocktail” is the name given to a variety of vitamins and supplements which are commonly used by adults and children who have been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. While there is no cure for mitochondrial disease, many types of the disease including mitochondrial myopathy, mitochondrial cytopathy, MELAS, PDCD, or Complex I, II, III, and IV are responsive to specific vitamin and supplement therapies, including:

• CoenzymeA relatively small organic (i.e., carbon-containing) molecule whose presence is required in order for the biological activity of an enzyme to occur. Thus, coenzymes are a particular kind of cofactor. Q10 
• Alpha lipoic acidA small, vitamin-like organic molecule,made in the mitochondria, and found in every cell. It plays multiple essential roles. It is a necessary co-factor for the activity of five different enzyme compl
• RiboflavinIt is a type of vitamin B. It helps in red blood cell production and aids in the release of energy from proteins. and other B vitamins
• Arginine
• Folinic acidReduced form of folic acid (vitamin B9).
• L-carnitine
• Vitamin C

Important: A physician should always guide specific treatments. Patients should not take any supplements or try any treatment unless prescribed by a doctor.