The mitochondria is the cell's energy powerhouse, converting energy from food molecules into ATP energy for cell functions. Mitochondrial diseases have different genetic features but share common factors including the inability to completely burn food and oxygen in order to generate energy, as well as increased free radical production. Now research reports that a combination supplement including creatine, coenzyme Q10 (coQ10), and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) improved mitochondrial energy production in patients with mitochondrial disorders. Creatine is a naturally occurring nutrient that helps supply energy to muscle cells. CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that boosts cellular energy production in the mitochondria. ALA is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to cells) and protects against serious diseases.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in Muscle Nerve, investigated the effects of a combination supplement (creatine, coQ10 and ALA) on patients with mitochondrial disorders. Researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada administered either a combination supplement including creatine, coQ10 and ALA or a placebo to 16 patients with mitochodrial diseases including mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, stroke-like episodes (MELAS) and mitochondrial DNA deletions. Tests measuring free radical production and energy production were obtained from the participants during the study.
The researchers found that the supplement group had a significant decrease in free-radical production and increased energy production, as compared to the placebo group. The supplement group also had lower plasma lactate and urinary 8-isoprostanes levels. However, increased fat-free mass was only demonstrated by the MELAS group receiving the combination supplement.
"Together, these results suggest that combination therapies targeting multiple final common pathways of mitochondrial dysfunction favorably influence surrogate markers of cellular energy dysfunction," the study authors write.
REFERENCES:
1. Rodriguez MC, et al. Beneficial effects of creatine, CoQ(10), and lipoic acid in mitochondrial disorders. Muscle Nerve. 2006 Nov 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on March 13, 2007 03:44 PM
