Experts emphasise the importance of maintaining mitochondria for healthy ageing
Jakarta - Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, converting nutrients from food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary form of cellular energy found in nearly all eukaryotic cells.
According to Channel News Asia, experts have stated that mitochondria support immune function, produce peptides that transmit messages between organs, and are integral to overall cellular maintenance.
Dr Pinchas Cohen, Dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California, stated that declining mitochondrial health triggers several symptoms and age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Dr Vamsi Mootha, a systems biology professor at Harvard Medical School, argued that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a consequence of ageing and disease, rather than its cause.
Whilst it remains an open question whether mitochondria are a primary driver of ageing, experts stated that lifestyle behaviours influence mitochondrial health.
Both endurance exercise and strength training are effective, but performing both simultaneously provides the greatest benefits.
Daria Mochly-Rosen, a chemical and systems biology professor at Stanford University and author, stated that exercise causes slight use and damage to mitochondria, prompting adaptive responses that strengthen them.
Experts also recommend consuming a mixture of fibre-rich carbohydrates and fats from high-quality sources as a dietary priority. Mitochondria alternate between metabolising glucose (from carbohydrates) and fatty acids (from fats), with recommended sources including foods such as nuts, whole grains, avocados, and fish.
Dr Mochly-Rosen stated that certain micronutrients, particularly B vitamins and antioxidants, are also important for mitochondrial health, through a balanced diet rather than relying solely on dietary supplements.
Additionally, exposure to cold and heat (especially from ice baths and saunas) and red light therapy are sometimes promoted as beneficial for mitochondria. However, research supporting these claims has largely been conducted on animals and cells in petri dishes, so whether these will significantly improve human health remains unknown.