Mitochondriopathies and Mitochondrial Therapy

Mitochondrial dysfunction forms the basis of human diseases like neurodegeneration, cancer, autoimmune diseases, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and diabetes mellitus. Mitochondrial drugs used to treat mitochondrial dysfunction include coenzyme Q, carnitine, vitamin E, taurine, NAD and D-glucosamine. A ketodiet high in fat and proteins and low in carbohydrate can stimulate mitochondrial function. The gut flora can digest dietary fibre generating butyrate a short chain fatty acid which stimulates mitochondrial function. A high fibre diet can produce mitochondrial stimulation. Dietary fibre is the elixir of life.