Mitochondrial Disorders Treatment; Depends On the Specific Mitochondrial Disease Diagnosed and Its Severity

There's no mitochondrial disorders treatment, but medication and physiotherapy can manage symptoms. Mitochondrial diseases are genetic, long-term, often inherited disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough energy for the body to function properly. These conditions are characterized by a wide range of genetic and biochemical mitochondrial defects and mutations. Treatments help reduce signs and symptoms. However, mitochondrial disorders treatment depends on the severity of the condition and varies from patient to patient.

Mitochondrial disease affects multiple organs, such as heart, brain, liver, kidney, respiratory system, skeletal muscles, etc. People with mitochondrial disorders often experience exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, fatigue, etc., owing to the reduction in mitochondrial respiration. According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF), in the U.S., around 1,000 to 4,000 children are born with a mitochondrial disease each year. Moreover, one in 5,000 individuals in the U.S. has a genetic mitochondrial disease.

Along with the number and types of symptoms and organ systems, mitochondrial disorders are often mistaken with other, more common, disorders. Thus, with the increasing prevalence of mitochondrial disorders worldwide, the demand for safe and effective mitochondrial disorders treatment is also increasing with a rapid pace. Mitochondria are present in almost every cell of the human body. It is responsible for making up about 90% of the energy a person needs to sustain life and support organ function.

Oral supplements that contain membrane phospholipids, microencapsulated NADH, CoQ10, α-lipoic acid, l-carnitine, and other nutrients can help restore mitochondrial function and reduce intractable fatigue in patients with chronic illnesses. Current mitochondrial disorders treatment aims to increase energy production in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and improve, or at least stabilize, disease signs and symptoms of the condition. The severity of symptoms varies greatly from one person to the next, even in the same family. Currently, vitamins and supplements are the mainstay of treatment for mitochondrial disorders.