A new scientific review published in Mechanisms of Ageing has uncovered the role of age-related mitochondrial dysfunction in poor cardiovascular health.1
One of the key findings of this research identified mitochondrial imbalance the impairment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as key contributors to cardiac function decline during ageing.
Researchers believe this is likely triggered by the reduction in mitochondrial energy production efficiency, which can subsequently trigger inflammation.
Through an increase in systemic inflammation — sometimes known as inflammageing — scientists theorise that mitochondrial imbalance can promote cellular ageing in the heart, leading to negative cardiovascular symptoms.
This suggests that tackling mitochondrial dysfunction could be the key to cardiovascular health in an ageing population, opening new opportunities for the nutraceutical and supplement industries.
Heart disease remains a huge issue
This new research comes at a time where ischemic heart disease, a common cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization.
"The heart is the most energy-demanding organ in the body, and each cardiac cell contains between 5,000 to 8,000 mitochondria," noted integrative cardiologist, Dr Ross Walker.
"When mitochondrial output declines, we begin to see systemic negative impacts: reduced vascular flexibility, altered lipid regulation and impaired stress recovery capacity," he added.
Dr Walker will be on hand to discuss the findings of this review at the Natural Health Products New Zealand (NHPNZ) Summit on June 19, where he will review the potential of mitochondrial health as a clinical foundation for energy, resilience and function.
He will also talk about the potential of supporting the mitochondria for better cardiovascular wellbeing, and how nutritional interventions can support this key aspect of health.
A key endogenous compound involved in mitochondrial energy production is Kaneka Ubiquinol.
Found naturally in the body, this antioxidant fuels the mitochondria to generate energy (ATP) for the entire body and helps protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, maintaining mitochondrial health.
"Ubiquinol facilitates efficient energy output at the cellular level, particularly in high-demand tissues like the heart," explained Dr Walker.
“It also plays a role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, which can impact vascular health and endothelial function.”
Scientific research indicates that endogenous Ubiquinol levels decline from early adulthood, which may reduce mitochondrial efficiency over time.
Therefore, supplementation with Ubiquinol could help users to protect their mitochondrial health and long-term cardiovascular wellbeing.
“When we understand how our cells age, we can make better decisions to support them,” he stated.
“It’s about working with the body’s natural systems to maintain strength, energy and resilience across the decades to age in a healthy way," Dr Walker concluded.
Reference
1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004763742500020X
