Explore by Health Interest / Mitochondrial & Cellular Energy
Mitochondrial & Cellular Energy
Mitochondria are structures inside your cells that turn food and oxygen into usable energy. Interest in them has grown as researchers study fatigue in complex illnesses.
How cells make energy
Mitochondria produce ATP, the molecule cells use for energy. The process depends on many enzymes and helper molecules, including NAD+, coenzyme Q10, carnitine and several B vitamins. Muscles, nerves and the brain use a lot of energy, so they're especially sensitive to problems with energy production.
What's known
- Well established: Primary mitochondrial diseases are inherited conditions caused by variants in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA. They're rare and diagnosed by specialists, often with genetic testing.
- Well established: Some nutrient deficiencies, medications and other illnesses can affect energy metabolism.
- Emerging research: Studies have reported differences in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in people with ME/CFS, long-term post-infectious illness and fibromyalgia. These findings aren't yet used to diagnose these conditions.
Testing
Tests that measure markers related to energy metabolism, such as acylcarnitines, organic acids or NAD+, exist in research and specialist settings. Interpreting them requires care, and abnormal results can have many causes.
Important limitations: No consumer test can diagnose mitochondrial disease or explain fatigue on its own. Fatigue has many possible causes, and it's worth a medical assessment.
Related Tests
No confirmed test available yet
We don't currently offer a laboratory test with a meaningful, scientifically supported connection to this topic, so we don't list one here. We'd rather show nothing than suggest a connection the science doesn't support.
For education only. This information is not medical advice and doesn't replace evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Health & laboratory disclaimer