Vitamins, Supplements, Co-factors…
What vitamins, supplements and co-factors are recommended for mito patients?
"Mito Cocktail" is the name given to a variety of vitamins and supplements which are commonly used by adults and children who have been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. While there is no cure for mitochondrial disease, many types of the disease including are responsive to specific vitamin and supplement therapies. Please, consult with your physician before beginning or altering any medication, vitamin or supplement regimen.
The supplements and vitamins used by Mito patients are often high doses and could require a patient to take up to 50 different pills per day. A compounding pharmacist can create a "cocktail" in a liquid, capsule or other form that combines the pure powdered form of the prescribed supplements and vitamins. The final medication is usually a much smaller amount than if otherwise taken, and can even be flavored to improve palatability. The exact compound, including dosage and ingredients, is determined by the patient's physician and differs depending on an individual Mito patient's diagnosis, clinical symptoms, and weight.
Prescriptions may be covered by insurance, call for more information.
Coenzyme Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 (Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, CoQ-10, CoQ, ubiquinone, Q-Gel®), is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body and serves as a coenzyme for several of the key enzymatic steps in the production of energy within the cell. It also functions as an antioxidant protecting against accumulation of harmful free radicals, which is important in its clinical effects. Many patients report increased energy while using Coenzyme Q-10, and thus it is a common "front-line" approach to supporting children and adults with mitochondrial disease.
L-Carnitine
Another common therapeutic supplement, L-Carnitine (levocarnitine, CARNITOR®) helps to break fat from the food that we eat into energy.
B-Vitamins (B-Complex)
Some B-vitamins are cofactors which participate in important mitochondrial reactions. Most of the B-vitamins have a bitter taste and more palatable if flavored. B-vitamins are water soluble; that is, they are excreted if not used, and the benefit from taking these vitamins should be felt immediately.
Thiamine (B1)
Thiamine is a co-factor for the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, and in some patients has improved lactate and pyruvate levels. Thiamine has also helped some patients by improving their clinical symptoms.Riboflavin (B2)
Helpful for some patients with headache and migraine, Riboflavin is another important cofactor that participates in important mitochondrial reactions. Other B vitamins that may be included in the "Mito Cocktail" include: B3, B6, B12 and folic acid (B9). Many patients find folic acid a beneficial ingredient, as this supplement is key in prevention of anemia and assists with the production and health of new cells.
Antioxidants
A normal byproduct of the energy cycle are free radicals. Accumulation of free radicals may be especially harmful to mitochondrial disease patients. The use of antioxidants like Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E (a tocopherol) can help to reduce free radical accumulation, which in some patients may mean improvements in energy and function.
Other common ingredients in the "Mito Cocktail" may include alpha-lipoic acid (another potent antioxidant), creatine, selenium or succinate.
Information taken from Mitoaction.org