Chronic fatigue, aging, mitochondrial function and nutritional supplements

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, July, 2003 by Garth L. Nicolson

The decline of energy production with aging appears to be due, in part, to mitochondrial lipid peroxidation by ROS and the failure to repair or replace the damaged molecules. Membrane damage and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction by ROS can also lead to modifications (especially mutations and deletions) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The mitochondrial theory of aging proposes that the development of chronic degenerative diseases is the result, in part, of accumulated mtDNA mutations and deletions and oxidative damage to mitochondrial membranes over time. (9,22,33) Indeed, these studies have linked the development of certain chronic diseases with the degree of mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation and mtDNA damage. Thus the damage to mtDNA and mitochondrial membranes seems to be involved in the etiology of age-associated degenerative diseases leading to changes in the expression of genes important for cell survival as well as the phenomenon of aging itself. (33)

Restoration of mitochondrial membrane integrity and fluidity are essential for the optimal functioning of the electron transport chain. Declines in energy production with aging and disease coupled with increases in oxidative stress can modify membrane lipids and increase mitochondrial membrane permeability and activate cellular death programs (apoptosis). (34) Together, these factors likely play a major role in the aging process and they also affect the development of age-related degenerative diseases. (21, 35)

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

Table 1

Some common antioxidants and accessory molecules used as dietary
supplements (incomplete list)


Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, buffered)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, other tocopherols, tocotrienols)
Coenzyme Q10
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (dihydrolipoate)
N-acetyl cysteine (also S-allyl cysteine, S-allyl cercaptocysteine)
Carotenoids/Oxycarotenoids (beta carotene, lycopene, lutein)
Flavonoids (quercetin, procyanidins, flavonols)
Proanthocyanidins
Selenium

Important Accessory Molecules
Vitamin B3 (niacin)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Folic Acid (folate)
Melatonin
Magnesium
Zinc

Table 2

Components of NTFactor[TM]


NTFactor[TM] is a nutrient complex that is extracted
and prepared using a proprietary process.
In addition, nutrients, vitamins and
probiotic microorganisms are added to the preparation.
It contains the following ingredients:

Glycophospholipids and Other Lipids: polyunsaturated
phosphatidylcholine, other polyunsaturated
phosphatidyl lipids and glycolipids.

Probiotics: Bifido bacterium, Lactobacillus
acidophilus and Lactobacillus bacillus
in a freeze-dried, microencapsulated form
with appropriate growth nutrients.

Food Supplements, Vitamins and Growth Medium:

Bacterial growth factors to support probiotic
growth, including defatted rice bran,
arginine, beet root fiber extract, black
strap molasses, glycine, magnesium sulfate,
para-amino-benzoate, leek extract, pantethine
(bifidus growth factor), taurine, garlic
extract, calcium borogluconate, artichoke
extract, potassium citrate, calcium sulfate,
spirulina, bromelain, natural vitamin E,
calcium ascorbate alpha-lipoic acid,
oligosaccharides, vitamin B-6, niacinamide,
riboflavin, inositol, niacin, calcium
pantothenate, thiamin, vitamin B-12,
folic acid, chromium picolinate.

NTFactor is a registered trademark of Nutritional Therapeutics, Inc.,
Hauppauge New York 11788