Mitochondria may be the key to longevity

Mitochondria produce the cell’s energy and both their number and function decline with age; exercise, a balanced diet and sleep are linked to better mitochondrial health while many popular supplements and therapies lack clear evidence in people.

Last year, public figures and some health authors highlighted mitochondria in discussions of metabolism and longevity, and several supplements now claim to support mitochondrial function. Scientists who study mitochondria say the organelle is central to cellular energy and other bodily processes, and they note growing public interest. Researchers are asking whether improving mitochondrial function can actually extend healthy lifespan or whether mitochondrial decline is a result of aging. The evidence is clearer about how everyday behaviors relate to mitochondria than it is about many flashy interventions. Key facts: - Mitochondria convert food into ATP, the primary cellular energy molecule, and also support immune function and inter-organ signaling. - Both the number of mitochondria in cells and their efficiency tend to decline with age, and this decline is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cellular components. - Cells have recycling systems that remove damaged mitochondrial parts, and this cleanup becomes less efficient with age, allowing damaged components to accumulate. - Exercise has been shown in studies to increase the number and quality of mitochondria in muscle cells, with combined endurance and resistance training producing notable effects. - Dietary patterns, certain micronutrients, and sleep are linked to mitochondrial function, while many supplements (for example those boosting NAD+ or antioxidants) and therapies like cold/heat exposure or red light have limited or mixed evidence in humans. Summary: Mitochondria play a key role in cellular energy and are implicated in aging-related changes, but researchers disagree on whether mitochondrial decline causes aging or reflects it. Everyday behaviors such as physical activity, diet quality and sleep are associated with mitochondrial health, while many commercial interventions still lack clear human proof. Undetermined at this time.