Mitochondria-Targeted Supplements Show Promise for Athletic Performance
- Authors
- Sergej M. Ostojic
- Journal
- Research in Sports Medicine
- Year
- 2016
- DOI
- 10.1080/15438627.2016.1258646
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Serbia
- Health Condition
- Exercise-induced mitochondrial dysfunction
- Body System
- Muscular
TL;DR
Scientists found that special supplements designed to power up the tiny energy factories in your cells (called mitochondria) could help athletes perform better and recover faster, but there's not enough real-world proof yet because most studies have only been done in labs instead of with actual people.
Key Finding
Most evidence for mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals comes from laboratory studies rather than human trials, limiting our ability to determine their actual effectiveness in athletes.
Summary
This review article examines mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals (specially designed compounds meant to support the energy-producing structures in cells) and their potential use in sports medicine. Most research so far has been done in laboratory settings, showing these compounds may have antioxidant effects and help cells produce energy more efficiently. However, very few human studies have actually tested whether these compounds improve athletic performance or recovery in real people.
Practical Takeaway
While mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals show theoretical promise for sports performance and recovery based on lab research, the practical evidence in humans is currently very limited. Anyone considering these compounds should be aware that most claims are based on early-stage research, and more human studies are needed before their real-world benefits can be established.
Abstract
Since mitochondria have been recognized as the cells' key organelles involved in the energy utilization during exercise, targeting the organelle with specifically designed compounds (mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals, MTNs) may have a great promise in the prevention and treatment of heavy exercise-related mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro studies suggested that MTNs have antioxidant effects at the molecular level, and might boost mitochondrial biogenesis and organelle bioenergetics, with both processes are known to positively affect exercise performance and recovery. However, while there are a number of different MTNs evaluated for a potential benefit as a therapy for mitochondria-related diseases and conditions, only few human studies evaluated the possible impact of novel MTNs in the field of sports medicine. This mini review summarizes recent research findings regarding the efficacy of different mitochondria-targeted nutritional agents, emphasizing their roles in sports medicine.