Mitochondrial cytopathies are a class of disorders that affect muscle and nervous systems. They’re caused by genetic mutations that affect cells’ mitochondria, which are responsible for providing energy.1 Examples include Kearns-Sayre syndrome, Leigh’s syndrome, Mitochondrial Depletion syndrome, Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes, and more.2
Treatment
Treatments for mitochondrial diseases continue to emerge, and most treatment plans attempt to mitigate symptoms while maintaining optimal health and avoiding mitochondrial toxins. These plans also include exercise, as they help improve endurance and muscle function, reduce the effects of unhealthy mitochondria and increase the percentage of healthy mitochondria.1
In some cases, liver and heart transplants have been successful in improving outcomes for patients with mitochondrial diseases.3 Specifically in the case of Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalopathy, stem cell transplants have been successful.4
Cochlear implants help with hearing loss for many patients, and cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, especially in the case of Kearns-Sayre syndrome, are also sometimes indicated. Physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility is often used to treat these disorders.5
Nutritional Needs
While dietary needs vary greatly by patient, some studies suggest the use of a ketogenic diet — one high in fats and low in carbohydrates. These types of diets typically include 70 to 80% fat, 10 to 20% protein and 5 to 10% carbohydrates. They’re designed to put the body in a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, the body turns fat into ketones, or organic compounds, in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain.6
Most physicians recommend supplementing the diets of those with mitochondrial diseases.
Clinical Nutrition
Solace Nutrition offers a wide range of specific nutrition for patients with mitochondrial cytopathies. These are available for purchase for those under medical supervision and current medical care. Each product is allergen-tested and contains a key nutrient.
Cyto Carn is a soluble powder formula for Acetyl-L-Carnitine.
Cyto B1, Cyto B2 and Cyto B7 include the corresponding B vitamins that are often necessary for those with mitochondrial diseases. Cyto B1 and Cyto B2 are powder formulas; Cyto B7 is a concentrated liquid formula.
Cyto-Q is a liquid solution that contains Co-enzyme Q10.
Cytotine Powder is a soluble, non-flavored powder that provides creatine.
Our entire line of Cyto products can be consumed orally dissolved in water or another beverage, given via syringe or used in tube feeding.
References
- “Mitochondrial Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment”. Cleveland Clinic, 2020, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15612-mitochondrial-diseases. Accessed 27 August 2020.
- “Diseases – MM – Types Of Overview | Muscular Dystrophy Association”. Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2020, https://www.mda.org/disease/mitochondrial-myopathies/types. Accessed 27 August 2020.
- “Case Report: Heart-Liver Transplant In A Child With Mitochondrial Disease”. Consult QD, 2020, https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/case-report-heart-liver-transplant-in-a-child-with-mitochondrial-disease/. Accessed 27 Aug 2020.
- Filosto, Massimiliano, Et al “Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE-MTDPS1)”. Journal Of Clinical Medicine, vol 7, no. 11, 2018, Accessed 27 Aug 2020.
- Parikh, Et al. “Patient Care Standards For Primary Mitochondrial Disease: A Consensus Statement From The Mitochondrial Medicine Society”. Genetics In Medicine, vol 00, 2017, Accessed 27 Aug 2020.
- Rinninella, E., Et al. “Nutritional support in mitochondrial diseases: the state of the art”. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, vol 22, (2018) pg. 4288-4298. Europeanreview.org. Accessed 27 Aug 2020.