Mitochondria are the power plants of cells and are present in all cells. Particularly large numbers of mitochondria are found in cells with high energy consumption; these include muscle cells, nerve cells, sensory cells and oocytes. In cardiac muscle cells, the volume fraction of mitochondria reaches as much as 36%.

They produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which serves as energy for the body to maintain normal function (comparable to gasoline for the car). Mitochondria are inherited from mother to offspring. Mitochondria have their own genetic material, which unfortunately, unlike our genetic material, cannot repair itself. Therefore, they are more sensitive to harmful effects (oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, etc.).

Disruption of mitochondrial function and resulting ATP depletion can contribute to the development of numerous diseases. Some researchers even go as far as to claim that all diseases begin at the mitochondrial level. Mitochondrial dysfunction manifests itself in a variety of ways, often through significant decreases in performance, chronic fatigue, weight gain despite decreased caloric intake, and recurrent infections.

Causes of a disturbed mitochondrial function are oxidative stress or nitrosative stress, a disturbed detoxification function of the body, different heavy metal loads e.g. Amalgam exposure, psychological stress, vitamin and nutrient deficiencies (especially B vitamin deficiency and alpha lipoic acid deficiency), a disturbed intestinal flora / dysbiosis, electrosmog, etc.. Therapeutically, the aim is to detect the cause of the disturbed mitochondrial function and to correct it.