Ask The Mito Doc Webcast Series – Keeping the Mitochondria Healthy for the Body and the Mind

Download the exercise slides presented by Erin Hatcher, BA, Hons, Kin, here.

Below is a list of questions asked during the webcast and not answered due to time restrictions.

UMDF Ask the Mito Doc Questions and Answers – November 2020
Responses provided by Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD, FRCPC, and Erin Hatcher, BA, Hons, Kin

Question
What kind of exercise should be recommended for a child who does not walk? Does body massage and stretching help?

Response
Massage is good. We found that it improves mitochondrial biogenesis and lowers inflammation (Crane and Tarnopolsky, Science Translational Medicine). Stretching is very important to prevent contractures in joints.

Question
My 20 year old was recently diagnosed with MTA depletion syndrome. Would exercise be good for her or increase her symptoms of fatigue and muscle pain? If yes, what type of exercise is recommended?

Response
Just follow the guidelines we gave during the webcast; exercise can increase mtDNA content.

Question
More research published seems to be indicating that there is widespread mitochondrial failure within motor neurons at the start of the disease process of ALS. Which Mito genes or disorders can mimic this process and how do you distinguish between Mito and ALS? And, is it easy to know which is Mito or ALS early on, say with an EMG test, or are you unable to tell unless there is progression (or not) into later stages of ALS?

Response
These are easily distinguished by any neuromuscular specialist. A very few mitochondrial diseases look like ALS (SCO2 in infants but does not overlap with age range of ALS (in adults). I diagnose about five people a year with ALS and 30 or so with mitochondrial disease, and it’s nearly impossible to mix the two up. Like nearly every disease in the world, ALS does have secondary mitochondrial dysfunction.

Question
Our geneticist uses L-Carnitine. Can you use this supplement along with the others you suggest?

Response
ONLY if the carnitine is low OR the person is on valproic acid. Even though everyone seems to use this, there are no clinical trials in mitochondrial disease showing that it does anything; but many doctors love it for some reason.

Question
Is Mitochondrial Disease linked to Autism?

Response
Yes. Quite a few patients with primary mitochondrial disease have autistic features, BUT most cases of autism are not primary genetic mitochondrial disease.

Question and Answer Protocol – Most questions pertinent to the monthly topic are typically addressed during the presentation(s). Responses to questions NOT addressed will be sent to the individual who submitted the question. Please note that not all questions can be answered through this forum. If you submitted a question and have not received a response, please do not hesitate to contact us at margaret.moore@umdf.org.