Real Time Cell Metabolic Analysis
Exercise has to be the best way to improve mitochondrial function, or at least amount of mitochondria or density. In Inigo San Millan’s experience, exercising at maximum fat oxidation (around 2 mmol/L lactate), which he calls Zone 2 is best for this.
The proof is in the pudding. Without better and more mitochondria there would be no fast marathon runners or Tour de France winners. I’m pretty sure muscle biopsies on these athletes show this as well.
Couldn’t resting and active lactate levels also be a test of mitochondrial function? The latter being dependent on work output (peter attia calls it w/kg on an exercise bike for example at 2 mmol/L lactate sustained).
Exercise can definitely improve mitochondria number and function, but the question is the dose. For example, excessive exercise is bad for mitochondria function (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413121001029), so how would one know if their dose is appropriate?
That’s where testing comes in, whether through the acylcarnitine sum, or plasma lactate, which is another good marker.
Interesting video. A new marker!
I understand there is an interplay between mitochondrial health and metabolic health (metabolic flexibility; ability to burn fat and rapidly shift between burning fat and glucose). Maybe it’s the same thing at a high level but there is a cause and effect. A person cannot build mitochondrial capacity by focusing on burning fat (only eating fat, for example). First build mitochondria vis endurance exercise (zone 1& 2 — talking pace and below), and then metabolic flexibility will be possible regardless of diet (within reason).
Does anyone know the science here? @ConquerAging ?
This is a really good post by Chris Masterjohn:
I wish I could say I understand what he’s talking about. It looked to me like something John Hemming would understand and benefit from. Unfortunately only available today to the public. Use it or lose it.
Unfortunately, even their cheapest model, Agilent Seahorse XF HS Mini AnalyzerList Price: 68,611.00 USD, but you can get a used one on eBay for $34,000.
It would be neat to have one to monitor what was happening when we take various supplements.
You do not purchase a unit, most would not have the resources
You can “rent use” of a unit at a lab, they will charge you for the testing kit and time.
You can run the test your{if you know how] or you can pay additional time for a technician to run the test for you
The information/data collected is yours
Example:, one of several placed available.
Search
“Seahorse shared resources”
You will locate many places
You have a “skunk works” available, and you not even realize it.
Funny. I moved this to the top of my list yesterday. I listened for 15 minutes.
I heard some thing like, “may I mumble dogfish to the banana tree?”
I moved on.
I like Masterjohn. But some of his stuff is for a niche of his audience — people with unusual health problems that have resisted traditional or other reliable solutions.
Are you asking knowing the science on mitochondria metabolism?
If that is your question, the major researcher in that field is Professor Nick Lane (PhD, FRSB, FLS) is Professor of Evolutionary Biochemistry in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London.
I don’t think it’s meant to be understood.
“If you cannot explain something in simple terms, you don’t understand it” Richard Feynman.
Thanks. I found a podcast he did with Sean Carrol that I’ll check out. I’ll also revisit Dr Zone 2 himself, Dr San Milan