Mitochondrial Health: Energy, Aging, and Chronic Disease

Kurt Woeller, D.O. | Sunrise Functional Medicine

When people think about energy, they often focus on sleep, diet, or stress levels. At a deeper biological level, however, energy production depends on the health of tiny structures inside our cells called mitochondria. These organelles are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel that powers nearly every function in the human body. When mitochondrial function declines, the effects can ripple across multiple systems, contributing to fatigue, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and accelerated aging.

At Sunrise Functional Medicine, mitochondrial health is a key clinical focus for Dr. Kurt Woeller, D.O. His work emphasizes identifying and addressing mitochondrial dysfunction as part of a personalized, systems-based approach to improving long-term health and resilience.

What Are Mitochondria and What Do They Do?

Mitochondria are specialized organelles found inside most cells. Their primary role is to convert nutrients—particularly carbohydrates and fatty acids—into ATP through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. This process occurs along the inner mitochondrial membrane within the electron transport chain, a series of proteins that efficiently generate cellular energy.

Remarkably, the human body produces approximately its own body weight in ATP each day. Beyond energy production, mitochondria regulate calcium balance, inflammation, cell signaling, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). They also contain their own DNA, inherited maternally, which makes them uniquely sensitive to damage from oxidative stress and inflammation. Because mitochondria are involved in so many essential cellular processes, their function directly influences organs with high energy demands, including the brain, heart, muscles, immune system, and gastrointestinal tract.

How Mitochondrial Dysfunction Affects Health

While rare genetic mitochondrial disorders can cause severe metabolic disease, most mitochondrial dysfunction develops gradually and subtly. Over time, factors such as chronic inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposure, poor sleep, and unmanaged stress can impair mitochondrial efficiency.

Research links mitochondrial dysfunction to a wide range of chronic conditions, including persistent fatigue, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, chronic pain syndromes such as migraines and fibromyalgia, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory bowel conditions, and accelerated aging. When mitochondria are unable to produce adequate ATP, cells are left underpowered, leading to reduced physical stamina, cognitive changes, and diminished stress tolerance. From a functional medicine perspective, mitochondrial dysfunction is often viewed not just as a consequence of chronic disease, but as a contributing driver that deserves direct clinical attention.

Mitochondria, Aging, and Health Span

Longevity alone is no longer the primary goal for many people. Instead, the focus has shifted toward health span—the number of years lived with strength, clarity, and independence. Mitochondria play a central role in aging-related processes such as cellular senescence, chronic low-grade inflammation, and declining stem cell activity.

Strategies that support mitochondrial quality, efficiency, and biogenesis—the creation of new mitochondria—may help slow these processes and support healthier aging. This is one reason mitochondrial health has become an important focus in functional and longevity-focused medicine.

Functional Medicine Testing for Mitochondrial Health

A defining feature of care at Sunrise Functional Medicine is individualized testing. Rather than relying on assumptions, Dr. Kurt Woeller uses advanced laboratory assessments to evaluate metabolic function, nutrient status, and oxidative stress patterns that affect mitochondrial health.

Organic Acid Testing (OAT) provides insight into metabolic pathways involved in energy production, detoxification, and oxidative stress. Certain organic acid markers are well-established indicators of mitochondrial inefficiency and can help identify nutritional deficiencies or metabolic bottlenecks.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels are often assessed because CoQ10 is a critical component of the electron transport chain and also functions as an antioxidant. Low CoQ10 levels may impair ATP production while increasing oxidative damage within cells.

Carnitine levels help evaluate the body’s ability to transport fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Inadequate carnitine can interfere with fat metabolism and may contribute to fatigue, blood sugar instability, or muscle weakness.

Markers of oxidative stress are also clinically relevant, as mitochondrial DNA is particularly vulnerable to inflammatory damage. Elevated oxidative stress can create a cycle of ongoing mitochondrial injury and declining cellular energy.

Finally, a fatty acid profile offers insight into mitochondrial membrane integrity. Because mitochondrial membranes are composed of fatty acids, imbalances—such as excess omega-6 relative to omega-3 fats—may impair membrane fluidity and energy transport.

Nutrition as a Foundation for Mitochondrial Function

Nutrition plays a central role in supporting mitochondrial health. ATP production is metabolically demanding and requires a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids to function efficiently. Diets rich in whole, minimally processed foods—particularly Mediterranean-style dietary patterns—have been associated with reduced oxidative stress and improved mitochondrial function.

Colorful fruits and vegetables provide polyphenols and antioxidants that help protect mitochondria from damage. Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish and flaxseed support mitochondrial membrane health, while nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C act as essential cofactors in energy metabolism.

Targeted Supplement Support

In some cases, targeted supplementation may be appropriate based on laboratory findings and clinical presentation. Commonly used mitochondrial-supportive nutrients include CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, carnitine, and compounds such as pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), which has been studied for its role in mitochondrial biogenesis.

At Sunrise Functional Medicine, supplementation is not approached generically. Recommendations are individualized and guided by testing, clinical context, and ongoing monitoring.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Mitochondrial Health

Lifestyle habits strongly influence mitochondrial function. Regular physical activity—particularly when it includes periods of higher intensity—stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and improves energy efficiency. Sleep supports mitochondrial repair and turnover, while chronic sleep deprivation disrupts energy production and circadian regulation. Stress management is equally important. Prolonged stress increases the energy demands placed on mitochondria and can directly impair their structure and function. Supporting stress resilience helps protect mitochondrial health and overall metabolic balance.

A Personalized Approach

Mitochondria sit at the intersection of energy production, aging, and chronic disease. By combining advanced testing with personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and targeted support, functional medicine offers a comprehensive way to address mitochondrial dysfunction at its roots.

Dr. Kurt Woeller’s work reflects this integrative, evidence-informed approach—helping patients move beyond symptom management toward improved cellular resilience, vitality, and long-term health. Learn more and request a consultation >>