General questions
Frequently asked questions
What are mitochondria and why are they important?
Mitochondria are often called the "powerhouses" of the cell, playing a crucial role in producing the energy your body needs to function. However, they do much more than just power your cells. Mitochondria are responsible for:
- Managing cellular processes like metabolism
- Signaling cell death to remove damaged or unnecessary cells
- Maintaining optimal calcium levels
- Heat production (thermogenesis especially in brown adipose tissue)
- Reactive oxygen species generation and detoxification (ROS can also be signaling molecules)
- Synthesis of key biological molecules (i.e., steroids, heme, iron-sulfur clusters, ketone bodies, amino acid precursors, phospholipids)
What is the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and poor health?
Many non-communicable diseases are linked to mitochondrial disfunction, including:
- Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD's). Examples: Hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure.
- Cancers. Examples: Lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer.
- Chronic respiratory diseases. Examples: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma.
- Diabetes. Types: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes.
- Neurological disorders. Examples: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease.
- Mental health disorders. Examples: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder.
- Kidney diseases. Examples: Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
These diseases are major causes of death in the U.S., and research shows that healthy mitochondria are critical to preventing and managing these conditions.
Why should we care about mitochondrial health?
Mitochondrial health is essential because:
- Mitochondria ensure your body functions properly by regulating vital processes.
- If your mitochondria are suboptimal, your body can't perform at its best, leading to fatigue, health issues, and even chronic disease.
- Keeping your mitochondria healthy is key to staying energized and feeling great.
- Mitochondrial health is closely linked to aging. As we age, mitochondria can become less efficient and more prone to dysfunction.
- The brain is an energy-demanding organ that relies heavily on efficient mitochondrial function. Impaired mitochondrial activity is associated with cognitive decline, brain fog, anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration. Supporting mitochondrial health improves mental clarity, mood, and cognitive resilience.
- During exercise, mitochondria supply ATP to muscles to fuel activity. Improved mitochondrial function can enhance endurance, strength, and recovery time. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to exercise intolerance and slower muscle repair.
- Mitochondria are a primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ATP production. When mitochondria are dysfunctional, they produce excessive ROS, which damages cells, DNA, and tissues. Reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress lowers the risk of inflammation, tissue damage, and related diseases.
Why is it important to take control of our mitochondrial health?
Taking charge of your mitochondrial health is crucial because:
- Mitochondria are vital for overall health and wellness.
- By maintaining mitochondrial health, you can optimize your energy levels and well-being.
- With tools like mescreen™, you can track your progress and work with healthcare providers to improve your health at the cellular level.
How can we measure mitochondrial health?
Previously, measuring mitochondrial function required a painful and expensive muscle biopsy, or unreliable blood and urine tests. Now, there's a new, more accessible way. mescreen™ is a new mitochondrial efficiency test that uses a blood sample to simulate mitochondrial function. Developed using scientific methods by NASA, it measures 12 core functions to provide a clear picture of mitochondrial health.
Do I need a prescription from a doctor to get a mescreen™ test?
You do not need a prescription to get a mescreen™ test.
Is mescreen™ covered by insurance?
No. mescreen™ is for research purposes only and is not covered by insurance.
Is mescreen™ approved by the FDA?
mescreen™ is for research only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. You should not change medications, diet, exercise regimens or other related health activities without consulting your physician. mescreen™ has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
How can we improve mitochondrial health?
There are several ways to boost your mitochondrial health. Your personalized mescreen™ results will give you actionable insights and recommendations. As always, consult your physician before making any significant changes. Some common recommendations include:
- Eat mitochondria friendly foods: Polyphenol-rich foods (blueberries, red and purple fruits, leafy greens), Healthy fats (coconut oil, avocados, extra virgin olive oil), Omega-3 fatty acids (wild-caught salmon, sardines), & antioxidants (dark chocolate, foods high in resveratrol)
- Stay active: Regular exercise (walking, high-intensity interval training, Pilates) & cold exposure (cold showers, ice baths)
- Make lifestyle changes: Resistance training at least 3 times a week, practice intermittent fasting, manage stress through meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature, regular exercise, get quality sleep (7-9 hours per night), & avoid environmental toxins (e.g., pesticides, pollutants, alcohol, smoking)
- Consider supplements: CoQ10, Carnitine, NAD+ precursors, & Resveratrol
Is the mescreen™ test privacy protected?
Individual mescreen™ results and data provided are protected and not shared. mescreen adheres to HIPAA when it comes to personal health information.
Who should use mescreen™?
mescreen™ is ideal for anyone interested in improving their energy, preventing health issues, or optimizing their overall health at the cellular level. It’s especially useful for individuals experiencing chronic fatigue, unexplained inflammation, or those looking for personalized wellness insights.