Feeding mitochondria: potential role of nutritional components to improve critical illness convalescence

Persistent physical impairment is frequently encountered after critical illness. Recent data point towards mitochondrial dysfunction as an important determinant of this phenomenon. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge of mitochondrial function during and after critical illness and the role and potential therapeutic applications of specific micronutrients to restore mitochondrial function.Increased lactate levels and decreased mitochondrial ATP-production are common findings during critical illness and considered to be associated with decreased activity of muscle mitochondrial complexes in the electron transfer system.

Source: Clinical Nutrition - August 31, 2018 Category: Nutrition Authors: E. Wesselink, W.A.C. Koekkoek, S. Grefte, R.F. Witkamp, A.R.H. van Zanten Tags: Review Source Type: research