You’ve probably heard the familiar phrase: “The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” While that is true, it only scratches the surface of what mitochondria actually do. Research shows that mitochondria play a key role in many foundational cellular processes that affect your overall health.
That’s why understanding how they function, and how to support their health, is a no-brainer when setting your wellness goals. With the right mitochondrial knowledge, you can promote healthy aging and support whole-body wellness from the inside out.
Instead of the “powerhouse” of the cell, the mitochondria are better understood as the “CEO of the cell.” They act as a kind of facility manager and regulate many central processes for cells, tissues, organismal health, and cellular homeostasis.1
If you’re wondering what we mean by “facility maintenance,” think about it like this: healthy mitochondria keep the body healthy on a cellular level, which maintains the body’s overall wellness.
The mitochondria’s role in creating energy for your cells speaks to its age-old nickname as the “powerhouse of the cell.” Just like a car needs fuel to run, your body needs cellular energy to function, and the mitochondria are key players. The mitochondria ensure the processes that power the heart, lungs, organs, and other systems can operate, supplying the energy they need.
How Cellular Energy Processes WorkYou might not realize that mitochondria manage themselves, keeping cellular energy production balanced so there’s no excess or lack of resources dedicated to cellular energy. Like most cells, mitochondria constantly divide and unify to help the body adapt to changing biological needs. Normal activities like regular exercise, recovering after a workout, or responding to other stresses trigger the natural processes of mitochondrial division and unification, called fission and fusion.2 Thanks to mitochondria, the body’s seesaw of cellular energy production stays balanced and healthy.1
No one wants trash that’s overstayed its welcome in the kitchen or leftovers sitting too long in the fridge. When old, unrepairable cells need to be removed and replaced in the body, the mitochondria call in the clean-up crew that keeps cellular systems tidy and able to operate efficiently.3 Damaged cells produce toxins and must be properly disposed of so that the body can keep operating well, like bagging up your kitchen trash and taking it out to the curb.
Think of the mitochondria as the team gatekeeper, signaling a process called “cell senescence” that communicates with other processes as a means of protection. Cell senescence happens when a cell damaged from free radicals basically shuts down without being killed, essentially “going quiet” and no longer performing its functions. This is so that it prevents itself from causing local havoc with other cells and tissues. While it shuts down, it does act a gatekeeper: sending out signals to its neighboring cells and even to cells far away, communicating its distress in the form of inflammatory signals. This normally means the “clean up crew” is summoned, which removes the senescent cells. Mitochondria are intimately involved in all parts of the senescence process.4,5
Now you understand how mitochondria are foundational to overall wellness, but since you can’t physically see mitochondria at work, you might be wondering: how can I support my mitochondrial health?
While there are various lifestyle elements that support healthy mitochondria, one significant player is the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, called “Ubiquinol.” Taking a daily Kaneka Ubiquinol® supplement is a great way to maintain and support mitochondrial and cellular health on many levels:
As your ally through life’s adult stages, Kaneka Ubiquinol® supports the mitochondria on a cellular level to promote overall wellness. While mitochondrial health starts at the cell, its impact reaches far beyond. Explore how healthy mitochondria support key areas of your health:
Mitochondrial damage from free radicals is associated with premature aging. Luckily, supporting and maintaining mitochondrial health is a key factor in promoting healthy aging. Learn more about creating a foundation for healthy aging by visiting our Healthy Living by decades.
Taking care of your heart starts at the cellular level. Ubiquinol has long been known to support heart health, due to the large concentration of mitochondria in this vital organ. Be sure to visit our Kaneka Ubiquinol® Heart Health hub for tools and resources to support you on your cardiovascular health journey.
Reproductive organs require a significant amount of cellular energy to function properly. Kaneka Ubiquinol® supports both male and female preconception health and provides menopausal support.
By understanding the ways mitochondrial health supports your overall well-being, you can be empowered to make intentional, sustainable choices for your short- and long-term health.
Information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or licensed healthcare provider with any questions about your health and before starting a new exercise program. Never delay contacting your doctor or disregard medical advice because of something you have read on this website or the internet.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
© 2025 Kaneka North America LLC. All Rights Reserved.