All the cells in our bodies contain tiny organ-elles called mitochondria - the cells' "energy power-houses" - that function to produce cellular energy by means of the ATP cycle. The number of mitochondria in a cell varies widely by organism and by tissue type. A human cell can have from a few dozen to several thousand mitochondria. About 95% of cellular energy is produced from these organelles.

Mitochondria produce the vast majority of free radicals in our cells and free-radical damage is a culprit behind premature aging. To counteract this, health-conscious people supplement with antioxidants such as green tea, grape seed, lycopene, gamma tocopherol, and other plant extracts.

One of the most serious events that cause the loss of cellular vitality is the depletion of mitochondrial energy function. Cells require healthy mitochondrial activity to perform life-sustaining metabolic processes. As mitochondrial function weakens in our cells, so does the vitality of organs such as the heart and brain, or in some cases, the entire body. In order for the mitochondria to create the energy needed to sustain cellular function, fatty acids (which serve as the mitochondria's fuel) must be transported through the cell membrane and into the mitochondria.

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer incorporates tremendous advances made in anti-aging sciences. Scientists now know that mitochondrial decay in aging is a major driving force behind the aging process.

Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with SODzyme is designed to counteract age-related structural and functional changes by providing the following unique ingredients:

• Acetyl-L-carnitine arginate: a patented form of carnitine that stimulates the outgrowth of neurites in the brain. Neurites are young cells that either become axons or dendrites, which function to provide the communication circuitry pathways between neurons (nerve cells).
• Acetyl-L-carnitine: is an effective form of carnitine to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, where they are used to produce cellular energy. Acetyl-L-carnitine helps maintain mitochondrial bio-energy and integrity.
• R-lipoic acid: the biologically active half of alpha-lipoic acid that boosts glutathione levels inside cells to protect against mitochondrial-generated free radicals. Destructive free-radical activity in the mitochondria plays a major role in the loss of cellular vitality. Recent clinical trials revealed that alpha-lipoic acid combined with acetyl-L-carnitine reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function and vasodilator function, and may be effective in attenuating age-associated cognitive decline by slowing the rate of mitochondrial decay and cellular aging.
• Carnosine: the most potent nutrient to counteract destructive glycation processes. Glycation is the cross-linking of proteins and sugars to form non-functioning structures in the body. As humans age, they become more vulnerable to glycation reactions that cause irreversible damage to the body's proteins.
• Benfotiamine (and thiamine): A fat-soluble form of vitamin B1 (thiamine) which supports healthy blood sugar metabolism and helps protect the body's tissues against AGEs and oxidative stress.
• Luteolin: a flavonoid that helps to regulate inflammatory cytokine expression. Aging is characterized by an inflammatory state that adversely affects virtually every cell in the body. The culprits behind these destructive reactions are inflammatory "cytokines."
• Rhodiola: an herb that has been shown to possess adaptogenic and ergogenic properties. Rhodolia works primarily on the mitochondria by activating the synthesis or resynthesis of ATP in mitochondria and stimulated reparative energy processes after intense exercise.
• SODzyme: a combination of soy, corn, and wheat sprouts designed to stimulate the endogenous antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) inside the cell. SOD is considered one of the most important antioxidants the body makes to guard interior cell components against free-radical damage.