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Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
Definition
Mitochondria, in plain English
MedlinePlus Genetics describes mitochondria as structures within cells that convert the energy from food into a form cells can use. They even have their own small circle of DNA, inherited from the mother.
Inside mitochondria, the Krebs cycle loads electrons onto NAD+ to make NADH, and the electron transport chain uses NADH to help make ATP.
- Main job
- Make ATP
- NAD+ role
- Carries electrons as NADH
- Own DNA
- Yes, inherited from the mother
How it connects
How mitochondria relates to NAD+
Mitochondria rely on a steady supply of NAD+ to keep energy production running. Mouse studies link the fall in NAD+ with age to weaker mitochondrial function.
For your treatment
What mitochondria means for NAD+ therapy
NAD+ therapy is often marketed for energy, but improved mitochondrial function or energy hasn't been proven in people taking NAD+.
- Free online consultation with a licensed U.S. provider
- NAD+ nasal spray or injection, plans from $166 a month if prescribed
- NAD+ has no FDA-approved use; compounded NAD+ isn’t FDA-approved
Questions
Mitochondria: common questions
What are mitochondria?
Mitochondria are structures inside cells that turn energy from food into ATP, the cell's main energy currency. NAD+ and NADH are central to how they do it.
Is 'mitochondria' singular or plural?
Plural. One is a mitochondrion, and most cells contain many of them.
Can NAD+ treat mitochondrial disease?
No NAD+ product is approved for mitochondrial disease. Anyone with one should be under a specialist's care.
Will NAD+ therapy give me more energy?
That hasn't been shown in healthy people. NAD+ is essential for making ATP, but taking more hasn't been proven to raise energy.
Does exercise affect NAD+?
Exercise has been linked to higher NAMPT, the NAD+ recycling enzyme, in muscle in research studies, and regular activity supports healthy aging.
Should I see a doctor about tiredness first?
Yes, if it's new or lasting. MedlinePlus lists many causes of fatigue, including anemia, depression, medicines and sleep disorders.
Keep learning
Related NAD+ terms
Terms that connect to mitochondria, each explained on its own page.
- Cell energyElectron transport chainThe electron transport chain is a series of four protein complexes in the inner membrane of mitochondria. It takes electrons from NADH, passes them to oxygen and uses the energy to make ATP.
- Cell energyKrebs cycleThe Krebs cycle, or citric acid cycle, is a loop of reactions in mitochondria that breaks down fuel from food and loads electrons onto NAD+ to make NADH for energy.
- Cell energyATPATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the main energy currency of cells. Most of it is made in mitochondria using electrons carried by NADH, which is why NAD+ is tied to energy.
- MoleculesNADHNADH is the reduced form of NAD+. It carries high-energy electrons from the breakdown of food to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, where they help make ATP.
Official sources
Mitochondria: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- MedlinePlus Genetics (National Library of Medicine)Mitochondrial DNA
What mitochondria do, including making ATP, the cell's main energy source.
- National Human Genome Research InstituteMitochondria (Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms)
Plain-language definition of mitochondria from the NIH genome institute.
- National Cancer InstituteNCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: mitochondria
Short definition of mitochondria from the National Cancer Institute.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Biochemistry, Electron Transport Chain
How four protein complexes use electrons from NADH to drive ATP production.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This glossary is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any supplement or treatment.
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