Mitochondrial disorders

Mitochondria

mitochondrial disorder

While the exact causes of autism are still unknown, researchers have recently uncovered a mysterious link between autism and mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrial disorders are caused by mutations in the mitochondria, which are the parts of our cells that produce energy, and can lead to a wide range of symptoms. This link has made it possible to identify and treat some cases of autism, offering hope to those affected by this condition. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the intriguing connection between autism and mitochondrial disorders and what this could mean for those living with autism.

Mitochondria

The human body requires energy in order to function, and mitochondria are what provide that energy. We digest sugar, protein, and fat into molecules that reach every cell in our body. ATP is the fuel that is used by the body, and mitochondria are little factories within cells that convert these food molecules into energy molecules called ATP. 
Mitochondria are also called the energy-producing powerhouses of the body. They are vital to our survival as they produce energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) from the food we eat. This process is called cellular respiration. Mitochondria produce more than 90% of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function. Mitochondrial dysfunction results in excessive fatigue and other symptoms that are common in almost every chronic disease, from Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease to diabetes to autism.

Mitochondrial disorder

The mitochondrial disorder can strike both infants and children of all ages and yet is NOT KNOWN what causes the dysfunction in the mitochondria in the first place. They are commonly born with a range of difficulties from lack of muscle tone to lack of strength and poor appetite, difficulty sucking and high tolerance to pain.
Some babies might not show noticeable symptoms right away. For example, when the body is under a significant amount of stress, it requires even more energy. Though a child can get very sick if mitochondria are dysfunctional, there are times when you’ll see problems developing with the child’s neurology if there’s a prolonged illness.
Yes, vaccines are also stressful for the body, and in the case of a small child who, for some reason, has a genetic predisposition to the mitochondrial disorder, it is possible that the child’s development stops after vaccination
At least 50% of children living with autism has mitochondrial disfunction.

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of complex and potentially life-threatening illnesses caused by mutations in the mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondria are tiny organelles found inside our cells that play a key role in energy production. They convert energy from food into a form that our bodies can use to function normally.

When the mitochondrial DNA is mutated, the resulting disorder can affect any part of the body, including the heart, brain, muscles, or other organs. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but can include seizures, developmental delays, movement and coordination problems, muscle weakness, vision and hearing loss, and organ failure. In some cases, these disorders may be fatal.
The exact cause of mitochondrial disorders is unknown, but certain genetic factors can increase an individual’s risk. It is important to note that not all people with mitochondrial disorders will develop autism, but research has shown that there may be a link between the two conditions.
Abnormalities of mitochondrial function could affect about 80% of children with ASD. 

Sympoms of mitochondrial dysfunction

Depending on which cells in the body are affected by the malfunctioning of the mitochondria, it causes varying symptoms. In general, mitochondrial disease causes more severe symptoms when the cell makers in the muscles, brain, or nerves malfunction because these cells use more energy than other cells in the body. In general, symptoms can range from mild to severe, affect one or more organs, and appear at any age. Even people with the same mitochondrial disease may have different symptoms. In addition to both symptoms and severity, the onset of the disease (appearance of symptoms) also varies from person to person.

The most common symptoms are fatigue, but brain fog is also common when the mitochondria in the brain are not working properly.

Other symptoms may include:

  • pain
  • mood disorders
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • concentration disorder

Most chronic diseases/conditions are also linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as:

  • cardiovascular diseases
  • lung disease
  • vision and hearing problems
  • learning disabilities
  • autism
  • liver and kidney disease
  • digestive system diseases and symptoms
  • diabetes
  • neurological diseases (including dementia)
  • movement disorders

The Hannah Poling affair

During Hannah’s first 18 months, she suffered an adverse reaction to the 18-month-old vaccine, causing severe neurological and autistic symptoms. Hannah was 19 months when she received five vaccinations (diperte, influenza B, MMR, varicella, and inactivated polio). Hannah was a playful, interactive, and communicative baby two days prior to becoming lethargic, irritable, and feverish two days later. Several days after vaccination, he developed varicella-induced rashes.
 
Hannah was diagnosed with mitochondrial enzyme deficiency encephalopathy months later due to a delay in neurological and psychological development. The signs Hannah displayed all exhibited characteristics of autism spectrum disorder, including language and communication difficulties. It is common for children with mitochondrial enzyme deficiencies to develop neurological symptoms during the first and second years of their lives, but Hannah’s parents believed vaccines led to her disease.
His case in court was successful, though it’s unclear whether the little girl had a mitochondrial disorder prior to the vaccination, or if it was caused by a vaccination reaction.

If the child has a mitochondrial enzyme deficiency, the vaccines can cause developmental declines.

Biomedical specialists believe that mitochondrial problems can be very common in autism; however, there are treatments that can improve mitochondrial disorders.

It would be nice if mitochondrial testing could become part of normal neonatal screening to find out which babies may be more sensitive to heavy metals and chemicals — whether they have “only” mitochondrial dysfunction or mitochondria are functioning completely abnormally — and preventive measures could be taken to protect children.

If the child has a mitochondrial enzyme deficiency, the vaccines can cause developmental declines.

Biomedical specialists believe that mitochondrial problems can be very common in autism; however, there are treatments that can improve mitochondrial disorders.

It would be nice if mitochondrial testing could become part of normal neonatal screening to find out which babies may be more sensitive to heavy metals and chemicals — whether they have “only” mitochondrial dysfunction or mitochondria are functioning completely abnormally — and preventive measures could be taken to protect children.

Related articles:

  • Mitochondrial disorder and autism
  • Supplements for mitochondrial disorders
Resources
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352304220300854
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137782/