Metabolism is the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. Food is made up of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Chemicals in your digestive system (enzymes) break down food into sugars and acids, the fuel for your body. You can use this fuel immediately, or you can store it in your body tissues. If you have a metabolic dissorder, there is a problem with this process.

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of metabolic disorders. Mitochondria are small structures that produce energy in almost all of your cells. They do this by combining oxygen with fuel molecules (sugars and fats) that come from food. When the mitochondria are defective, the cells do not have enough energy. Unused oxygen and fuel molecules build up in cells, causing damage.

Symptoms of mitochondrial disease can vary. It depends on the number of faulty mitochondria and where they are in the body. Sometimes only one organ, tissue, or cell type is affected. But often the problem affects many of them. Muscle and nerve cells have especially high energy needs, so muscle and neurological problems are common. Illnesses range from mild to severe. Some of them can be fatal.

Genetic mutations cause these diseases. They usually occur before the age of 20, and some are more common in infants. There is no cure for these diseases, but treatments can help symptoms and slow the disease. They may include physical therapy, vitamins and supplements, special diets, and medications.

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