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Aging and Oxidating Our Energy Away

One thing we can't get away from is age and the consequences it brings. ATP production is no exception.

ATP production peaks at age 20 and as we grow older our cells ability to manufacture ATP declines[1] and our energy levels along with it[2]. Studies have shown that as we age our body's ability to produce ATP gradually diminishes[3]. It is not an overnight occurrence.

Some studies have shown that ATP production can decrease by as much as 50% [4] with age. Stress and/or ailments help contruibute to this decrease.

Another serious issue occurs as the mitochondria produce ATP. An abundance of free radicals are generated. Free radicals over a life-time lead to damage cellular components including the mitochondria ability to produce ATP.

These damaging radicals are called ROS (reactive oxygen species). ROS are constantly produced near the mitochondria membrane. ATP and ROS production go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.

ROS also include oxygen radicals that can harm biomolecules and contribute to disease states. Another term used for these dangerous molecules is "oxidants" (this is where anti-oxidants come into play). ROS leads to mitochondria mutations which causes decreased mitochondria functions, i.e. reduced ATP synthesis.

Studies show oxidative damage to DNA and other cellular components by oxidative stress and free radicals generated by aerobic metabolism play an important role in aging [5].

Now on to the important question; How can we keep our power plants operating effectively?

Click here for Part 4: Foods for our Energy Needs

Return to Part 2:"ATP - Our Body's Energy Source"

Age-dependent cell death and the role of ATP in hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis and necrosis; Noriyuki Miyoshi, Hammou Oubrahim, P. Boon Chock, and Earl R. Stadtman; Laboratory of Biochemistry, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012
Miquel J, Economos AC, Fleming J and Johnson JE. Mitochondrial role in cell aging. Exp Gerontol 15: 575-91, 1980.
Am J Physiol. 1998 Aug;275(2 Pt 1):E197-206. Age-related increase in mitochondrial proton leak and decrease in ATP turnover reactions… Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8M5.
Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 284: R474-R480, 2003. Effects of aging and caloric restriction on mitochondrial energy production in gastrocnemius muscle and heart
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/full/227/9/671