Aging Metabolism Series #2

Metabolism Overview

Every biological cell utilizes, stores, and transports energy in chemical form. Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the primary carrier of chemical energy in all cells. The ATP molecule consists of a purine base (adenine), a 5-carbon sugar (ribose), and three phosphate groups. ATP transports energy within the cells for optimal metabolism, and is produced through cellular respiration, and consumed by certain enzymes and a number of biochemical reactions in the body.2

Early in life the body has an abundant supply of the cellular organelles called mitochondria. The mitochondria metabolize glucose and other sugars, using a number of biochemical pathways, one of which is called oxidative phosphorylation. Oxidative phosphorylation is the primary pathway that drives ATP production in the body.

Young individuals have an adequate supply of the nutritional co-factors that support the ATPproducing biochemical pathways. With age, production of ATP is slowed as a variety of stressors take their toll on cellular function. The body produces fewer mitochondria and their health becomes compromised as mitochondria naturally generate greater levels of free radicals with age. Over time, free radicals cause deterioration of the mitochondria themselves, degrading their efficiency and causing heavier production of free radicals. Furthermore, essential co-factors and nutritional substrates become depleted with age. As a result of this metabolic decline, the health of the organs and systems of the body becomes increasingly burdened — chronic degenerative disease and increasing weight gain can result.

References

2. Lehninger AL, Nelson DL, Cox MM. The Molecular Logic of Life. In: Foundations of Biochemistry. New York, NY: Worth Publishers, Inc.; 1993: 3-19.

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com

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