How Does Mitochondria Help With Your Health?

You’ve probably heard of mitochondria if you’re in the bio-hacking world because these are the powerhouse cells that are responsible for ATP production. But while we hear A LOT about mitochondria from the male-dominant perspective, we hear very little about the specific mitochondria that is found in our oocytes (eggs).
That’s right, our oocytes contain their OWN mitochondria, in fact, they contain over 100,000 of them! 

In my post “100 days” I talk about the importance and development of follicles and their influence on egg quality . What I didn’t mention is that each of these follicles contain ATP energy & the follicles directly impact the quality of your eggs.
The answer to improved egg quality lays in the mitochondria & ATP energy of the follicles. Think of them as the foundations for building the next generation; they provide the functional source of energy for the oocyte & the oocyte goes on to become a child.

So what does Chinese medicine have to do with it?

When we perform acupuncture, we’re working with Qi. In TCM terms, qi is your body’s source of energy + the powerhouse of your whole system. Sound familiar? It should. It’s the same description as our mitochondria. In fact, on a cellular level, the Chinese medicine descriptor of ‘qi’ includes mitochondria, DNA, RNA and ATP (our energy).

Essentially, when we perform acupuncture we stimulate the ATP energy of the follicle, thereby producing MORE energy & improving the quality of the follicle. By improving the follicle, we improve the egg. ie. When you create a strong foundation, you build a strong house. 

Acupuncture also enhances the flow of blood to your follicles. A diet high in essential fatty acids + protein support mitochondrial health to support the follicle and creb cycle.

So WHY is Mitochondria important for health?

It’s necessary for oocyte maturation & fertilisation. It’s needed for embyronic development, It influences poor reproductive competence of oocytes/ovarian active follicles. How amazing are bodies! Our eggs hold inheritable mitochondria. Body of the next generations!

What Exactly Do Mitochondria Do?

Beyond their role in fertility, mitochondria are essential to virtually every function in the body. Often called the "powerhouse of the cell," mitochondria convert the food we eat and oxygen we breathe into ATP, the energy currency that powers everything from muscle contraction to brain function to hormone production. Every cell in the body, aside from red blood cells, contains mitochondria, but the number varies enormously depending on how energy-demanding that cell's job is. Egg cells, unsurprisingly, are among the most mitochondria-dense cells in the entire body, reflecting just how much energy is required to support fertilisation and early embryonic development.

What Affects Mitochondrial Health in Eggs?

Since egg mitochondria are formed early in life and don't regenerate the way mitochondria in other cells can, their quality tends to decline with age, which is part of why egg quality naturally decreases over time. However, age isn't the only factor. Mitochondrial health and function can also be influenced by:

• Oxidative stress, excessive free radical damage can impair mitochondrial function over time

• Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in CoQ10, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids, all of which support the cellular energy production pathway

• Chronic inflammation, which can place additional strain on mitochondrial function throughout the body

• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and chronic stress, all of which are associated with increased oxidative damage

• Blood flow, since mitochondria rely on adequate oxygen and nutrient delivery, healthy circulation to the ovaries and follicles matters

Supporting Mitochondrial and Egg Health

• CoQ10 supplementation, often recommended to support cellular energy production, particularly relevant for those trying to conceive

• A diet rich in essential fatty acids and protein, as mentioned above, to fuel the Krebs cycle and mitochondrial function

• Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens and colourful vegetables, to help combat oxidative stress

• Regular acupuncture, to support blood flow to the ovaries and follicles, and stimulate follicular Qi and ATP energy as described above

• Prioritising sleep and stress management, both of which significantly influence mitochondrial function throughout the body

• Moderate, consistent movement, supporting circulation without the excessive oxidative stress that comes with overtraining

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve my egg mitochondria at any age? While egg mitochondrial quality naturally declines with age, supporting overall mitochondrial health through nutrition, lifestyle and treatments like acupuncture may help support the quality of the eggs you do have, regardless of age.

How long does it typically take to see improvements in egg quality? Since the process of follicle development takes approximately 90 days from early recruitment to ovulation, many practitioners recommend at least three months of consistent lifestyle, nutritional and acupuncture support before assessing changes in egg quality.

Is mitochondrial health only relevant for fertility? Not at all. While this article focuses on its role in egg quality, mitochondrial health influences energy levels, aging, cognitive function and virtually every system in the body, it's foundational to overall wellbeing, not just reproduction.

Does male mitochondrial health matter too? Yes, sperm also rely heavily on mitochondria to fuel their motility, the energy needed to swim toward and fertilise the egg. However, unlike egg mitochondria, sperm mitochondria are generally not passed on to the resulting embryo, which is part of why the conversation so often centres on the egg when it comes to inherited mitochondrial health.

Our eggs really are extraordinary, carrying not just genetic material, but the cellular energy and mitochondrial inheritance passed down to the next generation. Supporting this energy through nutrition, lifestyle and Chinese medicine offers a beautifully holistic bridge between ancient wisdom and modern reproductive science.

Amanda is the founder of Angea and has over 12 years of experience working with women to support their health journey. In addition to being a registered doctor of Chinese medicine, Amanda is a yoga teacher and founder of Mindful Pregnancy Yoga Training. Amanda offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and womb healing treatments at Angea.