Contradictions & Considerations When Taking Mitochondrial Supplements Together

While the supplements ( as discussed in the previous article on : Mitigating Error Buildup in Mitochondria (mtDNA) ) can support mitochondrial health, combining them without considering interactions, dosage, and timing can lead to adverse effects. Here are some key contradictions and considerations:

1. Overlapping Antioxidants (CoQ10, NAC, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ALA, Resveratrol, PQQ)

• Excessive antioxidants can suppress beneficial ROS, which play a role in cell signaling and adaptation.
• High doses of NAC and Vitamin C may reduce exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptations.
• Solution: Take antioxidants at different times of the day or cycle high doses.

2. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) & Resveratrol

• NR boosts NAD+, while Resveratrol activates SIRT1, which requires NAD+.
• High doses of NR may deplete methyl groups, leading to imbalances.
• Solution: Pair NR with Trimethylglycine (TMG) or B-complex to maintain methyl balance.

3. CoQ10, MitoQ, and PQQ

• MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted CoQ10, so taking both may be redundant.
• PQQ and MitoQ together could over-stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, leading to oxidative stress.
• Solution: Use either MitoQ or CoQ10; PQQ can be taken on alternate days.

4. ALA & Biotin Competition

• ALA competes with biotin absorption, potentially leading to biotin deficiency.
• Solution: Take ALA and biotin at least 2 hours apart.

5. Magnesium & NMN/NR

• Magnesium is crucial for ATP production, but high doses can cause diarrhea, affecting NMN absorption.
• Solution: Use magnesium glycinate (less likely to cause diarrhea) and take NMN separately.

6. Omega-3 & Resveratrol Interaction

• High doses of EPA/DHA combined with Resveratrol can thin the blood, increasing bleeding risk.
• Solution: Adjust Omega-3 dose to 1000 mg/day if taking resveratrol.

7. Curcumin & Resveratrol Competition

• Both activate SIRT1, but may compete for absorption.
• Solution: Take Curcumin with fat (e.g., fish oil) and Resveratrol with a meal.

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Supplement Timing & Dosage Guide

Here’s a structured spreadsheet to help guide users on dosage, interactions, and timing.

Supplement	Dosage	Best Time to Take	With/Without Food	Potential Interactions	Solution
CoQ10 / MitoQ	100-300 mg / 10-20 mg	Morning	With food (fat)	Redundant with MitoQ, PQQ	Use either CoQ10 or MitoQ
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)	300-600 mg	Empty stomach	Without food	Competes with Biotin	Take Biotin separately
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) / NMN	250-500 mg	Morning	With food	May deplete methylation	Add TMG or B-complex
PQQ	10-40 mg	Morning	With food	Can overstimulate mitochondria	Use on alternate days if taking MitoQ
L-Carnitine / ALCAR	500-2000 mg	Morning/pre-workout	Without food	None	Safe to combine
NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)	600-1200 mg	Morning	With food	Excess may reduce exercise adaptation	Cycle high doses
Glutathione	250-500 mg	Anytime	Empty stomach	May not absorb well	Use liposomal glutathione
Resveratrol	250-500 mg	Evening	With food (fat)	Can thin blood with Omega-3	Lower Omega-3 dose
Curcumin (with Piperine)	500-1000 mg	Anytime	With fat	Competes with Resveratrol for absorption	Take at different times
Magnesium Glycinate	200-400 mg	Evening	With food	Can cause diarrhea	Avoid high doses
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)	1000-3000 mg	Anytime	With food	Thins blood with Resveratrol	Adjust Omega-3 dose
Fisetin	100-500 mg	Morning