About mitochondrial disease (mito)

Mitochondrial disease, or mito for short, is a group of genetic conditions that affect how the body’s cells make energy.

Mito can affect different parts of the body. It can also affect people in different ways.

What is mito?

If mito is new to you, What is mito? gives you an introduction to the basics. From there, you can explore the information that is most relevant to you.

What brings you here?

Choose the option that best fits your situation.

I think it could be mito

Mito can be difficult to recognise. Our Maybe it’s mito information explains possible signs of mito and the process of getting a diagnosis.

I or someone I care about has been diagnosed

Our First steps after diagnosis page brings together information for people who are starting to learn about mito and what may come next.

I am an adult with mito or support someone who does

Explore information about understanding mito, building a care team, finding support and staying connected with research and developments.

I am supporting a child with mito

Explore information about understanding mito, building a care team, finding support and keeping up with research and developments.

I am a health professional

Find clinical information, care standards, professional education, resources for recognising possible mito and information about specialist services.

I am a researcher

Find research funding opportunities, information about Mito Foundation research and ways to connect with mito research.

Learn more about mito

Once you know the basics, you can explore topics in more detail.

Signs and symptoms


Explore signs and symptoms by body system and learn how mito may affect different parts of the body.

Explore signs and symptoms

Genetics and mito


Explore how genetic changes can cause mito, genetic testing, genetic counselling and reproductive options for building a family.

Explore genetics and mito

Types of mito


Search our information about different types of mito by name, abbreviation, gene or genetic change.

Explore types of mito

Research, clinical trials and emerging therapies

Learn about new therapies, how clinical trials work and ways to take part in research.

Not sure where to look?

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Looking for more information?


You do not need to know the type of mito or exactly what you are looking for.

Search the Mito Foundation Resource Hub to find information by topic, including webpages, information sheets, videos and audio resources.

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Find support from Mito Foundation


If you are looking for support, Mito Foundation also has information for people living with mito, families, friends and carers.