Eating well with mito
This event focused on nutrition for mitochondrial disease (mito). It was led by Dr Isabelle Adant is a general paediatrician and metabolic fellow at The Royal Children’s Hospital and The Royal Melbourne Hospital. She works closely with children, families and adults affected by rare metabolic conditions, including mito.
This event was recorded on Saturday 1 November 2025, during the Mito Community Summit. Visit our website to listen to or read about this event.
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Listen to the audio
Read a summary of the event here
This summary has been automatically generated.
Introduction to Dr. Isabelle Adant and Metabolic Conditions
- Dr. Isabelle Adant is a general pediatrician and metabolics fellow who works with children, families, and adults affected by rare metabolic conditions, including mitochondrial disease (mito), and will discuss how nutrition strategies can support energy levels, reduce symptoms, and improve overall well-being 00:10.
- Eating well is important for people with mito, as mitochondria are the main place where energy from food is transported and used by cells, and choosing complex carbohydrates with a lower glycemic index can help improve energy levels 04:27.
- Increasing protein intake is important for building muscle strength, which can be affected in mito, and combining diet with physical activity is necessary to help build muscles, with high-quality protein sources including animal protein, soy, and quinoa 08:06.
Energy Support and Muscle Strength in Mitochondrial Disease
- To build strong bones, protein, calcium, and vitamin D are necessary, and physical activity is also required to signal the body to strengthen bones 11:22.
- Calcium can be found in dairy products, fortified foods, and certain fish like sardines, but if dairy and fortified foods are not an option, supplements may be necessary 11:57.
Bone Health and Nutritional Requirements
- For gut symptoms, staying hydrated by drinking enough water, avoiding dehydrating substances like alcohol and caffeine, and keeping active can help, and in some cases, a low-fibre diet may be recommended under the guidance of a dietitian 14:25.
- For healthy eating, following general guidelines like the Australian government’s “Eat For Health” guide can help prevent chronic diseases, and special diets like intermittent fasting or vegan diets should be discussed with a doctor to ensure they are suitable 18:11.
Managing Gut Symptoms and Dietary Guidelines
- To lose weight with mito, aim for slow habit changes, eat less energy than used, and try to change one habit at a time, focusing on protein intake, staying active, and consuming vegetables and legumes 19:35.
- Regular physical activity at your own level of fitness can improve the effectiveness of a healthy eating routine 22:14
Healthy Eating, Weight Management, and Physical Activity
- The Australian government’s Eat for Health website and the Mito Foundation website provide useful fact sheets and resources 22:23
- For personalised dietary advice, consider consulting a dietician through your treating team, NDIS, or GP via a chronic health management plan.
Disclaimer: Resources provided by the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Limited (Mito Foundation), offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is essential to assess the suitability of the content for your individual circumstances and make decisions based on your medical condition. The information's accuracy is subject to change, and we do not guarantee ongoing currency or availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, Mito Foundation is not obligated to provide updated information. The copyright for this document and its content belongs to, or is licensed to, Mito Foundation, and reproduction without prior written consent is prohibited.
