#419: A Mind-Blowing Mitochondria Episode— Mito Transplant, Rare Diseases & Biomarkers With Dr. Natalie Yivgi-Ohana
Today, I’m joined by the extraordinary Dr. Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, a pioneering scientist whose passion for mitochondria unlocks new frontiers in longevity medicine. Our conversation truly blew my mind—Dr. Yivgi-Ohana brings decades of expertise to demystify these tiny, ancient powerhouses that fuel every cell in our bodies, impact our hormones, drive immunity, and, as it turns out, play a central role in how we age.
Together, we dig into everything from the maternal origins of mitochondria and their influence on fertility, to the groundbreaking science of mitochondrial transfer—a field already bringing hope to rare diseases, neurodegeneration, and beyond. Dr. Yivgi-Ohana also shares her perspectives on metabolic flexibility, the mitochondrial-immune connection, and practical ways anyone can bolster their cellular energy and resilience.
If you’ve ever wondered how foundational mitochondrial health is to every aspect of your vitality—or what you can do today to guard these cellular engines—this episode is packed with science, actionable advice, and the kind of innovation that could reshape the future of healthy aging.
Learn more from Dr. Natalie Yivgi-Ohana below:
Website:https://minoviatx.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-yivgi-ohana-02194b31/?originalSubdomain=il
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minoviatx/
What We Discuss:
Welcome to the Longevity Podcast and today's focus on mitochondria ... 00:00:00
Maternal inheritance and critical functions of mitochondria ... 00:05:56
Mitochondria as energy producers and hormone regulators ... 00:07:03
Aha moments: mitochondria control life, death, and disease ... 00:08:55
Endosymbiotic theory: how mitochondria originated ... 00:10:19
Chronic disease, aging, and the connection to mitochondria ... 00:16:10
Substrate fuels: carbs, fats, and importance of metabolic flexibility ... 00:20:18
Mitochondria’s control over immune system and signaling ... 00:26:39
Mitochondrial transfer: how cells share organelle “powerhouses” ... 00:32:42
Groundbreaking therapy: transplanting mitochondria for rare diseases ... 00:36:40
Expanding mitochondrial therapies to age-related diseases ... 00:42:57
Aging in women: hormones, mitochondria, and inflection points ... 00:51:00
Stem cell exhaustion and cellular renewal ... 00:52:24
Biomarkers: ways to measure mitochondrial health ... 01:03:11
Supplements, lifestyle, and emotional health for mitochondria ... 01:15:47
Medication choices and minimizing mitochondrial toxicity ... 01:24:04
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For Transparency:
Some episodes of the Longevity With Nathalie Niddam podcast are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.