Frequently Asked Questions

The Science

What is Mitome and how does it work?

Mitome is the first mitochondrial health analysis that identifies functional impairments in your cellular energy production system, where 90% of your energy is made. Using a non-invasive cheek swab, we assess four key biomarkers of mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. This scientific insight allows us to recommend a personalized optimization protocol based on your specific mitochondrial type.

Without understanding your unique mitochondrial pattern, you may waste time and money on ineffective supplements. Mitome helps you target the specific issues affecting your mitochondrial function, ensuring your optimization efforts are focused on what will actually work for you.

What is the science behind the Mitome test?

Mitome uses a proprietary, multi-layered analysis to assess mitochondrial function in a way no blood test, genetic screen, or hormone panel can.

We measure five critical components of your mitochondrial respiratory chain—key drivers of how your cells produce energy at the molecular level. By analyzing these components together, we identify your unique mitochondrial pattern, which reflects the specific inefficiencies or bottlenecks in your cellular energy system.

Imagine your cellular energy system as a road with four critical stop signs—each one representing a checkpoint in your mitochondrial pathway. If traffic flows smoothly, energy production runs efficiently. But if there’s a slowdown, a stop sign is blocked, or a detour forces energy down a less efficient route, your whole system can lag—leading to fatigue, poor recovery, and other performance issues.

Mitome identifies exactly where these slowdowns or detours are happening in your mitochondrial “roadmap,” so we can guide you with targeted recommendations to clear the path and restore optimal energy flow.

For more technical details, see the "How We Measure" section on our Science and Testing page.

Who should take this test?

Mitome is ideal for three groups:

People with chronic, unresolved health issues

Individuals focused on optimizing performance and longevity

Anyone interested in understanding their unique mitochondrial function

What benefits will I see from taking the Mitome test?

The beauty of mitochondrial optimization is that improvements show up in the health areas that matter most to you. Since cellular energy fuels every bodily process, enhancing mitochondrial function creates a ripple effect of positive changes.

Track the metrics that align with your personal health goals:

- Energy seekers often see sustained energy throughout the day, reduced afternoon crashes, and feeling refreshed upon waking
- Fitness enthusiasts typically notice improved workout performance, faster recovery times, and better endurance
- Cognitive performance focused individuals frequently experience sharper mental clarity, better focus, and enhanced memory
- Sleep quality improvers commonly report deeper, more restorative sleep and easier mornings
- Metabolic health trackers often see more stable blood sugar, improved body composition, and better appetite regulation
- Stress management focused people usually notice greater resilience to daily stressors and improved mood stability

The key insight: Rather than expecting generic improvements, focus on measuring progress in the areas where you most want to see change.

Your personalized mitochondrial optimization plan will support whatever health goals are most important to you, because better cellular energy production enhances your body's ability to excel in every area.

Your success metrics should reflect your unique health priorities and lifestyle objectives.

Is this a DNA test?

This is not a DNA test. It’s is a non-invasive test that quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) of the mitochondria to evaluate mitochondrial dysfunction. Your data will be generated by our lab partner and distributed through us.

Mitome goes very in-depth on the implications of how the mitochondrial respiratory chain is functioning and we deliver a 11-30 page report based on that. Without understanding your unique mitochondrial pattern, you may waste time and money on ineffective supplements. Mitome helps you target the specific issues affecting your mitochondrial function, ensuring your optimization efforts are focused on what will actually work for you.

How does mitochondrial dysfunction show up?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell where nearly all cellular energy is produced. Energy metabolism fuels every single process in the body, including healthy sleep, alertness, supporting libido, hormonal balance, exercise performance, and cognitive performance, optimizing blood glucose, and protecting against heart disease and cancer. All health problems are influenced by cellular energy production.

Since mitochondria are your cells' powerhouses, producing nearly all the energy your body needs, poor mitochondrial function affects virtually every aspect of your health.

Common signs of mitochondrial dysfunction include:

- Persistent fatigue and low energy that doesn't improve with rest
- Poor sleep quality and difficulty waking up refreshed
- Brain fog, memory issues, and reduced mental clarity
- Decreased exercise performance and slower recovery
- Hormonal imbalances affecting mood, metabolism, and libido
- Blood sugar instability and difficulty maintaining healthy glucose levels
- Reduced stress resilience and slower healing

Long-term health implications:
Compromised mitochondrial function increases your risk of serious conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is because every cellular process, from immune function to tissue repair, depends on adequate energy production.

The reality is that all health problems are influenced by cellular energy production. When your mitochondria aren't functioning optimally, your entire body operates below its potential. That's why addressing mitochondrial health often leads to improvements across multiple areas of wellness, not just increased energy levels.

Optimizing your mitochondrial function is essentially upgrading your body's fundamental operating system.

When will I see those benefits?

The average lifespan your mitochondria is close to 3 months. While you may see immediate results if you add a supplement that resolves a major bottleneck, you should expect many of your benefits to become clear over the course of three months. Often fixing mitochondrial function changes vicious cycles into virtuous cycles: this can mean your benefits continue to accrue and mature for years to come.

Why is this new and different?

Many programs look at your genetics, your blood biochemistry, your saliva hormones, or your stool microbiome. But we are the first test to characterize the function of your mitochondria, where 90% of your cellular energy is made.

Without understanding your unique mitochondrial pattern, you may waste time and money on ineffective supplements. This test helps you target the specific issues affecting your mitochondrial function, ensuring your optimization efforts are focused on what will actually work for you.

Will you give me supplement recommendations?

Yes, we give supplement recommendations based on your unique mitochondrial type. The recommendations are designed for long-term implementation. As you follow the protocol, you'll be able to evaluate which supplements are most effective for you and adjust accordingly based on your results.

Will medications or supplements interact with my results?

The test measures your current mitochondrial function, including any effects from medications or supplements you're taking. For the most accurate picture of your day-to-day mitochondrial health, we recommend maintaining your regular regimen when taking the test. If you're interested in understanding your baseline mitochondrial function without medications or supplements, you would need to discontinue them for 3 months before testing – however, this should only be done under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

So, you are going to know the state of your mitochondria while taking those supplements, but Chris lays out what supplements specifically are good and bad for your unique mitochondrial pattern. The recommendations are designed for long-term implementation. As you follow the protocol, you'll be able to evaluate which supplements are most effective for you and adjust accordingly based on your results.

Can I show my functional doctor this test?

Absolutely. Your personalized report includes a detailed explanation of the underlying science, the potential health implications of your mitochondrial pattern, and the rationale behind each recommendation. You're encouraged to share the protocol with your functional or integrative doctor to get their input and support.

Can the Mitome test detect or predict whether the dysfunction is due to a gene mutation?

Genetics loads the gun, and environment pulls the trigger. Genetics tells you what could happen, and it can explain what you know is happening, but it never tells you what is happening. Mitome tells you what *is* happening in your mitochondria and what can be done about it. The protocols address it from a perspective that it reflects some mix of your genetics and your environment, and then gives you a protocol that includes things to help optimize your mitochondria based on both genetic and environmental causes of the patterns found.

The Kit

How do I fill out the form?

Just send it back in with your basic name/address info but no need to put any more info about the physician's name, contact info, or payment structure.

How is the test collected?

The test is a buccal swab, which is a simple cheek swab.

A buccal swab is a simple swab of the inside of the cheek. The process involves taking two swabs from both your right and left cheek—a quick and easy process that can be done at home.

How do I collect my sample?

Please review the instructions provided in your kit. The sample collection form is in your portal or our testing page here on our website.

Do I need to fast before the sample collection?

No, you do not need to fast.

How do I label the tubes?

You can use a Sharpie or permanent marker to label them.

Why does the test kit have, “Mitoswab” labeling on them?

MITOSWAB™ is our laboratory testing partner who processes the mitochondrial analysis. While you'll send your sample to their lab, your results and personalized recommendations will be delivered through your Mitome portal.

Results

How long does it take for my results to come?

Once your sample has arrived at the lab and is marked as received, your estimated report turnaround time is 4-6 weeks.

Will medications or supplements interact with my results?

Will my current diet affect the test results?

Status of any and all macronutrient and micronutrients impact the respiratory chain in a multitude of ways. We recommend being on a stable diet and routine that you believe works well for you in the months leading up to the test. Your report will suggest modifications to your regimen to make improvements based on those results.

Do you have a Sample Report?

Yes, you can find our sample report below.

The Mitome report allows you to see your results with respect to the normal ranges but the focus is not on this but rather on an interpretive framework of Chris’s own design based on extensive research into peer-reviewed literature as well as in-house cross-referencing of roughly hundreds of these tests with comprehensive metabolomic data and whole genome sequencing, as well as evaluation of client responses to creative protocols. This also means that there is extensive pattern analysis that goes way beyond basic high/low interpretations in standard lab assays. This is a massive value-add that I think will be much more useful to you.

Our mitochondrial report is proprietary, patent-pending, and customized to each individual based on unique biological data. To protect the intellectual property and scientific methodologies behind it, we've blurred out most of the report content in the sample.

We understand the importance of transparency, so what we’ve shared is designed to give you a sense of the format, tone, and types of insights you can expect—without compromising the integrity of our research or your future results.

Click to View Your Sample Report

Where will my results be sent to when ready?

You will receive an email from us to notify you, and your dashboard will be marked complete. The estimated report turnaround time is 4-6 weeks from the date the lab receives the sample.

Might it be useful to take a second Mitome test?

Yes.

The average lifespan your mitochondria is close to 3 months. While you may see immediate results if you add a supplement that resolves a major bottleneck, you should expect many of your benefits to become clear over the course of three months. Often fixing mitochondrial function changes vicious cycles into virtuous cycles: this can mean your benefits continue to accrue and mature for years to come.

3-6 months is a good timeline for implementing your protocol and then retesting. You can retest after you implement the protocol to see how your mitochondrial function has improved or changed.

Are there follow-ups or feedback opportunity given?

Mitome reports are designed to be comprehensive and self-explanatory—crafted directly by Chris based on your unique mitochondrial profile—so they typically don’t require further interpretation.

However, if you have additional questions, you’re welcome to reach out to us at support@mito.me.

We’re also building a Mitome community for ongoing learning and discussion, and we’ll notify you once it's live.

For best results, we recommend following your personalized protocol and retesting in 3–6 months to track progress and make any necessary adjustments.

In the meantime, our dashboard includes educational content modules to help you understand and implement your recommendations.

Should I stop my current supplements or try to achieve a “pure baseline” before testing?

No—there’s no such thing as a “pure baseline.” Even before birth, our biology is shaped by countless environmental inputs, from maternal diet to light exposure. Throughout life, these influences accumulate, affecting nutrient levels and inducing epigenetic changes that persist for varying durations.

Rather than stripping down your routine, the best approach is to maintain what you believe is optimal for your health based on your current knowledge and lifestyle. For example, if you’re aware that your diet lacks riboflavin, don’t intentionally remain deficient just to “see what the test says.” You want to be doing as good as you can so that when you test we are able to give you new information you didn't know before to help you improve your health even further.

Your first test captures your pre-Mitome baseline. After following your personalized protocol, retesting in 3–6 months allows you to quantify your progress and identify your next steps.

Orders

Do you accept international customers?

Mitome is currently available in the United States, Canada, Dubai, and Belgium. If you're located in one of these regions and need assistance with your order, please reach out to us at support@mito.me.

We’re actively working on expanding internationally. If you’re outside these areas, feel free to contact us and we’ll notify you as soon as Mitome becomes available in your country.

Why can I not get the test internationally?

At the moment, we’re only able to ship kits within the USA, Canada, Dubai, and Belgium. If you have access to any of those locations, we’d be happy to arrange a kit for you. Otherwise, we’re not quite able to reach your region yet — but we’re working quickly to expand and will keep you updated as soon as that changes.

You can technically SHIP it to where you are, but you would still need dry ice and special visa requirements. This would usually cost thousands of dollars, but you are welcome to look into that. In addition, it’s very risky because if the sample spoils at all in transit, you would have to redo the test, potentially losing the cost on that dry ice. We've had clients try this before and it's always a huge headache and almost always impossible.

Most clients come to the US for the test. All we would need is a US shipping address, you would send your kit there (usually a friend or family members). We usually ship within 3-5 business days, and when you arrive to the US you can take the sample and ship it out yourself the same day. You could do it in as little as one day. You would not need to go to any special lab.

Can my doctor order this for me?

Mitome is exclusively available through our platform. Our unique mitochondrial analysis and personalized recommendations can only be accessed directly through us.

How can I order a second kit for someone else?

We welcome you to place an order for a followup test for yourself, or to buy a test for a friend or family member. At the present time, we are only able to place a single set of results in one dashboard. Therefore, please log out and order your second kit with a new email. If the kit is for a friend or family member, use an email accessible to the person who will be using the kit.

Shipping

Where can I find my tracking and delivery?

You should receive an email from FedEx with your tracking and delivery. Your kit will ship within 3-5 business days from date of purchase. If you have not received this email, please reach out and let us know at support@mito.me

Where do I send the sample?

Your kit includes a prepaid return FedEx envelope for your sample.

Payment

Do you accept HSA/FSA?

While Mitome may be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, you'll need to check with your administrator or tax professional regarding your specific eligibility requirements. Please note that we don't provide letters of medical necessity.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
Digital wallets (Link, Affirm, Klarna, Amazon Pay)

Do you accept insurance?

We do not accept insurance at this time.

What is your refund policy?

If your product is defective or damaged, please follow the Defective Items process below and please contact support@mito.me.
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If the test has not been shipped or opened, we are able to provide a full refund upon request. Please cross out the requisition with black marker and send a photo back to us.
If you may decide to test in the future, we would prefer you keep the testing kit.
If the test has been shipped, but your sample hasn’t been mailed, we are able to provide a full refund minus a $45 processing fee.
Once the sample has been mailed for processing, we are unable to provide any refunds.

Defective Items: In cases where the product is either damaged or defective, you must contact our customer service team at support@mito.me within 24 hours of your receipt of the delivery.

Should you have additional questions regarding our refund policy, please contact our customer support team at support@mito.me. Please check the terms and conditions for full refund policy.

We Believe in Unlocking Human Potential at its Source

As the first to measure and analyze actual mitochondrial function, we're revolutionizing how people optimize their cellular health and longevity.

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