Mitochondrial Fitness Habit Score
Mitochondria produce energy in cells, and changes in them are one of the "hallmarks of aging" studied in laboratories. Their function can't be measured with a questionnaire. This page does not estimate a "mitochondrial age". It counts activity habits, since regular exercise is the best-studied way to support muscle fitness.
Before you start
Method : Mitochondrial Fitness Habit Score — a custom points score written by this site. Each answer adds or subtracts the points shown in the Methodology table below.
Validation : Unvalidated. The points have never been tested against any laboratory measurement or health outcome, and the result is not an age.
Review : not reviewed by a qualified clinician. Educational only — not a diagnosis or a medical test.
Unexplained, lasting exhaustion or muscle weakness should be checked by a doctor.
Your answers stay in this browser tab; nothing is sent or stored.
Answer the questions, then press Calculate score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Answer each question.
- Press Calculate score.
- Read the breakdown and suggestions.
Methodology & assumptions
Your score is the sum of the points below. The weights are our own judgement. The old version added made-up years for CoQ10, antioxidants, toxin exposure and energy levels and gave a "mitochondrial age". Supplements have no established effect on such an age, so those were removed with the age output.
| Factor | Answer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate aerobic activity per week | 150+ minutes | 0 |
| Under 150 minutes | +1 | |
| Little or none | +2 | |
| Muscle-strengthening activity | 2+ days a week | 0 |
| Less often | +1 | |
| Hours sitting on a typical day | Under 8 | 0 |
| 8 or more | +1 | |
| Smoking | Never | 0 |
| Former | 0 | |
| Current | +2 | |
| Sleep per night | Under 6 hours | +1 |
| 6 hours or more | 0 |
Worked examples
Little aerobic activity, rarely strength trains, sits 8+ h, smokes, under 6 h sleep: 2 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 = +7 points.
150+ minutes, strength 2+ days, sits under 8 h, never smoked, 7 h sleep: 0 points.
Understanding your result
This counts habits you reported. It is not a mitochondrial measurement and not an age. Health-agency guidance linked below is general and based on populations, not on this score.
Sources & further reading
- López-Otín C, Blasco MA, Partridge L, Serrano M, Kroemer G. The hallmarks of aging. Cell 2013;153(6):1194-1217.
- World Health Organization. Physical activity (fact sheet).
The points table is our own convention and is not taken from these sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
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