Cardiolipin

Fatty-acidPhospholipid

What is it

Cardiolipin is a unique diphosphatidylglycerol phospholipid found almost exclusively in the inner mitochondrial membrane (and bacterial membranes). It is critical for mitochondrial function, especially for the structure and activity of the electron transport chain complexes.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Mitochondrial function (endogenous role)

Mixed Evidence

Cardiolipin is essential for mitochondrial function but is synthesized endogenously. No clinical evidence supports oral cardiolipin supplementation.

How it works

Cardiolipin maintains the curvature of the inner mitochondrial membrane and is required for optimal function of complex I, III, IV, and V of the electron transport chain. It also has roles in apoptosis (binding cytochrome c) and mitochondrial protein import. Cardiolipin oxidation and loss are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and various diseases. There is no established human oral supplementation of cardiolipin. Most cardiolipin in supplement labeling reflects trace constituents of organ-derived ingredients rather than an intentional therapeutic addition.

Dosage

There is no established supplement dose. Cardiolipin is synthesized endogenously from dietary phospholipid precursors.

When and how to take it

Not applicable.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Endogenous mitochondrial phospholipid

Synthesized in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Not used as oral supplement.

Safety

Cardiolipin is not used as a directed oral supplement. As a phospholipid component of food, it is encountered in animal-derived products and is well tolerated. Anti-cardiolipin antibodies (a marker of antiphospholipid syndrome) are not produced by dietary intake of cardiolipin.

Who should be cautious

Not used as a supplement.

Interactions

Not applicable as a supplement.

Food sources

Animal organ tissues

Amount
Trace dietary amounts in mitochondria-rich tissues
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Can supplementing cardiolipin help mitochondrial health?⌄

There is no evidence that oral cardiolipin reaches mitochondria. Mitochondrial support strategies focus on precursor phospholipids, CoQ10, and exercise.

References

Cardiolipin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cardiolipin (ChEBI:28494) — ChEBI link

Cardiolipin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cardiolipin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Cardiolipin with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.