In 1996 treatments for mitochondrial diseases are not very effective. Some effects of these diseases can be treated such as cardiac arrhythmia's, seizure disorders, renal bicarbonate loss and hypoglycemia. When lactic acid accumulation seems to be a major problem an experimental drug, diechloroacetate, will lower the lactate. Although conclusive evidence of efficacy is not yet available most physicians working with mitochondrial diseases treat their patients with cofactors and vitamins which are thought to help impaired metabolic pathways. Special diets can be helpful.
Some patients benefit by high fat diets with restriction of simple carbohydrates.
Fructose restriction may help. Other patients need high carbohydrate intake with particular supplementation of complex carbohydrates such as uncooked corn starch. Only with a through medical evaluation, beat carried out in a center specialising in mitochondrial disease, can the optimal treatment regime for each patient be chosen.