While the Internet is often flooded with all sorts of cosmetic miracle treatments, red light therapy is actually an application that provides benefits and has been scientifically proven.
Below, we'll go into more detail about how the light works in the human cell.
How exactly does red light therapy work?
One of the main mechanisms of red light therapy in relation to mitochondrial function is a more powerful electron transport chain mediated by the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX). In addition, there is the potential dissociation of bound nitric oxide (NO) and COX (NO-Cox), which is a detrimental blockade to ATP production.
Essentially, NO-COX messes up the cellular system of ATP production, and red and near-infrared light helps prevent and reverse this problem. NO is a competitive inhibitor of oxygen, which means it takes away oxygen's rightful place at the ATP synthase enzyme, making the cell work less efficiently. During the formation of ATP synthase, NO competes with oxygen, limiting the ultimate production of ATP. This also increases oxidative stress, which can lead to cell death.
The photons in red and near-infrared light excite electrons, which helps break nitric oxide bonds so that H+ ions can go through the process more effectively, resulting in a greater amount of ATP energy to fuel your cells and body.
Conclusion: Red light supports cellular function. The more efficiently cells can generate ATP energy through cellular respiration, the better your body feels. Red and near-infrared light supports mitochondrial function and efficient production of ATP energy through cellular respiration. Red light therapy can improve the electron transfer process in the cell and ultimately counteract oxidative stress.