Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 for short, is a nutrient-like vitamin that is crucial for all tissues and organs in the human body. It’s an essential component of the mitochondria, which are the energy producing units of the cells of the body. The human body naturally produces CoQ10 and it can also be found in small amounts in foods including eggs, oily fish, organ meats, nuts and poultry.
Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the manufacture of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is the energy currency of all body processes. CoQ10’s role in the body can be compared to the role of a spark plug in a car engine. Just as the car cannot function without that initial spark, the human body cannot function without CoQ10.
CoQ10 travels throughout the cell membranes and assists in the transfer of energy and oxygen between the blood and body cells and also between cell components. It is a well-known antioxidant, with many of its beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and energy production.
You may have seen Coenzyme Q10 listed as ubiquinol, ubiquinone or ubidecarenone on different CoQ10 supplements. The main difference between these forms is the way the body metabolises or absorbs them. The form ubiquinol CoQ10 takes one less step to be utilised by the body’s cells, however this does not mean that ubiquinone and ubidecarenone forms are inferior – the body will still metabolise them. In fact, the form of CoQ10 the body naturally produces is the ubiquinone form.
Contents
- What is COQ10 good for?
- Help support your cardiovascular health
- Improve cellular energy
- It’s essential for general health and wellbeing
- Who should take CoQ10?
- Older adults
- Athletes
- People with heart disease
- Those wanting to support energy levels
- What are the symptoms of low CoQ10 levels?
- Is CoQ10 a blood thinner?
What is CoQ10 good for?
CoQ10 is crucial for all tissues and organs in the body. It is also found in every single human body cell, therefore it is evident that it plays a helpful role in many different bodily processes and functions, including cardiovascular health, as an antioxidant, in supporting energy levels and more.
Help support your cardiovascular health
One of the most important uses of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and related disorders involving the heart. CoQ10 is highly concentrated in cells with high metabolic demands, including the cells of the heart and its surrounding muscles. Deficiency of CoQ10 is found in the blood of heart tissue of most patients suffering from cardiomyopathy, suggesting the importance of CoQ10 supplementation in patients at risk of or suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Improve cellular energy
CoQ10 is an essential component of the mitochondria, which are known as the ‘power plants’ within the cells. It helps to convert energy from dietary carbohydrates and fats into ATP, the form of energy used up by the cells, and is essential for normal fat and energy metabolism. Low levels of CoQ10 are typically found in individuals experiencing fatigue.
It’s essential for general health and wellbeing
CoQ10 is necessary for the normal functioning of organs including the heart, liver and brain, as well as the muscles. CoQ10 also offers antioxidant protection for organs and tissues, and protects against the release of pro-inflammatory markers. These processes are important for the prevention of diseases and to support the aging process.
Emerging research shows CoQ10 supplementation to also be helpful for:
- Migraine headaches – dysfunction of the mitochondrial cells is involved with the pathogenesis of migraine headaches; and it is due to CoQ10’s beneficial effects on the mitochondria that deem it to be helpful in the prevention of migraine headaches
- Sperm health and motility – CoQ10 plays an important role in the formation of new cells, including new sperm cells. CoQ10 is found in seminal fluid where it supports sperm motility and prevents sperm from free radical damage
- Oral health – due to its antioxidant effects, CoQ10 can help with healing and tissue repair within the oral mucosa
Who should take CoQ10?
CoQ10 is found in every single body cell. It is of great importance for the vitality of tissues and organs. CoQ10 supplementation can benefit a wide variety of people looking to improve their health, and particularly beneficial for:
Older adults
Although the body makes CoQ10, its rate of production significantly declines with age. CoQ10 supplementation is recommended in older adults to maintain adequate levels in the body and support general health and wellbeing. Interestingly, older adults with higher blood levels of CoQ10 tend to be more physically active and have lower levels of oxidative stress, which can help prevent disease.
Athletes
CoQ10 supplementation can help to improve physical performance during and post-exercise, particularly due to its benefits on energy production. It is a popular supplement amongst athletes and those looking to support physical performance.
A study on six healthy sedentary men (mean age 21.5 years) was performed to assess the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation versus placebo. 60 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 was prescribed daily for four to eight weeks in the treatment group. Work capacity at submaximal heart rate, maximal work load, maximal oxygen consumption and oxygen transport were measured, and significantly improved in the CoQ10 treatment group. These improvements ranged from 3 to 12 per cent and were evident after approximately 4 weeks of therapy.
CoQ10 supplementation also supports the body during exercise recovery, specifically with the removal of lactic acid and the reduction of free radical damage that occur during and after physical activity.
People with heart disease
The heart pumps up to 100,000 times a day to ensure a steady stream of blood reaches every artery, vein and capillary. CoQ10 supplementation can be beneficial for supporting the heart, the busiest and most hard working organ of the body. A deficiency of CoQ10 is commonly found in the blood of heart tissue of most patients with some type of heart disease. Supplementing with CoQ10 can support heart muscle function, ensuring the steady stream of blood throughout the body.
Those wanting to support energy levels
As CoQ10 plays a fundamental role in the cellular production of energy, it makes a great supplement to consider to support energy levels. Interestingly, low blood levels of CoQ10 are typically found in those experiencing fatigue.
What are the symptoms of low CoQ10 levels?
As it is crucial in the production of cellular energy, one of the most common symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency is fatigue. Other symptoms of low CoQ10 levels include muscle aches and pains, hypertension, lowered immune system function and low moods.
Is CoQ10 a blood thinner?
CoQ10 is not regarded as a blood thinning nutrient, however it works on metabolic pathways that some pharmaceutical medications also involve. This means there is potential for interaction between a CoQ10 supplement and some pharmaceutical medications.
As with all supplements, consult your health professional before taking a CoQ10 supplement.
REFERENCES
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IM Gateway. (2018). Coenzyme Q10. UnityHealth VIC. Viewed 25/7/18
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