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Information, effects, deficiency, dosage, side effects
Coenzyme Q10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a compound that supports the energy supply to your cells.
The body produces coenzyme Q10, but its production decreases with age. Fortunately, you can also get coenzyme Q10 through supplements or food.
Diseases such as heart disease, brain disease, diabetes and cancer have been associated with low coenzyme Q10 values. It is not clear whether these disorders are caused by, or are a result of, low levels of coenzyme Q10.
However, one thing is certain: numerous studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 offers a lot of health benefits. Here you will find everything you need to know about Coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that is produced by your body and stored in the mitochondria of your cells. The mitochondria is responsible for energy production. They also protect cells from oxidative damage and pathogenic bacteria or viruses.
The name may not sound very natural, but Coenzyme Q10 is indeed an essential nutrient that works like an antioxidant in the body. In its active form it is called ubiquinone or ubiquinol.
It is naturally synthesized in the body and used for important functions such as supplying cells with energy, transporting electrons and regulating blood pressure. The reason why it is not considered a 'vitamin' is that all animals, including humans, can produce small amounts of coenzymes themselves without the help of food.
Coenzyme Q10 production decreases with age. As a result, older people seem to suffer from a deficiency.
Other causes of coenzyme Q10 deficiency include:
Research has shown that coenzyme Q10 plays several key roles in your body. One of its main functions is to support the energy supply to your cells. It is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which in turn is involved in the energy transfer between the cells.
It also plays an important role as an antioxidant and protects the cells from oxidative damage. Excessive amounts of free radicals lead to oxidative damage that can impair normal cell function. This is known to cause many health problems.
It also plays an important role as an antioxidant and protects the cells from oxidative damage. Excessive amounts of free radicals lead to oxidative damage that can impair normal cell function. This is known to cause many health problems.
Coenzyme Q10 is present in every cell in your body. However, the highest concentrations occur in organs with the highest energy requirements such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver.
Heart failure is often a result of other heart conditions such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure.These diseases can lead to increased oxidative damage and inflammation of the veins and arteries.
Heart failure occurs when these problems affect the heart so severely that it can't contract, relax or pump blood through the body on a regular basis.To make matters worse, some treatments for heart failure have undesirable side effects, such as low blood pressure, while others can further reduce coenzyme Q10 levels.
In a study with 420 patients with heart failure, a two year treatment with coenzyme Q10 improved their symptoms and reduced the risk of dying from heart problems.
In another study, 641 people were treated with coenzyme Q10 or a placebo for one year. At the end of the study, patients in the coenzyme Q10 group were less likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and less likely to have serious complications. It appears that treatment with coenzyme Q10 could help restore optimal energy production, reduce oxidative damage and improve heart function, all of which can help treat heart failure.
In summary: Coenzyme Q10 appears to help treat heart failure by improving heart function, increasing ATP production and limiting oxidative damage.
Female fertility decreases with age as the number and quality of the available egg cells decreases. Coenzyme Q10 is directly involved in this process.
As you get older, the coenzyme Q10 production slows down, making the body less able to protect the egg cells from oxidative damage. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 seems to help and could even reverse this age-related decline in egg quality and quantity.
Similarly, male sperm is susceptible to oxidative damage, which can lead to a reduced sperm count, poor sperm quality and even infertility.
Multiple studies have concluded that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can improve sperm quality, activity and concentration by increasing antioxidant protection.
In summary: The antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q10 could help improve sperm quality and reduce the decline in the number and quality of egg cells in women.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is widely exposed to harmful factors that contribute to skin aging. It can be internal or external factors. Some internal damaging factors are cell damage and hormonal imbalances. External factors include environmental factors such as UV rays.
Harmful elements can lead to reduced skin moisture and protection against environmental aggressors, as well as thinning of the skin layers. Direct application of coenzyme Q10 to the skin can reduce the damage caused by internal and external factors by increasing the energy production in the skin cells and promoting the antioxidative protection.
In fact, coenzyme Q10 applied directly to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even reduce the depth of wrinkles. Finally, people with low coenzyme Q10 levels appear to develop skin cancer more often.
In summary: Coenzyme Q10, when applied directly to the skin, can reduce sun damage and increase antioxidant protection. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 could also help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
An abnormal mitochondrial function can lead to increased calcium uptake by the cells, excessive production of free radicals and reduced antioxidant protection. This can lead to low energy in the brain cells and even to migraines.
Because coenzyme Q10 is primarily found in the mitochondria of cells, it has been shown to improve the mitochondrial function and help reduce the inflammation that can occur during migraines.
In fact, one study showed that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduced migraines three times more often in 42 people than with a placebo. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency has also been identified in people with migraines.
A larger study found that 1,550 people with low coenzyme Q10 levels had fewer and less severe headaches after being treated with coenzyme Q10. In addition, coenzyme Q10 not only appears to help treat migraines, it also helps prevent them.
In summary: Coenzyme Q10 supplementation appears to help prevent and treat migraines by increasing mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation.
Oxidative stress can affect muscle function and thus exercise performance. Similarly, abnormal mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, making it difficult for muscles to contract and maintain exercise efficiently.
Coenzyme Q10 can help improve performance by reducing oxidative stress in cells and improving mitochondrial functions.
The effect of coenzyme Q10 on physical activities was examined in a study. People who consumed 1,200 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day for 60 days showed reduced oxidative stress levels (31). In addition to this, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help increase strength during exercise and reduce fatigue. Both can improve the training performance.
In summary: Training performance can be affected by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 can help reduce oxidative damage, promote physical performance and reduce fatigue.
Oxidative stress can cause cell damage. This can lead to metabolic diseases like diabetes. Abnormal mitochondrial function has also been linked to insulin resistance. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
The supplementation with coenzyme Q10 could also help increase the coenzyme Q10 concentrations in the blood of diabetics, who usually have low concentrations of this compound, by up to three times.
In one study, people with type 2 diabetes took coenzyme Q10 for 12 weeks. This significantly reduced blood sugar and hemoglobin HbA1, which is the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
Finally, coenzyme Q10 could help prevent diabetes by stimulating fat breakdown and reducing the accumulation of fat cells that could lead to obesity or type 2 diabetes.
In summary, it can be said that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar levels.
Oxidative stress is known to cause cell damage and impair its function (41). If your body is unable to effectively fight oxidative damage, the structure of your cells can be damaged, possibly increasing the risk of cancer (41, 42).
Coenzyme Q10 can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote cellular energy production, which promotes their health and survival (42, 43). Interestingly enough, it has been shown that cancer patients have lower coenzyme Q10 levels.
Low coenzyme Q10 values are associated with an up to 53.3% higher risk of cancer and indicate a poor prognosis for various types of cancers (43, 44, 45). In addition to this, a study suggested that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 could reduce the likelihood of cancer coming back (46).
In summary: Coenzyme Q10 plays a crucial role in protecting cell DNA and its survival, both of which are closely related to cancer prevention and relapse.
Mitochondria is the main energy generator of brain cells. Mitochondrial function decreases with age. The total mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the death of brain cells and diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (47).
Unfortunately, due to its high fatty acid content and high oxygen requirement, the brain is extremely susceptible to oxidative damage. This oxidative damage increases the production of harmful compounds that can affect memory, perception and physical functions (48, 49).
Coenzyme Q10 can reduce these harmful compounds and possibly slow the course of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (50, 51).
In summary: Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative damage and to reduce the effects of harmful compounds that can lead to brain disease.
Of all the organs, the lungs have the most contact with oxygen. This makes them very susceptible to oxidative damage. Increased oxidative damage in the lungs and poor protection against antioxidants, including low coenzyme Q10 levels, can lead to lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) (52).
In addition to this, it has been shown that people who suffer from these diseases have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 (53, 54). A study showed that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 reduced inflammation in asthmatics and the need for steroid medication to treat asthma (55).
Another study showed improvements in exercise performance in COPD patients. This was observed through better tissue oxygenation and heart rate after coenzyme Q10 supplementation (56).
In summary: Coenzyme Q10 can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation that lead to lung diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 exists in two different forms - ubiquinol and ubiquinone.
Ubiquinol makes up 90% of coenzyme Q10 in the blood and is the most absorbable form. Therefore, it is recommended to choose supplements that contain ubiquinol (57, 58).
The standard dose of Coenzyme Q10 ranges from 90 mg to 200 mg per day. Doses up to 500 mg seem to be well tolerated: in several studies, even higher doses were used without serious side effects (59), (60), (61).
Because coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble compound, its absorption is slow and limited. However, taking coenzyme Q10 supplements with food can help your body absorb it up to three times faster than without food (2, 62).
In addition, some products offer a soluble form of coenzyme Q10 or a combination of coenzyme Q10 and oils to improve absorption (63, 64, 65). Your body does not store coenzyme Q10. Therefore, continued use is recommended to recognize its benefits (58, 66).
Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 appears to be well tolerated by humans and has low toxicity (58). In fact, in some studies, participants did not show any serious side effects when taking 1200 mg daily for 16 months (51).
However, if side effects occur, it is recommended to divide the daily dose into two to three smaller doses.
In summary: Since Coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble, it is recommended to take it with food or use products that combine it with oils to improve its absorption. Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 appears to be well tolerated by individuals and has low toxicity.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential element for many daily functions and is needed by every single cell in the body. As an antioxidant that protects cells from the effects of aging, coenzyme Q10 has been used in medicine for decades, especially in the treatment of heart problems.
One of the most common and well-researched uses of coenzyme Q10 today is to protect the heart and blood vessels from the harmful effects of oxidative stress (also known as free radical damage).
Many people take coenzyme Q10 supplements to treat health problems, including irregular heartbeat, hypertension, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis and heart failures.
Research has shown that these supplements may help prevent complications and treat symptoms in patients with other inflammatory diseases such as breast cancer, diabetes, viruses and infertility.
According to research by Oregon State University, the natural synthesis of coenzyme Q10 and food intake seem to be sufficient to prevent coenzyme Q10 deficiency in healthy people. However, as explained above, the body produces less coenzyme Q10 with age.
The natural ability to convert coenzyme Q10 into its active form of ubiquinol decreases with aging. This decrease is most evident in people over 40 years of age, especially in patients taking statins. It has also been found that people with diabetes, cancer and heart failure usually have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 in plasma.
For these reasons, coenzyme Q10 is mostly recommended for people with heart problems.
This can include people suffering from the following diseases:
In addition to supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, Coenzyme Q10 also has the following advantages:
Coenzyme Q10 plays a role in 'mitochondrial ATP synthesis', which is the conversion of raw energy from foods (carbohydrates and fats) into the energy used by our cells called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
This conversion process requires the coenzyme Q in the inner mitochondrial membrane. One of his tasks is to pick up electrons during fatty acid and glucose metabolism and then transfer them to electron acceptors.
The ATP production process has many advantages, from maintaining muscle mass to regulating appetite and body weight.
Oxidative damage (or free radical damage) to cell structures play an important role in functional declines associated with aging and disease.
As a fat-soluble antioxidant, Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation that occurs when cell membranes and low-density lipoproteins are exposed to oxidizing conditions that penetrate the body from the outside.
When LDL is oxidized, Coenzyme Q10 is one of the first antioxidants to be used to offset the effects. Within mitochondria, coenzyme Q10 protects the membrane proteins and DNA from the oxidative damage associated with lipid peroxidation and directly neutralizes free radicals that contribute to almost all age-related diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.).
Although experts believe that further controlled clinical studies are needed to prove its effectiveness, Coenzyme Q10 has great potential for the prevention and treatment of heart diseases, as it improves cellular bioenergetics, acts as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals.
A 2015 report published in Frontiers in Bioscience states that 'a coenzyme Q10 deficiency is due to autosomal recessive mutations, mitochondrial diseases, age-related oxidative stress and carcinogenesis and is a side effect of statin treatments'.
We know that coenzyme Q10 supplements appear to be useful for people taking statins because it reduces their side effects. Statins are used to reduce an enzyme in the liver that not only reduces cholesterol production but also further lowers the natural production of coenzyme Q10.
It is now widely recognized that there can be an interaction between coenzyme Q10 and lipid-lowering drugs that inhibit the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme important in both cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis.
Supplementation with coenzyme Q10 therefore serves to optimally restore the natural level and counteract the effects of statins.
Mitochondrial ATP synthesis is an important function for maintaining rapid metabolism, muscle strength, strong bones, youthful skin and healthy tissue.
Coenzyme Q10 tissue levels have been reported to decrease with age, which is believed to contribute to a decrease in energy metabolism and degeneration of organs such as the liver and heart and skeletal muscles.
Although coenzyme Q10 supplementation has not been shown to extend the lifespan of animals tested with it, researchers believe it can slow down the age-related increase in DNA damage that affects all of us.
More research is needed to draw conclusions, but potential anti-aging benefits from consuming more coenzyme Q10 include reduced muscle loss, fewer signs of skin damage, and protection against bone or joint injuries.
Inside of the cells, coenzyme Q10 helps transport proteins across the membranes and separate certain digestive enzymes from the rest of the cell, which helps maintain an optimal pH level.
Diseases are believed to develop more easily in environments with improper pH, especially in those that are not overly acidic.
Various studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 can help improve overall immune function and even lower your risk of cancer for a number of reasons, including presumably its ability to maintain proper pH.
Around the 1960s, researchers began testing the effects of coenzyme Q10 on immune function and found that people with certain types of cancer (myeloma, lymphoma, breast, lungs, prostate, pancreas, and colon) had lower levels in the blood.
Recently, studies in adult women with breast cancer have shown that the condition of women improved when supplemented with coenzyme Q10.
In people with cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson's, it is believed that increased oxidative stress in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra contributes to the symptoms.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to compensate for the decrease in mitochondrial electron transport chain activity that affects nerve channels and brain function, and studies have shown that people with cognitive disorders tend to have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 in their blood.
Several studies have looked at the effects of coenzyme Q10 in people with Parkinson's. A randomized, placebo-controlled study examining the effectiveness of 300, 600 or 1,200 milligrams per day in 80 people with early Parkinson's disease showed that the supplementation was well tolerated and that the cognitive function deteriorated more slowly compared to the placebo went along.
Other studies have shown that around 360 milligrams a day, taken for four weeks, benefited Parkinson's patients.
Coenzyme Q10-rich foods: Coenzyme Q10 is found in our food, including fish, liver, kidneys and sprouts from whole grains.
Coenzyme Q10 in capsules or in food is equally well absorbed by the body (67).
The richest natural sources of coenzyme Q10 in foods are meat, poultry, and fish, but vegetarian alternatives like beans, nuts, some vegetables, eggs and dairy products are also helpful to increase your intake.
The following foods contain coenzyme Q10:
There are currently no specific dietary recommendations for coenzyme Q10 that have been established by the Institute of Medicine or other agencies. Since it is a fat-soluble antioxidant, it is most easily absorbed when consumed with a small amount of healthy fats (just like vitamins E and A).
Although it can be obtained from certain foods, foods usually only deliver low doses, which is why many experts recommend a supplement for older or heart-sick people.
Deficiency symptoms have not been described in detail or examined in detail in the general population. It is estimated that a person's average diet contributes around 25 percent to total Q10 coenzyme.
The best way for an adequate dose is a varied, nutritious diet PLUS considering nutritional supplements if there is a risk of a heart or inflammatory disease.
Coenzyme Q10 is found in such small amounts in most foods that even a healthy diet is an impractical method of adhering to the recommended daily doses.
Taking a daily, high-quality capsule-shaped coenzyme Q10 supplement (which facilitates absorption into the bloodstream) can close the gap.
Although it is considered very safe overall and has been used in the medical field for many years, coenzyme Q10 can sometimes have the following side effects:
Children with the autism spectrum disorder showed improvement in central symptoms (R) when taking coenzyme Q10.
Children aged 3 - 6 diagnosed with autism and treated with ubiquinol show improved communication with their parents, verbal communication, playing, sleeping and eating (R).
Adolescents who had fibromyalgia had below-average coenzyme Q10 values. Supplementation with ubiquinol relieved pain and sore muscles, increased cholesterol metabolism and improved general symptoms of fatigue (R).
Statins are medications that help lower cholesterol. Patients suffering from statin-related muscle pain, muscle loss and reduced aerobic activity can increase their performance by taking coenzyme Q10 daily without other symptoms (R).
Statins can induce rhabdomyolysis (muscle death), which releases rhabdomyosarcoma cells into the bloodstream and breaks down other tissues. Human rhabdomyosarcoma cells treated with simvastatin and coenzyme Q10 supplements reversed muscle death and killed the remaining sarcoma cells (R).
Mice given simvastatin had lower coenzyme Q10 levels. This resulted in a reduced termination of spontaneous heartbeats and a reduced sensitivity to electrical stimulation.
Simvastatin and coenzyme Q10 could be taken at the same time to make it work properly. It also fights negative side effects in the mouse heart (R). In addition to daily exercise and supplementation with Ubiquino, patients observed an even greater increase in high-density lipoprotein, which reduced problems associated with coronary artery disease (R).
Coenzyme Q10, which was taken in high doses before and after cardiac surgery, helped avoid complications during surgery (R).
Human patients who recovered post-operatively after arterial heart surgery and were on high doses of coenzyme Q10 were 95% less likely to develop heart complications (R).
After bypass surgery, patients taking high levels of coenzyme Q10 had lower levels of inflammation. This reduced ICU time and reduced the likelihood of a future infection (R).
When applied topically, Ubiquinol restores the coenzyme Q10 level of the skin not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the deeper layers of the epidermis. Topical ubiquinol increases cell metabolism and healing in damaged human keratinocytes (R).
Coenzyme Q10 reduces the amount of free radicals in the skin and increases the amount of antioxidants in human patients (R).
Both male and female smokers have a reduced ability to produce coenzyme Q10, which leads to an increase in free radicals and damaged tissue in the lungs. Supplementing ubiquinol counteracts the breakdown of coenzyme Q10 and reduces the risk of lung damage due to a reduced coenzyme (R).
In rats, coenzyme Q10 treatment reduced hepatocyte death and increased total levels of albumin, protein and lipids in the liver. Coenzyme Q10 restored antioxidant levels in the liver while reducing oxidative damage (R).
Ubiquinol taken by healthy human patients increased heart antioxidant capacity (R).
In elderly human heart failure patients, NT-proBNP levels are indicators of the severity of the disease. Taking ubiquinol daily completely lowered the NT-proBNP level and reduced the effects of heart disease and the possibility of heart failure (R).
Taking ubiquinol in children who had both H1N1 and seasonal influenza increased antioxidant capacity to normal levels. Ubiquinol reduced oxidative stress due to infection in children, while other anti-infection drugs were not affected (R).
Cholesterol is a substance that our bodies produce and use to perform various essential functions such as the production of cell membranes and the formation of hormones.
Most of the cholesterol needed for good health is produced by the liver. The rest is taken in through the diet. It is essential for human life.
But too much cholesterol in our blood can increase the risk of a heart disease and stroke. Many people have this problem.
Some people can lower their high cholesterol by changing their diet and exercise, but millions need prescription medication.
Several prescription drugs are approved for the treatment of high LDL cholesterol, including bile acid binders, niacin, and most recently a class of injectable drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors.
The vast majority of people who treat high cholesterol - millions of people - take cholesterol-lowering drugs commonly known as statins. You may know them under the brand names Lipitor, Crestor or Zocor.
Statins are popular in part because they are relatively inexpensive and have been shown to be effective in lowering the type of cholesterol that heart health doctors don't think are good.
Cholesterol-lowering statins inhibit the production of coenzyme Q10 in the body. This leads to a lower level of ubiquinol in the blood.
What many people don't know is that cholesterol-lowering statins also inhibit the body's production of coenzyme Q101-4, especially if they take a high dose or the drug for a long time. This leads to less ubiquinol coenzyme Q10 in the blood.
Even small decreases in coenzyme Q10 can interfere with the body's ability to generate energy and cause other problems. In addition, long-term statin use and lower coenzyme Q10 levels may be associated with fatigue and muscle cramps in some patients.
Furthermore, the ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 can protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. But in people who have lower coenzyme Q10 levels due to statin intake, LDL cholesterol was more prone to oxidation and oxidized cholesterol is a known risk factor for certain vascular problems.
Statins are medications that effectively lower cholesterol. But why can you get a coenzyme Q10 deficiency from these cholesterol-lowering drugs?
The answer is that our body produces cholesterol the same way it produces coenzyme Q10. The coenzyme Q10, which is important for heart health, is actually transported through cholesterol in the blood.
In the body, acetoacetyl-CoA is converted into an organic compound called mevalonate with the help of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. Mevalonate can be used for either cholesterol or coenzyme Q10 production.
Statins inhibit the action of HMG-CoA reductase, which reduces the amount of mevalonate available to produce cholesterol - which is very important for the treatment of high cholesterol. Unfortunately, this also means that the body has less mevalonate available to produce coenzyme Q10.
Human studies have shown that statins can significantly reduce the amount of coenzyme Q10 in the blood, both conventional and ubiquinol, even if a person has taken a standard dose for only three months (1).
It is quite easy to solve the breakdown of coenzyme Q10 caused by cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Because coenzyme Q10 is difficult to ingest through the diet alone, you should consider a nutritional supplement. It is a good idea to consult your doctor before taking vitamins or supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 is the better choice for anyone over 30 and especially over 40.
Conventional coenzyme Q10 is a good option for most young people because their bodies can still efficiently convert it to ubiquinol. This transformation becomes more difficult and less efficient with increasing age, making Coenzyme Q10 a better choice for people over 30 and especially over 40.
Coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant that not only neutralizes harmful free radicals, but also has the rare ability to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Millions of people take coenzyme Q10 supplements to support their heart health. Many are surprised to learn that coenzyme Q10 actually exists in two main forms with important differences.
Conventional coenzyme Q10, technically known as ubiquinone, is the oxidized version of the nutrient. We get part of it from the food we eat, but most of our supply comes from our bodies.
Over 90% of the total coenzyme Q10 in the blood of a healthy young adult is in the ubiquinol form.
Before it can do many of the wonderful things that people associate with coenzyme Q10, our bodies need to convert the conventional form of coenzyme Q10 into a more advanced form called ubiquinol coenzyme Q10.
This conversion to ubiquinol becomes more difficult with age or when we suffer from certain diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 has two special features that its less advanced cousin lacks: hydrogen molecules and additional electrons. 5 They can make a big difference in the ability of the nutrient to move through the blood and be absorbed into cells.
The two properties also influence antioxidant activity and play a crucial role in the generation of cellular energy. 6 Our bodies must convert conventional coenzyme Q10 to ubiquinol before it can be used to generate cellular energy.
Unfortunately for many of us it is not easy to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 to ubiquinol as we get older.
Imagine that I am a healthy 18-year-old who has to push several heavy balls up a hill. The young and carefree Andy has little trouble getting every ball to the top and coming back for another ball. He hardly broke a sweat. Now imagine that I, at 65, try to do the same thing. Even though he is wiser and more mature, 65-year-old Andy has a difficult time with this repetitive activity. Each route is covered more slowly and requires a longer recovery time.
A similar process takes place in our body when we try to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 into ubiquinol.
Our most important organs and muscles - for example the brain and the heart - need large amounts of cellular energy to function optimally. To gain this energy, we need coenzyme Q10 in its ubiquinol form.
At around 30 years of age, our bodies find it more difficult to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 to the more advanced ubiquinol form, which affects our body's cellular energy.
At around 30 years of age, our bodies find it more difficult to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 to the more advanced ubiquinol form, which affects our body's cellular energy.
Young, healthy people, for example, people aged 18 easily convert ubiquinone into coenzyme Q10. But from the age of 30 and especially over 40, our ability to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 into desired ubiquinol becomes more difficult and less efficient. This affects the amount of cellular energy available to our organs.
So far, we have found that the ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the production of cellular energy, which is required by important organs such as the heart and brain.
We have also covered that from the age of 30, it is harder for our body to convert conventional coenzyme Q10 to the more advanced ubiquinol form, which affects our body's cellular energy.
But there is something else that makes Coenzyme Q10 special. Unlike conventional coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol is a very powerful antioxidant due to its two additional electrons. These electrons are important because they contain the key to neutralizing substances called free radicals.
Free radicals are harmful because they constantly strive to steal electrons wherever they occur, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. Removing an electron oxidizes the molecule (oxidative stress) and can cause damage that affects our health.
The ubiquinol form of coenzyme Q10 doesn't mind giving up an electron to neutralize a free radical that might otherwise have caused some metabolic problems. In addition, coenzyme Q10 is one of the few antioxidants that work not only in the fatty parts of our body (such as cell membranes and LDL cholesterol), but also in the mitochondria where energy is generated.
Just as car engines produce exhaust gases, mitochondria have their own form of exhaust gas that is filled with free radicals. Ubiquinol is the only form of coenzyme Q10 that is able to protect the mitochondria and their lipid membranes from free radical attacks.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that seems to have many health benefits. It is involved in the production of cell energy and serves as an antioxidant. These properties are helpful in maintaining cells and preventing and treating some chronic diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to improve heart health and blood sugar regulation, help prevent and treat cancer, and reduce the frequency of migraines. It could also reduce oxidative damage that leads to muscle fatigue, skin damage and brain and lung diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 is available as a dietary supplement that appears to be well tolerated. It is also found in some foods such as animal organs, vegetables and legumes.
As coenzyme Q10 production decreases with age, adults of all ages can benefit from higher amounts. Whether you consume more foods high in coenzyme Q10 or take supplements, coenzyme Q10 could benefit your health.
Coenzyme Q10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a coenzyme that is present in most animal cell bodies and is mainly found in the mitochondria. Ubiquinol is a derivative of coenzyme Q10 that is completely reduced and saturated with additional electrons to help the body absorb (R).
Both coenzyme Q10 and ubiquinol are key components in the electron transport chain and facilitate the production of ATP in redox reactions (R). Ubiquinol is completely reduced and resorbable by the body, so it can be sold as a dietary supplement for patients with coenzyme Q10 deficiency (R).
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