Coenzyme Q10 and its Benefits
CoQ10 or coenzyme Q10 is a coenzyme that is produced naturally in the body and is found in every cell and tissue. It is involved in a number of biological functions including the production of energy, and as an antioxidant neutralising free radicals that could otherwise cause damage to cells and tissue.
CoQ10 exists in two forms in the human body: Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Ubiquinol represents more than 90% of the total CoQ10 in the body and is more readily used than Ubiquinone.
Optimum levels of CoQ10 in the body has been linked to stronger hearts, healthy ageing, higher quality in sperm and sharper minds.
How does CoQ10 work in the body?
This coenzyme is found in every cell, but the highest concentrations are found in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas [1]. Tissue levels of CoQ10 decrease as people age, due to increased requirements, decreased production or insufficient intake of chemical raw materials needed for synthesis. It works in the body in more than one way:
- As a coenzyme supporting enzymes in the body in their various biochemical functions. [2]
- CoQ10 is a vital participant in the chain of chemical reactions taking place in the cell mitochondria that generate energy within cells from fat and other nutrients. [3]
- Working as an antioxidant preventing cell damage from harmful free radicals by neutralising them. [4]
- Other antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin E, are recycled by CoQ10, maximising their protective potential within tissue. [5]
Are you deficient in coenzyme Q10?
One indication that CoQ10 levels are low is the energy levels drop, both physically and mentally. Common symptoms include being tired upon wakening, and exhausted after any type of exertion. People can have poor concentration, memory lapses and may suffer from mood changes, irritability and depression.
Experiencing pain and muscle aches or continually suffering from colds due to a weakened immune system are other symptoms associated with low levels of CoQ10.
The body produces less CoQ10 as we age, and there are common medications that interfere with the synthesis of CoQ10, especially statins [6]. This type of deficiency is described as secondary coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
A rare condition called primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency is a genetic disorder affecting the synthesis of ubiquinone in the body. The condition is usually diagnosed early in life, and presenting symptoms can include renal failure, intellectual disability and delayed physical development [7].
Both primary and secondary coenzyme Q10 deficiency can be improved by supplementing Co Q10 [8].
Benefits of CoQ10
Heart health
Supplementation with CoQ10 is beneficial for people using cholesterol lowering statin medication [9]. Side effects associated with the decrease in the body’s own production of coQ10 when using statins include muscle weakness and pain (myopathy), fatigue and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease [10].
Coenzyme Q10 is essential for the production of energy and is required in abundance in cells with high energy requirements such as the heart. Cardiac cells are extremely sensitive to a deficiency in CoQ10 [11].
The antioxidant properties of coQ10 and the way that it relaxes blood vessels has been shown to help prevent and treat heart conditions. It reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and the build-up of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis [12].
Besides general improvements in the types of fats circulating in the blood, CoQ10 helps makes the blood less ‘sticky’ [13], and improves exercise tolerance in patients suffering from heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiac illnesses [14].
Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a state of profound fatigue lasting six months or longer that is not improved by bed rest and that may get worse with physical or mental activity. The fatigue significantly interferes with daily activities and work.
Besides fatigue it is characterised by persistent pain, and it is thought that free radicals inhibit the functioning of mitochondria in the cell causing sensitivity and inflammation [15]. Supplementing with CoQ10 can decrease symptoms of pain, relieve mental fatigue and increase the quality of life among sufferers of this condition [16].
Fertility
Female fertility can decline dramatically with age. Cells in the ovaries that go on to form eggs can suffer damage to their mitochondria caused by a deficiency in CoQ10. Supplementing with CoQ10 has been found to not only preserve the number of eggs available for fertilisation, but also facilitate ovulation and support the development of the egg [17].
Low sperm count, decreased mobility of the sperm and quality of the sperm cell can affect male fertility. A positive correlation was found with CoQ10 supplementation and sperm count, motility and sperm quality [18]. CoQ10 helps to support energy production in the mitochondria of the sperm cell, powering the cell to reach the female egg.
Cognitive health
With today’s ageing population, more and more individuals are experiencing cognitive decline, suffering memory loss and reduced mental performance. CoQ10 has shown neuroprotective qualities [19].
CoQ10 can help prevent oxidative damage to the brain and has been shown to help patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease [20]. Reductions in the deposition of amyloid plaque in the brain, associated with Alzheimer’s disease, have been recorded with CoQ10 supplementation [21].
Foods that are rich in Coenzyme Q10
Although CoQ10 is made in the body, we can obtain it from foods. There are no dietary recommendations for CoQ10, but the best way to get enough is to eat a varied nutrient-dense diet.
Because the highest concentrations of CoQ10 in are body are found in brain, heart, kidney, liver and lungs, it follows that organ meats from animals are the best source of dietary CoQ10.
The best food sources of CoQ10:
Organ meats - The highest concentration is found in heart meats where CoQ10 levels are roughly three times that found in liver, and four times that found in muscle meats.
Oily fish - Sardines and mackerel contain around 50 mcg/g of CoQ10. They have the added benefit of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids which facilitate the absorption of CqQ10.
Nuts and seeds - adding nuts and seeds to your diet by sprinkling them on salads or eating them as snacks will increase dietary intake of CoQ10. Sesame seeds contain around 22 mcg/g and pistachio nuts contain 17 mcg/g, whereas a typical supplement would contain around 100mg.
Vegetables - Although not as high as concentrations found in meats and fish, vegetables are still a source of CoQ10. Parsley is the best source of CoQ10, but it’s also found in broccoli, kale and cauliflower.
Supplementing with CoQ10
How much to take?
There is no official daily value recommendation for CoQ10, but adults taking statin medication or who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease should take around 100 to 200 mg CoQ10 per day. It was found that a dose of 150mg per day in patients with coronary artery disease improved risk markers [22].
Taking 100mg per day is also appropriate for otherwise healthy men and women as a preventive measure and to help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
As CoQ10 is fat soluble, it is best to supplement with a meal containing fat.
Are there any side effects?
CoQ10 is generally well tolerated with no acute side effects aside from gastrointestinal distress with doses up to 3000mg daily [23].
A person should talk to their doctor before supplementing CoQ10 if they are taking anti-coagulant medication such as warfarin, as supplementing alongside warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding [24].
CoQ10 benefits statin users
Both cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 are synthesised in the body from Acetyl-coA, which is a molecule involved in many biochemical reactions involving protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
In this pathway, the use of statin medication blocks a stage of the conversion of Acetyl-coA into cholesterol. Because of this, statins have been found to reduce the amount of naturally occurring CoQ10 in the body.
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