Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone-10), also referred to as CoQ10, is a benzoquinone with six to ten isoprenyl chemical subunits attached (see Figure 1) and found naturally throughout most animal tissues as well as produced synthetically in laboratories.

Many randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that coenzyme Q10 supplements significantly alleviate symptoms of fatigue in cancer and heart failure patients.

How Does It Work?

Coenzyme Q10, more commonly referred to as Ubiquinone-Q10 and ubiquinol, is a naturally occurring quinone found in aerobic organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. As it’s lipid soluble with an unique benzoquinone head group which accepts or donates electrons, Coenzyme Q10 plays a key role in cell energy production by acting as both electron transporter and antioxidant in mitochondrial membranes.

Like its vitamin counterparts, CoQ10 plays an integral part in sparking reactions within cells that provide energy needed for all bodily processes to take place. A key component of the ATP synthase complex, it plays an essential role in degradation of triglycerides and fats as well as transport of oxygen within the cell.

Coenzyme Q10’s ability to both accept and donate electrons makes it an ideal lipid-soluble antioxidant in mitochondrial membranes and lipoproteins, where it prevents oxidation of proteins, lipids and DNA by taking in free radicals or their hydroxyl radical equivalents. Together with another fat-soluble antioxidant such as a-tocopherol it works together to prevent atherosclerotic lesion formation within blood vessel walls by blocking cholesterol oxidation and other forms of lipid oxidation.

Coenzyme Q10 can be found throughout the body and produced in organs like liver, kidneys, pancreas and heart. In particular, high concentrations can be found in areas related to movement and cognition such as the striatum, substantia nigra and cerebellum. Multiple studies indicate that low levels of Coenzyme Q10 in circulation could be linked to symptoms of Huntington’s disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by selective degeneration of striatal spiny neurons. Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 for patients suffering from this disease has been proven to improve motor performance, increase overall survival rates and slow the progression of various hallmarks associated with it, such as ventricular enlargement and striatum atrophy.

One of the hallmarks of aging is a decline in energy production due to an accumulation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), or reactive molecules which cause mitochondria and other cell structures to damage. Over time this leads to further reduction of function which becomes self-perpetuating. Coenzyme Q10 can neutralize ROS while simultaneously replenishing other antioxidants like a-tocopherol for healthy balance between free radicals and antioxidants.

What Is It Used For?

Coenzyme Q10, commonly referred to as coQ10, is an essential vitamin-like compound necessary for normal organ and chemical function in the body. It helps provide energy to cells while acting as an antioxidant; in people suffering from certain conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure, gum disease, HIV infection or Parkinson’s disease there may be lower levels of coenzyme Q10.

CoQ10 can be found in every cell in the body and plays a critical role in converting carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. Furthermore, CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant by fighting free radicals which damage cell membranes and DNA; free radicals contribute to premature aging as well as numerous health conditions like heart disease and cancer.

CoQ10 is produced naturally by your body, as well as being found in food sources such as meats, fish, nuts, and vegetable oils; however, the amounts provided by these sources alone often aren’t enough to increase your blood levels significantly. Supplements – capsules, tablets, liquid syrups or wafers can provide more CoQ10. Research suggests CoQ10 could possibly help prevent or treat some heart conditions as well as migraine headaches.

CoQ10 supplementation has been shown in multiple randomized controlled trials conducted on people living with heart failure to significantly decrease death and improve exercise capacity, according to research studies. Furthermore, other evidence suggests it might also prevent or reduce plaque deposits in arteries as well as lower cholesterol levels in blood.

Other studies suggest that CoQ10 could aid in treating infertility by increasing sperm production and motility, and could possibly stop or slow atherosclerosis by decreasing production of free radicals in bloodstream and vascular tissues.

Coenzyme Q10 has been used by those with cancer to reduce chemotherapy side effects and medication-induced numbness and tingling, and reduce any related side effects such as numbness and tingling. More research must be conducted in order to ascertain if CoQ10 can prevent or treat other forms of cancer or diseases; additional evidence has suggested it might even lower dementia risks while improving quality-of-life in those living with Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, CoQ10 could help mitigate some side effects from medication such as statins; more research must also be conducted regarding preventative and treating them both.

What Is It Good For?

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that plays an integral part in cell energy generation. Your body produces it naturally and consumes it through meat, fish, nuts and vegetables; however, levels tend to decline with age and lower among those suffering from diseases and conditions like heart disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Dietary supplements containing either the oxidized (ubiquinone) or reduced (ubiquinol) form of CoQ10 have proven equally successful at raising total CoQ10 levels in your bloodstream.

Studies suggest that CoQ10 could help your heart and reduce fluid buildup in the body, or congestive heart failure. CoQ10 reduces reactive oxygen species – unstable molecules which damage cells – as outlined by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as well as improving heart functioning and decreasing symptoms associated with diabetes such as high blood pressure in some studies.

CoQ10 may help treat cancer and inflammatory diseases as well. Test-tube experiments have demonstrated its anticancer potential by blocking cancer cell growth and slowing neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s in some animal models; moreover, several randomized controlled trials involving people living with diabetes showed supplementing with CoQ10 led to better blood sugar control, reduced advanced glycation end products production and oxidative stress markers, as well as decreased markers of oxidative stress markers.

Studies indicate that exercise may help alleviate migraine headaches; however, more research needs to be conducted. Furthermore, exercise might also be effective at preventing muscle loss and increasing exercise performance in people living with muscular dystrophy; however more study needs to be completed in this area as well.

The FDA doesn’t strictly regulate dietary supplements like CoQ10, so manufacturers don’t need to prove their products are pure and safe before placing them on the market. However, independent agencies often test and certify supplements for purity, composition and strength before being released onto the market – these agency-certified supplements may be more trustworthy than uncertified ones, though still no replacement should be sought from your physician for care.

What Is It Bad For?

CoQ10 is an antioxidant coenzyme found primarily in our hearts, livers, kidneys, pancreases and pancreas; small amounts are also present in meat, fish, nuts seeds and vegetables. With age comes diminished production and utilization of CoQ10; taking it as a dietary supplement may help prevent or treat conditions associated with low levels of this compound.

Coenzyme Q10 helps mitochondria produce ATP for our cell functions and allows messages between cells. Without CoQ10’s assistance, this process would be much harder; indeed, its loss through ageing or diseases such as cancer and diabetes has been linked with symptoms associated with those diseases.

CoQ10 can protect mitochondria from the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) released into their environments, leading to damage and further production of more destructive ROS that create an endless cycle. Studies show that CoQ10’s antioxidant properties help neutralize their harmful effects while improving mitochondrial function in both heart and brain mitochondria.

Mitochondria are crucial organelles that power every cell in your body, but are particularly vital when it comes to energy production. As we age, our bodies become less capable of producing CoQ10 which may result in fatigue and memory loss symptoms. Studies suggest taking coQ10 supplements may increase energy levels as well as help prevent or treat heart failure.

CoQ10 supplements may help alleviate exercise-related fatigue by supplementing with 100-200 milligrams daily of CoQ10. Multiple double-blind trials have demonstrated this benefit and found those taking CoQ10 were less fatigued compared to those not taking CoQ10 supplements.

CoQ10 has also been demonstrated to enhance the efficacy of cancer medications, particularly chemotherapy agents known to decrease cell ATP production. Furthermore, CoQ10 may help stabilize lipid levels in blood and protect against the DNA-damaging effects of certain chemotherapy agents such as doxorubicin and daunorubicin chemotherapy agents.