By: Brittney Ginsburg
Contributing Writer
The substance Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is becoming more prominent in both health and clinical settings. After five years of combined exercise physiology and nutrition education, I became very aware of CoQ10 and its importance. However, I could not succinctly explain what the substance was and why it is essential. While there is an enormous amount of literature on CoQ10, the goal of this brief article is discuss the essentials of “what you need to know” about the substance.
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that is essential for the functioning of cells within our body. It is required for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which our body uses for energy. CoQ10 also has antioxidant properties that protect cells. CoQ10 comes in two forms, the reduced form called ubiquinol and the oxidized form called ubiquinone. Its antioxidant properties are reported to come from ubiquinol. Sources of CoQ10 include fish, meat, poultry, canola oil, eggs, nuts and dairy products. However, if a person is deficient in CoQ10 for some reason, consuming more food sources may not be adequate. In this case, supplementation might be considered as an option. People who are afflicted with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and those on statin medications, are among the few populations that may benefit from supplementation.
An article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition pooled data from randomized control trials, and concluded that CoQ10 supplementation may be beneficial to those with congestive heart failure. The CoQ10 supplementation ideally helps improve mitochondrial function in myocardial, or heart, tissue. Mitochondria are where large portions of the cell’s energy are produced so its function is imperative.
For those with diabetes CoQ10 can have a number of positive effects. One pilot study showed that supplementation with the reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, improved glycemic control by improving insulin secretion without reported side effects. Peripheral neuropathy in those with diabetes is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy and is the most common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 may have the ability to reduce peripheral neuropathy.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to reduce symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been established in PD as well as decreased levels of CoQ10. Supplementation has been positive in slowing progression of early, untreated PD. CoQ10 may be promising for people with Alzheimer’s disease as it is well tolerated and has shown to be effective in preclinical trials. CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties, decreases amyloid plaque, and increases cognitive performance in animal models. Mice given CoQ10 had better special learning and memory assessed using a water maze test.
Both Coenzyme Q10 and cholesterol require the same enzyme for formation. Cholesterol lowering medications that inhibit the action of this enzyme, HMG CoA reductase, also lower CoQ10 levels. The decreased levels may account for myopathies experienced by those on statin medications. For this reason, supplementation is often recommended.
In conclusion, coenzyme Q10 is a complex substance that interacts with many other chemicals within the body. As a result, as with any other supplement, any questions should be discussed with a physician. In summary, here are the core “what you need to know” facts:
- There are two forms of Coenzyme Q10 that possess different properties and supplements can come in both forms.
- CoQ10 is essential for energy production within the mitochondria. Thus, diseases associated with mitochondrial function are areas of interest for CoQ10 supplementation.
- It is naturally found in foods and within the body and with few side effects noted for supplementation it has been said to be relatively safe
- As always, consultation with a physician is always required before consumption.
*All appropriate scientific citations have been hyperlinked within the article.
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