Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, vitamin Q)

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones. Ubiquinone is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in aerobic organisms. Ubiquinones are lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and energy production in mitochondria. Coenzymes are cofactors upon which the comparatively large and complex enzymes absolutely depend for their function. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) or ubiquinone is essentially a vitamin or vitamin-like substance.

Coenzyme Q10 has a number of important functions within the human body involving energy production and antioxidant activity. Coenzyme is used by the body to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs. CoQ10 is involved in the making of an important molecule known as ATP. ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes including muscle contraction and the production of protein. Coenzyme Q10 is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes (complexes I, II and III) as well as enzymes in other parts of the cell.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, vitamin Q) functions, uses, and health benefits

Coenzyme Q10 boosts energy, enhances the immune system, and acts as an antioxidant. It serves as a coenzyme for several of the key enzymatic steps in the production of energy within the cell. CoQ10 is used by the body to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs. CoQ10 may lower blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10 may help prevent cholesterol from becoming harmful (oxidising) in the body and forming plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Coenzyme Q10 and heart disease

Coenzyme Q10 may be used in cardiovascular disease, particularly in congestive heart failure. The heart muscle contains the greatest concentration of Coenzyme Q10 in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is thought to have a protective action on the cells of the heart. Heart disease sufferers tend to be relatively deficient in coenzyme Q10. Levels of CoQ10 are low in people with congestive heart failure, a debilitating disease that occurs when the heart is not able to pump blood effectively. This can cause blood to pool in parts of the body such as the lungs and legs. Coenzyme Q10 may be particularly useful for people who suffer from irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) following a heart attack.

Coenzyme Q10 and diabetes

Coenzyme Q10 supplements may improve heart health and blood sugar and help manage high cholesterol and high blood pressure in individuals with diabetes. Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cellular membranes, protecting against peroxidation of lipid membranes. Coenzyme Q10 inhibits the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol oxidation is believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. People with type 2 (adult onset) diabetes have been found to have significantly lower blood levels of coenzyme Q10 compared with healthy people. People with diabetes cannot adequately process carbohydrates. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is needed for normal carbohydrate metabolism. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that fights free-radical damage and is a blood oxygenator.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, vitamin Q) dosage, intake, recommended daily allowance (RDA)

Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30 - 90 mg per day. For congestive heart failure, angina, fibromyalgia, and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, take 100 mg twice a day. It is recommended that coenzyme Q10 be taken with a meal that contains oil to improve absorption. although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician).

Sources of coenzyme Q10

CoQ is found in the membranes of endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, lysosomes, vesicles and notably the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. Primary dietary sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains. Foods containing coenzyme Q10 include rice bran, soya beans, nuts (hazel, pistachio), fish (mackerel, sardines), sesame seeds, vegetables (cabbage, spinach, potato, onion, carrot).