What is Co-enzyme Q10?

Co-enzyme Q10, commonly referred to as CoQ10, is a vitamin-like substance that is naturally produced in the body and consumed in the diet. This co-enzyme is synthesised in many tissues of the body including the kidney, heart, liver and skeletal muscles. There are two forms of CoQ10 in the body- ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinone can be converted within the body to ubiquinol and vice versa. Only small amounts of CoQ10 are present in foods – it can be found in meat, organ meats, chicken, oily fish, nuts and soybeans as well as other foods to a lesser degree. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and best absorbed when consumed in a meal that contains dietary fats. 

What role does Co-enzyme Q10 play in the body?

Central to cellular energy production, CoQ10 plays a key role within the mitochondria as an electron carrier. It serves as an antioxidant protecting cells from free radical induced oxidative stress and helps regenerate vitamin C and vitamin E. It has been shown to exhibit immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Is there a relationship between CoQ10 and ageing?

The production of CoQ10 in the body decreases with age and therefore the elderly are at greater risk of deficiency - levels start to decrease around the age of 30. Co-enzyme Q10 has been associated with healthy ageing and a range of health conditions. Cells that have high-energy requirements such as those of the heart, brain and muscles are particularly sensitive to CoQ10 deficiency.

Research has investigated the neuroprotective effects of Co-enzyme Q10 and how it may support against mitochondria deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain.1 Co- Q10 has been contributed with supporting optimum functioning of the cardiac muscle and improved cardiovascular health. CoQ10 supplementation has also been associated with a reduction of fatigue.6   

Research on CoQ10 supplementation for specific conditions shows: 

  Heart Health:

In a clinical study on patients with heart failure, supplementation with CoQ10 (in addition to conventional medication) significantly reduced the relative risk of both cardiac related deaths (43%) and all-cause mortality (42%).2 Research has also found that CoQ10 can contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism.2 It has been suggested that those taking statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) may be at greater risk of CoQ10 deficiency.2

  Diabetes & Blood Sugar:

Studies have reported significantly reduced blood CoQ10 levels in those with type II diabetes with a meta-analysis confirming the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation on glycaemic control. One such clinical trial found that supplementing with CoQ10 for three months significantly improved fasting plasma glucose and HbA1C levels.2

  Migraine Headaches:

Clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of CoQ10 on migraine headaches have shown promising results with one such study observing that those participants supplementing with CoQ10 reduced the onset of migraine attack frequency by approximately 50%.3

  Fertility

It has been suggested that 30-80% of male infertility cases are caused by oxidative stress and decreased level of seminal total antioxidant capacity.4 A recent study with infertile men found that supplementing with CoQ10 for 3 months significantly improved sperm concentration and motility.5

Which quality supplements supply a Co-enzyme Q10 boost?

Nature’s Answer Liquid Co-Q 10 with Quik-Sorb® is the smart way to get your Co- enzyme Q10. That is simply because it contains a proprietary blend of herbs known to enhance the delivery of nutrients to the body. It is hence absorbed faster than tablets, capsules or soft-gels. This unique blend also provides vitamins C and E. It is ideal for those who have difficulty or prefer not to swallow capsules. Suitable for the elderly.

 

Viva Vitae® is an award-winning spray featuring Co-enzyme Q10, QPP, Resveratrol and Glutathione with other nutrients working synergistically together with the aim of supporting the body to stay healthy and vibrant. Scientifically developed to support cell regeneration and slow down cell degeneration and overall promote healthy ageing.

Rejuvenate Your Mind brings you their new Brain Formula designed with Co-Q10, botanicals & nutrients to support your brain health in 5 ways: Sleep, Memory, Energy, Concentration and Mood. This unique daily multi is a fusion of KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Reishi, Lions mane, Vegan DHA, L-Carnitine and muti-vitamins. 

Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.

References:

1)       Yang, X., et al. (2016). Neuroprotection of Coenzyme Q10 in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Current topics in medicinal chemistry, 16(8), 858–866. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026615666150827095252

2)       Hargreaves, I., Heaton, R. A., & Mantle, D. (2020). Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(18), 6695. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186695

3)       Sándor, P. S., et al. (2005). Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial. Neurology, 64(4), 713–715. https://doi.org/10.1212/01.WNL.0000151975.03598.ED

4)       Ahmadi, S., et al. (2016). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence- based review. International journal of reproductive biomedicine, 14(12), 729–736. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28066832/

5)       Alahmar, A. T., et al. (2021). Coenzyme Q10 Improves Sperm Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers and Sperm DNA Fragmentation in Infertile Patients with Idiopathic Oligoasthenozoospermia. The world journal of men's health, 39(2), 346–351. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.190145

6)       Tsai, I. C., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Reducing Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 883251. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.883251