Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (also known as ubiquinone) is a naturally occurring essential nutrient present in almost every cell of the human body.
It is involved in many biochemical processes, including promoting energy production within the body’s cells, and DNA replication and repair. It is also an integral component of the digestive and immune systems. COQ10, therefore, plays an important role in maintaining healthy organs, particularly the heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys, as these organs have the highest energy requirements.
What are coenzymes?
Coenzymes are small, non protein compounds which work with enzymes to initiate or aid the function of the enzymes. Enzymes are proteins which act as catalysts in all aspects of cell metabolism, regulating the rate at which biochemical reactions take place without themselves being altered in the process.
Why we need CoQ10
CoQ10 is a simple molecule that is naturally produced in our cells’ mitochondria. Its main role is as part of the biochemical process of converting sugar into energy or ATP—an energy source that’s essential for helping cells perform their primary functions. When the building blocks of ATP are not available to your body or something interferes with the recycling process, ATP levels can become low and result in energy deficiency leading to a variety of health problems. Whilst these biochemical reactions create vital energy they also produce free radicals. CoQ10 acts as a natural, potent antioxidant, travelling the body in search of free radicals to counteract oxidative stress.
Sources of CoQ10
Whilst CoQ10 is produced naturally in the body, it also needs to be consumed in the food we eat.
Rich sources include:
- oily fish
- organ meats
- eggs
- nuts
- whole grains
- soya beans
Benefits of CoQ10 Supplements
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME(CFS/ME)
Research has shown that people diagnosed with CFS/ME have abnormally low levels of CoQ10 in plasma and muscle tissue. Supplementing a healthy diet with a well-formulated CoQ10 preparation improves CFS/ME symptoms.
Fibromyalgia
CoQ10 may reduce pain, tenderness, fatigue, and sleep issues in people with fibromyalgia.
Boosting the Immune System
CoQ10 plays a significant role in boosting the immune system and physical performance, as tissues and cells involved with immune function are highly energy-dependent and therefore require an adequate supply of CoQ10 for optimal function.
Improving heart health
The heart contains some of the highest concentrations of CoQ10 in the body. The vast majority of people with heart disease also have low CoQ10 levels. Low levels of CoQ10 may be an indicator of the severity and long term outcome of various heart diseases.
Reducing muscle pain from statin use
Statins are often prescribed in the treatment of Cardiovasular disease. These drugs work by reducing the cholesterol production that can contribute to the disease. Although statins reduce cholesterol production, they also lower CoQ10 levels. Reduced CoQ10 levels can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, which can cause muscle pain or myopathy. CoQ10 supplements may help relieve muscle pain related to statin use.
Neuropathy
CoQ10 has been shown to be effective in reducing pain caused by nerve damage.
Migraines
Chronic migraines may be due to inflammation of neurons and cells in a part of the brain called the trigeminovascular system. CoQ10 supplements have been shown to reduce this type of inflammation.
Protecting against age-related diseases
Mitochondrial function decreases as the body’s CoQ10 levels naturally deplete with age. Research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to age-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These diseases are associated with free radical damage (link). CoQ10 supplements and eating a diet low in saturated fat may help protect against diseases caused by free radical damage.
As part of your Individualised Health Plan, Claudia, your BioMed Health Practitioner, may suggest screening for Coenzyme Q10 deficiency.