Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10

by lukelu · June 20, 2012

Technical Background

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a coenzyme naturally synthesized by the body and found in every cell, with highest levels located in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
Coenzyme Q10 plays an essential role in mitochondrial electron transport. As such, it is fundamental for energy production in human cells.
Coenzyme Q10 is also an antioxidant. Its ability to quench free radicals helps cell membranes and intracellular membranes maintain structural integrity and stability.1 It further serves to reduce oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Evidence suggests that the most important antioxidant activity of Coenzyme Q10 involves regeneration of Vitamin E. Ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ10, may be responsible for the reduction of the Vitamin E phenoxyl radical.
CoQ10 supplementation has been used to treat and ameliorate many conditions. Some of the best-documented effects involve cases of heart failure and heart disease, hypertension, periodontal disease3, and recently Parkinson’s disease4 and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sources and Recommended Intake

CoQ10 is synthesized in all cells of the body, but particularly in liver cells.
The body’s ability to synthesize CoQ10 diminishes with age. Deficiencies may also result from reduced assimilation from dietary sources.
Additional CoQ10 can be absorbed from food. Major sources of dietary CoQ10 include meats, fish, and vegetable oils (particularly soybean, sesame, and grapeseed oils).Vegetables are generally low in CoQ10 (with the exception of spinach and broccoli).
CoQ10 supplements are available and safe. The compound is best absorbed by the body when taken with foods. The usual maintenance dose is 10-30 mg per day, although higher doses are used to treat heart and blood vessel disease.