Health Benefits of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient that occurs naturally in the body. CoQ10 is also in many foods we eat. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, which protects cells from damage and plays an important part in the metabolism. Oxidative stress can interfere with regular cell functioning and may contribute to many health conditions. Therefore, it is not surprising that some chronic diseases have also been associated with low levels of CoQ10.

 

CoQ10 production decreases as you age. Thus, older people can be deficient in this compound, some other possible causes of low CoQ10 levels include:

 

• Genetic defects in CoQ10 synthesis or utilization
• Increased demands by tissues as a consequence of disease
• Mitochondrial diseases
• Oxidative stress due to aging
• Side effects of statin treatments

                                                                                                                                                                               

1. It may help treat heart failure

Some research suggests that CoQ10 could be beneficial for people with heart failure. CoQ10 could also assist with restoring optimal levels of energy production, reducing oxidative damage, and improving heart function, all of which can aid the treatment of heart failure.

2. It could help with male infertility

Male sperm is susceptible to oxidative damage, which may result in reduced sperm count, poor sperm quality, and infertility. Several studies have concluded that supplementing with CoQ10 may improve sperm quality, activity, and concentration by increasing antioxidant protection.

3. It might help support healthy skin aging

Harmful elements like cellular damage or a hormonal imbalance can lead to reduced skin moisture and protection from environmental aggressors, as well as the thinning of the layers of the skin. According to one study, applying CoQ10 directly to the skin may reduce such damage by increasing energy production in skin cells and promoting antioxidant protection.

4. It could help with exercise performance

Abnormal mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, making it hard for muscles to contract efficiently and sustain exercise. CoQ10 may help exercise performance by decreasing oxidative stress in the cells and improving mitochondrial function. One study found that CoQ10 supplementation may have helped inhibit oxidative stress and markers of muscle and liver damage in adolescent elite swimmers during their competition phase.

5. It may help with diabetes

Oxidative stress can induce cell damage. This can result in metabolic diseases like diabetes, as well as insulin resistance. CoQ10 has been suggested to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Another study in people with diabetic neuropathy — a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes — found that taking 100 mg of CoQ10 daily for 12 weeks may improve HbA1c levels and insulin resistance.

6. It might play a role in cancer prevention

According to some test-tube studies, CoQ10 could block the growth of cancer cells. Therefore it is not surprising that, people with cancer have been shown to have lower levels of CoQ10. Some studies suggest low levels of CoQ10 may be associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancer in some older studies, including breast and prostate cancer. Several newer studies have also suggested this with regard to lung cancer.

7. It may be good for the brain

Mitochondrial function tends to decrease with age, which can lead to the death of brain cells and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, the brain is very susceptible to oxidative stress due to its high fatty acid content and its high demand for oxygen. This oxidative stress enhances the production of harmful compounds that could affect memory, cognition, and physical functions. CoQ10 may reduce these harmful compounds, possibly slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, according to some animal studies.

8. It could protect the lungs

Increased oxidative damage in the lungs and poor antioxidant protection, including low levels of CoQ10, can result in lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

 

CoQ10 comes in two different forms — ubiquinol and ubiquinone. Ubiquinol accounts for 90% of the CoQ10 in the blood and is the most absorbable form. Thus, it’s recommended to choose supplements containing the ubiquinol form. CoQ10 supplements are available in various doses, ranging from 30 to 600 mg. Doses of 100–400 mg per day have been used in studies related to heart health, while doses ranging from 600–3,000 mg have been used for treating some neurodegenerative disorders.