Coq10 Benefits: 10 Scientifically Proven Facts

Coenzyme Q 10, or CoQ10, is the only fat-soluble antioxidant in the human body. It comes in two  forms: reduced form Ubiquinol and oxidized form Ubiquinone. As the name suggests, the prefix  “ubi’’ is from the word "ubiquitous", meaning present everywhere. It is present in nearly all body  cells. It is a crucial component of the "electron transport chain" and aids in the synthesis of energy  molecules in mitochondria. CoQ10 has a wide range of advantages.  

The Top 10 health benefits of CoQ10 

1. Antioxidant activity

The reduced form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, is a powerful antioxidant and an essential free radical  scavenger. Its functions include: 

• Protection of cell membrane stability
• Defends DNA against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
• It recycles and regenerates other antioxidants, such as tocopherol (Vitamin E) and ascorbate (Vitamin C).

The antioxidant properties are beneficial in several ways: 

• Protects the skin from damage by UV rays
• Smoothens wrinkles
• Stagnates the signs of aging
• Maintains the liver and kidneys from oxidative damage.

2. Supports heart health

The heart muscles function all your life and have a high energy consumption; thus, CoQ10 is  found in abundance in the heart cells. Their function is: 

• There are studies showing promising outcomes when using CoQ10 as an adjunctive therapy to treat congestive heart failure.
• CoQ10 helps the body produce energy at optimal levels, lessens oxidative damage, and enhances heart function, all of which can help treat heart failure.

3. Maintains the blood pressure

Hypertension treatment may benefit from CoQ10 supplementation. According to Mortensen's  (1993) research, patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD) who received  CoQ10 in addition to conventional medical therapy experienced a reduction in both their systolic  and diastolic blood pressure.

4. Anti-cancer effects

Cellular integrity is disturbed by oxidative stress, also known as free radicals. The likelihood of  developing cancer is increased in such damaged cells. 

The anti-cancer and immune-stimulating properties of CoQ10 may also be of interest. Combining  CoQ10 with standard medical care and other antioxidant nutrients increased survival rates and  reduced the incidence of cancer. CoQ10 supplementation, along with vitamins C and E, β carotene, and essential fatty acids have shown to reduce cancerous tumors.  

5. Beneficial in diabetes

The way the body utilizes carbohydrates is related to the function of CoQ10 in the production of  energy. 

According to studies, type 2 diabetic patients who took CoQ10 supplements had significantly  lower fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1C levels—the average blood sugar levels of 2- 3 months. CoQ10 may help lower blood sugar levels by promoting fat breakdown and preventing  the accumulation of fat cells that can lead to obesity, which is one of the primary causes of  diabetes. 

6. Supports brain health

Brain tissues have high energy requirements, so they contain a surplus of mitochondria. As we  know, CoQ10 is a component of the energy pathway and is required to maintain brain functions. Mitochondrial functions dwindle with age, leading to brain cell degeneration. This is the leading  cause of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinsonism. 

Studies show that CoQ10 supplements slowed the progress of Parkinson’s disease more rapidly  than expected. The patient's daily activities, including eating, dressing, bathing, and walking,  showed the greatest improvement.  

7. Beneficial in Asthma

Asthmatics are usually corticosteroid dependent. Low CoQ10 levels are seen in steroid  dependency. Studies show a reduction in the dosage of corticosteroids required by patients after  CoQ10 supplementation. This follows a reduction in the adverse effects of steroids in asthmatics.  

8. Helps in rheumatoid arthritis

Oxidative stress due to free radicals is one of the primary factors involved in the pathology of  rheumatoid arthritis. CoQ10 supplements boost the energy conversions in the muscle tissue and  scavenge free radicals, thereby improving the symptoms of arthritis. 

9. Keeps the kidneys healthy

A study on a small group of 21 patients revealed a positive influence of CoQ10 on the recovery  time of chronic renal failure.  

10. Beneficial in gum diseases

Studies show a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 in people with gum diseases, in contrast to those  with healthy gums. By boosting energy production, CoQ10 supplements caused faster healing  and tissue repair in the gums.