
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Conclusion:
CoQ10 is a micronutrient, so its availability to biological tissues is limited; old age often reduces its production and warrants the use of CoQ10 supplements. Being a fat-soluble substance, CoQ10 has a slow and sporadic rate of absorption. However, taking CoQ10 supplements with food can increase their rate of absorption by up to three times. HealthyHey CoQ10 can assist in replenishing this vital nutrient. Additionally, it contains black pepper extract, which boosts the absorption of supplement.
References:
- Stocker R. Possible health benefits of coenzyme Q10. Sidney, University of New South Wales(november 2002) http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w02/coenzymeq10.html (10.4. 2009). 2002.
- Because CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound, its absorption is slow and limited. However, taking CoQ10 supplements with food can help your body absorb it up to three times faster than taking it without food