Coenzyme Q10
DEFINITION
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring substance which has a
number of important functions within the human body involving
energy production and antioxidant activity.
number of important functions within the human body involving
energy production and antioxidant activity.
DESCRIPTION
Coenzyme Q10 is associated with the manufacture by the body of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the basic energy molecule of cells.
The mitochondria, which are the most active part of a cell, use the
enzyme as a fuel. Coenzyme Q10 is important for energy production
as it is thought to be a free radical scavenger with properties
that help to maintain the health of cells in the body. Coenzyme Q10
is a co-factor in the biochemical pathway that is involved in
cellular respiration, from which ATP and metabolic energy are
derived. Coenzyme Q10 helps to prevent damage to cell
membranes.
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the basic energy molecule of cells.
The mitochondria, which are the most active part of a cell, use the
enzyme as a fuel. Coenzyme Q10 is important for energy production
as it is thought to be a free radical scavenger with properties
that help to maintain the health of cells in the body. Coenzyme Q10
is a co-factor in the biochemical pathway that is involved in
cellular respiration, from which ATP and metabolic energy are
derived. Coenzyme Q10 helps to prevent damage to cell
membranes.
The heart muscle contains the greatest concentration of Coenzyme
Q10 in the body. It may have a role in the management and
prevention of certain types of heart disease. Clinical studies
indicate that Coenzyme Q10 may be effective in helping patients
with stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, angina and in
the prevention of atherosclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 is thought to have
a protective action on the cells of the heart. Studies have
revealed that this nutrient helps keep the blood thin allowing it
to flow easily to all areas of the heart. Coenzyme Q10 may help
prevent cholesterol from becoming harmful (oxidising) in the body
and forming plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Coenzyme Q10
should not be used to treat heart disease without medical
supervision.
Q10 in the body. It may have a role in the management and
prevention of certain types of heart disease. Clinical studies
indicate that Coenzyme Q10 may be effective in helping patients
with stroke, congestive heart failure, hypertension, angina and in
the prevention of atherosclerosis. Coenzyme Q10 is thought to have
a protective action on the cells of the heart. Studies have
revealed that this nutrient helps keep the blood thin allowing it
to flow easily to all areas of the heart. Coenzyme Q10 may help
prevent cholesterol from becoming harmful (oxidising) in the body
and forming plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Coenzyme Q10
should not be used to treat heart disease without medical
supervision.
The results of some studies suggest that certain drugs used to
treat high cholesterol (statins) decrease the levels of Coenzyme
Q10 in the body. Some of these studies have also found that
supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 can increase or restore these
levels.
treat high cholesterol (statins) decrease the levels of Coenzyme
Q10 in the body. Some of these studies have also found that
supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 can increase or restore these
levels.
Decreased levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body have been observed in
many diseases (e.g. heart disorders, neurodegenerative diseases,
AIDS, cancer) associated with intensive generation of free radical
molecules and their harmful action on cells and
tissues.
many diseases (e.g. heart disorders, neurodegenerative diseases,
AIDS, cancer) associated with intensive generation of free radical
molecules and their harmful action on cells and
tissues.
Coenzyme Q10 is reported to help increase stamina and endurance for
athletes. The benefits attributed to Coenzyme Q10 are said to be a
result of the nutrient’s ability to increase energy production and
the transport of oxygen via blood to muscle cells.
athletes. The benefits attributed to Coenzyme Q10 are said to be a
result of the nutrient’s ability to increase energy production and
the transport of oxygen via blood to muscle cells.
A person with recurring infections, HIV or who is generally
‘run-down’ may benefit from Coenzyme Q10. It is thought to have a
positive effect on the immune system by protecting cells from
damage and improving the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital
organs and tissues in the body. Coenzyme Q10 may also have
beneficial effects on the nervous system, menopausal symptoms and
weight control. More research is needed to confirm these possible
uses.
‘run-down’ may benefit from Coenzyme Q10. It is thought to have a
positive effect on the immune system by protecting cells from
damage and improving the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to vital
organs and tissues in the body. Coenzyme Q10 may also have
beneficial effects on the nervous system, menopausal symptoms and
weight control. More research is needed to confirm these possible
uses.
INTERACTIONS
- Coenzyme Q10 may decrease the effectiveness of warfarin.
SOURCES
Foods containing Coenzyme Q10 include rice bran, soy beans,
nuts (hazel, pistachio), fish (mackerel, sardines), sesame seeds,
vegetables (cabbage, spinach, potato, onion, carrot).
nuts (hazel, pistachio), fish (mackerel, sardines), sesame seeds,
vegetables (cabbage, spinach, potato, onion, carrot).
Note: Coenzyme Q10 is easily destroyed by light.
DOSAGE
It is important to remember that when Coenzyme Q10 is taken as
a supplement, it should be taken with food rather than on an empty
stomach.
a supplement, it should be taken with food rather than on an empty
stomach.