Metaphorically speaking, CoQ10 supplementation is our umbrella protecting against the risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Studies indicate that 100-300 milligrams of daily Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.
We all want to live longer, with good health and good energy in our senior years. One factor that enhances our chances of living longer and better is our ability to avoid chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. Coenzyme Q10 supplements can help.
The rationale for using CoQ10 supplements to enhance our chances for a long and healthy life is based on the role of Coenzyme Q10 in the production of cellular energy. In addition, Coenzyme Q10 has known antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... and anti-inflammatory effects [Mantle & Hargreaves].
Dr. Anne Louise Mortensen, lead author of the European sub-group analysis of the Q-Symbio StudyQ-Symbio is the abbreviated name for the two-year multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Coenzyme Q10 supplements as an adjunct treatment of chronic heart failure patients. The name reflects the focus of the study on the SYMptoms, BIomarker status (BNP), and long-term Outcomes (hospitalizations and mortality) of the supplementation. The data from the Q-Symbio study show that long-term supplementation with... of CoQ10 adjunctive treatment of chronic heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... More patients, pictured together with Dr. and Mrs. William Judy. Dr. Mortensen suggests that one reason for the enhanced effectiveness of the CoQ10 treatment in the European sub-group might be better compliance on the part of the patients. CoQ10 supplements can work only if they are taken as they should be: daily, with meals containing some fat, and in divided doses.
The therapeutic efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 adjunctive treatment of chronic heart failure patients – 3 times 100 milligrams daily for two years – was demonstrated in the original Q-Symbio Study (n = 420) published in the JACC specialty journal Heart FailureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... [Mortensen 2014].
Now, an analysis of just the European portion of the Q-Symbio Study participants (n = 231) has shown that the benefits of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation were enhanced in the more rigorously guidelines-treated European patients [Mortensen 2019].
Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation is associated with improved left ventricular ejection fractionEjection fraction, sometimes called left ventricular ejection fraction, measures the percentage of blood that the heart pumps out of the left ventricle with each heart contraction. According to the Mayo Clinic guidelines, an ejection fraction above 55% is regarded as normal. An ejection fraction under 50% is regarded as reduced. An ejection fraction below 40% is indicative of heart failure... More in more than a dozen randomized controlled studies.
What does Coenzyme Q10 do for the heart? Quite a lot, it turns out.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been shown in clinical trials to have the following effects with benefit for the heart:
improves left ventricular ejection fraction
improves endothelial function
improves NYHAThe New York Heart Association Functional Classification distinguishes four categories of heart failure according to how much the patients are limited in their physical activity. Category I: No limitation of physical activity. No undue fatigue, palpitation, or shortness of breath. Category II: Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Fatigue, palpitation, or shortness of breath at ordinary physical activity.... More class
improves contractility
inhibits platelet aggregation
compensates for statin medication
Let’s look more closely at these effects of CoQ10 supplementation.
CoQ10 Supplementation Improves Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Ejection fraction is the percentage of the blood that the heart muscle is able to pump out with each heart beat [Cleveland Clinic].
In the healthy heart, the ejection fraction should be in the range from 55% to 70%.
An ejection fraction of 35% to 40% is indicative of mild heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition....
An ejection fraction below 35% indicates moderate to severe heart failure.
A 2013 meta-analysis of 11 heart failure clinical trials showed that CoQ10 supplementation resulted in a pooled mean net increase in the patients’ ejection fraction [Fotino].
Metabolic syndromeMetabolic syndrome is the medical term for a cluster of conditions such as excess body fat around the waist, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke and have, therefore,..., also known as syndrome X, is the name for a cluster of conditions – high blood pressure, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, increased risk of blood clots, abnormal cholesterolCholesterol is one of the major fat-soluble compounds that is found in animal plasma membranes. It is necessary for life and is found throughout the body. It is carried from the liver to the tissues where it is needed by lipoproteins of which it is a component. Much of the cholesterol is transported in Low density lipoproteins (LDL). High levels... More – that are dangerous themselves and can lead to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation can improve the associated mitochondrial dysfunctionMitochondrial dysfunction is the loss of efficiency in the process of ATP energy production. As such, mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in the ageing process and in virtually all chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases. Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component in the mitochondrial production of ATP energy.... More and reduce oxidative stress.
Coenzyme Q10, the essential bio-nutrient, has properties that are germane to the treatment of several of the risk factors associated with the umbrella term “metabolic syndrome” [Casagrande].
These properties include the following:
a bio-energeticsBio-energetics is both the process and the study of the flow and transformation of energy in living beings. Coenzyme Q10 has both a bio-energetics function and an antioxidant function in the body.... More role in the cellular production of ATPATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules are the high-energy molecules with easily broken phosphate bonds that release energy to the energy-requiring processes in the cells. Coenzyme Q10 is essential to the process of ATP production.... More energy [Casagrande]
a role as a fat-soluble antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... protecting against oxidative damage by harmful free radicalsFree radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that are produced in the body during normal oxygen metabolism. Free radicals derived from oxygen are known as reactive oxygen species. Free radicals play both helpful and harmful roles in the body. Free radicals steal electrons from other substances in order to become stable. In so doing, the free radicals oxidize those... More to cells and lipids [Casagrande]
an anti-inflammatory effect [Zhai]
a role in the protection and improvement of endothelial function [Gao]
What Factors Reduce Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Levels?
Typically, we expect to find plasma Coenzyme Q10 concentrations ranging from 0.6 to 1.0 micrograms per milliliter in unsupplemented healthy individuals. With daily supplementation, it is possible to raise the plasma Coenzyme Q10 levels above the 2.5 micrograms per milliliter level needed for a therapeutic effect in heart disease and above the 3.5 micrograms per milliliter level needed for a therapeutic effect in neurodegenerative disease [Langsjoen].
Dr. Richard Passwater’s interviews with Dr. William Judy (pictured here) in the WholeFoods Magazine are fascinating reading about the absorption and clinical effects of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical....
In the February and March 2019 issues of WholeFoods Magazine, Dr. Richard Passwater has published part 1 and part 2 of his interview with Dr. William Judy. These interviews are must reading [Passwater 2019].
The Main Coenzyme Q10 Points in the Dr. Passwater – Dr. Judy Interviews
Dr. Passwater’s interviews with Dr. Judy focus on current issues in CoQ10 research. These issues are of interest to all of us who want to maintain good heart health.
Coenzyme Q10 Molecules are Redox Molecules With Oxidized and Reduced Forms
Coenzyme Q10 molecules are redox molecules with an oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10 called ubiquinoneUbiquinone, the oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10, expressed as Q10 or CoQ10, is absolutely essential for the mitochondrial ATP energy production process. Ubiquinone is the form of Coenzyme Q10 that the body synthesizes, and ubiquinone is the form of Coenzyme Q10 that has been extensively tested for safety, absorption, and efficacy in clinical trials...., an intermediate partially reduced form called ubisemiquinonesee redox molecule., and a reduced form called ubiquinol. The ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms are both used in Coenzyme Q10 supplements. Both forms are active and important forms.
Dr. William V. Judy, the founder and president of the SIBR Research Institute, was one of the first researchers to raise questions about misleading marketing claims for Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... products. Now he has written a book to share his knowledge of the relevant clinical research into the absorption, bio-availability, efficacy, and safety of CoQ10 supplements.
Coenzyme Q10 is, literally, the substance that powers life. It is an essential bio-nutrient required for the cellular process of ATPATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules are the high-energy molecules with easily broken phosphate bonds that release energy to the energy-requiring processes in the cells. Coenzyme Q10 is essential to the process of ATP production.... More energy production. It is also an important fat-soluble antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,.... Oral CoQ10 supplementation is positively associated with the reduction of blood bio-markers for oxidative stress and inflammationInflammation is an immune system response to an injury to cells or tissues. It is the body’s attempt to defend against invaders such as bacteria andviruses and to mend the damage done by invaders. Typically, inflammation manifests itself in the form of fever and swelling, in the swarming of white blood cells and the release of cytokines to fight against....
Now available from amazon.com is Dr. William Judy’s new book entitled Coenzyme Q10: An Insider’s Guide.
A simple search for the words Judy and Q10 will find the book on Amazon.
Diabetes is a major health problem world-wide. More than 90% of patients with diabetes have type 2 diabetes in which case the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin that the pancreas makes is not effective. Patients with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease, hypertensionHypertension is abnormally high blood pressure, usually defined as adult systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg or adult diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg. Systolic blood pressure is blood pressure measured during the contracting (pumping) of the left ventricle of the heart. Diastolic blood pressure is blood pressure measured during the relaxation of the left ventricle. A meta-analysis..., and stroke. Oxidative stress is a known factor in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes. Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... is an important fat-soluble antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... that can scavenge harmful free radicalsFree radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that are produced in the body during normal oxygen metabolism. Free radicals derived from oxygen are known as reactive oxygen species. Free radicals play both helpful and harmful roles in the body. Free radicals steal electrons from other substances in order to become stable. In so doing, the free radicals oxidize those... More and protect the cells from oxidative damage.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes are known to have considerably lower plasma/serum Coenzyme Q10 concentrations than do individuals who do not have diabetes [Zhang].
A 2018 meta-analysis and systematic review of the research literature indicates that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves glycemic control and increases HDL-cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes [Zhang].
CoQ10 Supplementation and Glycemic Control
The results of the meta-analysis, drawn from an aggregated 13 clinical trials enrolling 795 patients with type 2 diabetes, show that the CoQ10 supplementation significantly decreased HbA1c (p=0.03) and fasting glucose (p=0.005).
Data from randomized controlled trialsRandomized controlled trials are studies in which patients or healthy volunteers are assigned at random (purely by chance) to receive one or more clinical interventions. One or more of the interventions is the active treatment being tested. Another of the interventions is the control against which the active treatment is being tested. The control is, typically, the standard practice or... More show that Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation is positively associated with improved sperm density and motility and, to a certain extent, with improved pregnancy rates.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation results in significantThe outcome of a clinical trial is thought to have statistical significance, or to be statistically significant, if the outcome is likely not caused by chance at a given statistical significance level, typically at the 0.05 level. Statistically significant outcomes may or may not be clinically significant. ... More improvement in various sperm parameters: sperm density, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and, quite possibly, in pregnancy rates [Safarinejad].
Actually, we have known about the benefits of Coenzyme Q10 for treating men with significant abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility for 10 – 15 years now. Let’s have a look at the clinical research results reported in journal articles indexed by Medline.
CoQ10 and Male Infertility Associated with Abnormal Sperm Parameters
Safarinejad, M. R. (2009). Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men. The Journal Of Urology, 182(1), 237–248.
Researchers enrolled 212 infertile men with various sperm abnormalities. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive 300 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 daily, and half took matching placebos for 26 weeks. The researchers then continued to follow the patients’ progress for a 30-week treatment-free phase.
Elevated total cholesterolCholesterol is one of the major fat-soluble compounds that is found in animal plasma membranes. It is necessary for life and is found throughout the body. It is carried from the liver to the tissues where it is needed by lipoproteins of which it is a component. Much of the cholesterol is transported in Low density lipoproteins (LDL). High levels... More levels and/or elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDLSee lipoproteins.) cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, which is the most common form of heart disease. Now, a meta-analysis shows that CoQ10 supplementation significantly improves total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in coronary artery disease patients.
Coenzyme Q10 adjuvant treatment of heart failure patients significantly improves the symptoms and survival of chronic heart failure patients [Mortensen; Morisco; Munkholm].
How does it look with Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... supplementation and coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is caused by hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle? Coronary artery disease is also known as ischemic heart diseaseIschemic heart disease is heart disease caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Ischemic heart disease is, in most cases, coronary artery disease. Blockage of the coronary arteries reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart...., which is heart disease characterized by reduced flow of blood containing oxygen to the heart muscle.
Dr. Svend Aage Mortensen (right), pictured here with Dr. Karl Folkers, was the lead researcher on the Q-Symbio studyQ-Symbio is the abbreviated name for the two-year multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Coenzyme Q10 supplements as an adjunct treatment of chronic heart failure patients. The name reflects the focus of the study on the SYMptoms, BIomarker status (BNP), and long-term Outcomes (hospitalizations and mortality) of the supplementation. The data from the Q-Symbio study show that long-term supplementation with... of the effects of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both bsynthesized in the body and ingested in the diet and in supplements. Coenzyme Q10 is synthesized in the body in the same biological pathway as cholesterol. Bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 begins to decline once humans reach their adult years. The reduced production of Coenzyme Q10 cannot be compensated in any practical... adjuvant therapy for chronic heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... More patients. Now, Dr. Anne Louise Mortensen has focused in on the European patients in the international Q-Symbio study.
There are positive outcomes from an analysis of the European sub-group of chronic heart failure patients (n = 231 out of a total of 420 patients) in the international multi-center Q-Symbio study. Two years of adjuvant treatment with 3 times 100 milligrams of ubiquinone Coenzyme Q10 daily in addition to conventional heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... treatment reveals [Mortensen 2019]:
significantly fewer patients suffering major adverse cardiovascular events (= death due to heart attack or heart failure or hospitalization due to acute heart failure or pulmonary embolism) compared to placebo
significantly fewer heart disease deaths and all-cause deaths compared to placebo
significantly more improvements of the patients’ NYHAThe New York Heart Association Functional Classification distinguishes four categories of heart failure according to how much the patients are limited in their physical activity. Category I: No limitation of physical activity. No undue fatigue, palpitation, or shortness of breath. Category II: Slight limitation of physical activity. Comfortable at rest. Fatigue, palpitation, or shortness of breath at ordinary physical activity.... More classifications compared to placebo
significantly improved ejection fractionEjection fraction, sometimes called left ventricular ejection fraction, measures the percentage of blood that the heart pumps out of the left ventricle with each heart contraction. According to the Mayo Clinic guidelines, an ejection fraction above 55% is regarded as normal. An ejection fraction under 50% is regarded as reduced. An ejection fraction below 40% is indicative of heart failure... More compared to placebo
What was the Q-Symbio study of CoQ10 and heart failure?
The Q-Symbio study was an international multi-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that demonstrated that daily treatment with 3 times 100 milligrams of a pharmaceutical-grade ubiquinone Coenzyme Q10 preparation for two years in addition to conventional treatment significantly improved the symptoms and survival of chronic heart failure patients [Mortensen 2014].
