Q10facts - CoQ10 Research Articles

Higher Plasma CoQ10 Levels, Lower Levels of Muscle Damage

Richard Exercise and Training October 15, 2020October 26, 2020 0 Comment

Soccer stadium — The study participants were professional players of the Athletic Club Bilbao team that competed in the first division of the Spanish soccer league during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons. Cumulative exhaustive exercise causes oxidative stress and damage to muscle cells; it also depletes the levels 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... Read more about this term in plasma, showing that the Coenzyme Q10 has been active as an 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,... Read more about this term during the intense exercise. Higher CoQ10 levels can protect against the damage caused by strenuous exercise.

Data from a two-year observational study indicate that maintaining high levels of Coenzyme Q10 in plasma during the hardest part of the soccer season helps professional players [Sanchez-Cuesta 2020]:

prevent muscle damage (lower creatine kinase levels)
prevent kidney damage (lower uric acid levels)
reduce stress (lower cortisol levels)
achieve higher physical capacity (video analysis of distance run and running speed)

Based on the results of the observational study, the researchers speculated that CoQ10 can be safely used as a supplement for the prevention of accumulated muscle and kidney damage in elite athletes, possibly even for improving recovery time after intense competition [Sanchez-Cuesta 2020].

Coenzyme Q10 in Plasma is Predominantly in the Ubiquinol State

Coenzyme Q10 molecules are redox molecules with an oxidized state (ubiquinone) and a reduced state (ubiquinol). The Coenzyme Q10 in the plasma is predominantly in the reduced CoQ10 state, i.e. in the state that serves as an electron donor, making it the ideal state for antioxidant neutralization of 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... Read more about this term [Judy 2018].

CoQ10 and Aging – A New Book

Richard Antiaging September 30, 2020September 14, 2020 0 Comment

Professor Lopez-Lluch and Professor Littarru — **Professor Guillermo López-Lluch (left), editor of the book Coenzyme Q and Aging, 2020, published by Springer Nature. ISBN: 978-3030456412.**

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... Read more about this term is important to our understanding of the progression of the aging process and to our understanding of aging-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, 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,... Read more about this term and diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and kidney diseases [López-Lluch 2020].

This is the message of a 369-page book entitled Coenzyme Q in Aging. The book is edited by Professor Guillermo López-Lluch, Pablo de Olavide University, Sevilla, Spain. It is dedicated to the memory of Professor Fred L. Crane (December 3, 1925 – August 11, 2016), who first discovered Coenzyme Q10, one of the most important molecules in humans [López-Lluch 2020].

CoQ10 Supplementation to Improve Fertility in Women

Richard Fertility September 15, 2020September 16, 2020 0 Comment

Storch bringing baby — Three meta-analyses show beneficial effects of CoQ10 supplementation on semen quality, semen quantity, and semen mobility. Here, a meta-analysis of studies of CoQ10 supplementation of women with infertility shows a 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. ... Read more about this term effect on clinical pregnancy rates.

A meta-analysis of five randomized controlled clinical studies (n=449 infertile women) has shown that CoQ10 supplementation increases clinical pregnancy rates compared with placebo treatment or no treatment. The CoQ10 supplementation significantly increases clinical pregnancy rates both overall and in infertility subgroups such as the poor ovarian response subgroup (n=286) and the polycystic ovarian syndrome subgroup (n=163) [Florou 2020].

All study participants were women of reproductive age (mean age 33 years) diagnosed with either poor ovarian response or polycystic ovary syndrome. All were attending an assisted reproductive technology clinic [Florou 2020].

Testing CoQ10 Products for Quality

Richard Bioavailability and Safety August 31, 2020September 16, 2020 0 Comment

Lab scientist — CoQ10 products are not equally well absorbed. They do not give equally good health benefits. The bioavailability and the efficacy of the CoQ10 product varies considerably according to the formulation of the product. Consumers of CoQ10 products should seek out documentation for bioavailability and health benefits.

The CoQ10 Association has announced plans to test every 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... Read more about this term product on the market in the US for potency and purity [Schultz 2020, August 13]. If all goes according to plan, the project will be completed by the end of 2020. We look forward to seeing the results of the testing.

Potency of CoQ10 Products

Testing for potency means ensuring that the capsule contains the quantity of Coenzyme Q10 specified on the label.

Earlier this year, in May, 2020, the NOW nutritional supplements company headquartered in Illinois, revealed that its in-house laboratory had tested 10 CoQ10 products purchased on amazon.com.

CoQ10 for Women with Poor Ovarian Response

Richard Fertility August 15, 2020September 16, 2020 0 Comment

Pregnant woman — The reasons for a poor ovarian response to stimulation with gonadotropins are not clear. 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.... Read more about this term and oxidative stress are possible explanations for the diminished ovarian response. 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... Read more about this term is essential for energy production in the mitochondriaThe mitochondria are the bean-shaped organelles in the cells. They are the key organelles with responsibility for the production of ATP energy molecules.... Read more about this term of oocytes and is important for 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,... Read more about this term protection in oocytes.

Coenzyme Q10 pre-treatment of young low-prognosis patients with diminished ovarian reserve or poor ovarian response increased the patients’ ovarian response to stimulation and improved oocyte and embryo quality.

The CoQ10 pre-treatment was associated with improved pregnancy and live birth rates.

After one completed assisted reproductive technique treatment cycle, the women treated with Coenzyme Q10 had a 32% pregnancy rate and a 29% live birth rate. The women in the control group had a pregnancy rate of 17% and a 16% live birth rate.

CoQ10 Supplements: What You Need To Know

Richard Absorption August 2, 2020September 16, 2020 0 Comment

Coenzyme Q10 capsules — The thing is, there are considerable differences in the absorption and bioavailability of the many commercial CoQ10 supplements. An inexpensive CoQ10 supplement is not inexpensive if it gives only negligible absorption and bioavailability. It is a waste of money. It is important to choose a CoQ10 supplement with documented absorption and efficacy.

The active substance in the best 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... Read more about this term nutritional supplements is a natural substance that is extracted in a yeast fermentation process; the Coenzyme Q10 is not a synthetic substance.

The CoQ10 molecules in the best nutritional supplements are the same molecules as the CoQ10 molecules synthesized inside the mitochondriaThe mitochondria are the bean-shaped organelles in the cells. They are the key organelles with responsibility for the production of ATP energy molecules.... Read more about this term in human cells.

As we get older, our cells’ ability to synthesize Coenzyme Q10 declines. Furthermore, the use of some drugs such as statin medications inhibits the cells’ synthesis of Coenzyme Q10. We need a good supplement to make up for the loss.

A Pharmacist Looks at CoQ10 Supplements

Richard Absorption, Cardiovascular Health July 10, 2020September 16, 2020 0 Comment

In the April/May 2020 issue of the journal IMCJ: Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, pharmacist Dr. Ross Pelton reviews the most important developments in 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... Read more about this term clinical research:

• The Q-Symbio Study in which researchers gave chronic heart failure patients 3 x 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10 or placebo daily as an adjuvant treatment together with conventional heart failure medications for two years. The outcome was significantly improved symptoms, quality of life, and survival in the CoQ10 treatment group compared to the placebo group [Mortensen 2014].

Coenzyme Q10 for Adjunctive Treatment of Heart Failure

Richard Cardiovascular Health June 25, 2020July 3, 2020 0 Comment

Blood circulation — 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... Read more about this term does not mean that the heart has stopped working. It means that the heart is not pumping as much blood out to the rest of the body as it should. The consequence is that the body organs and tissues do not get as much oxygen and as many nutrients as they need. Clinical trials show that treatment 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... Read more about this term in addition to conventional heart failure medication is beneficial.

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... Read more about this term patients with 3 times 100 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 daily for two years gave the following 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. ... Read more about this term results compared with placebo treatment [Mortensen 2014]:

reduced number of deaths from heart disease
reduced number of deaths from all causes
reduced number of heart failure related hospitalizations
improved 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.... Read more about this term class

Absorption and Bioavailability of the CoQ10 Supplement

CoQ10 supplements are very different from one another. The CoQ10 supplement that gave the beneficial heart health outcomes listed above is a specially formulated CoQ10 preparation, specially formulated with respect to the carrier oils in which the Coenzyme Q10 raw material is dispersed and with respect to the heating and cooling process used in the manufacture of the supplement. It has documented absorption and bioavailability.

Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Applications

Richard Cardiovascular Health June 15, 2020July 3, 2020 0 Comment

Picture of Dr. WilliamV. Judy — In the February and March 2019 issues of WholeFoods magazine, the long-time 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... Read more about this term clinical researcher, Dr. William V. Judy, warns: Buyer beware. CoQ10 supplements do not give equal absorption. It is important to buy a CoQ10 supplement that has documented absorption and bioavailability and that has documented beneficial heart health effects.

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential bio-nutrient that has vitamin-like properties.

It is a vital co-factor in 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.... Read more about this term energy generation.
It is an important lipid-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,... Read more about this term. It has anti-inflammatory effects.
Substantial reduction of 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... Read more about this term has been seen in several 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... Read more about this term [Martelli 2020].

Coenzyme Q10 is a redox moleculeRedox is the abbreviated term for reduction-oxidation. Coenzyme Q10 molecules are redox molecules. Redox refers to the oxidation state of the molecule. Oxidized Coenzyme Q10 molecules, called ubiquinone (CoQ10), are Coenzyme Q10 molecules that can accept (take on) two electrons and thus become reduced Coenzyme Q10 molecules called ubiquinol. Reduced Coenzyme Q10 molecules, called ubiquinol (CoQH2), are Coenzyme Q10 molecules... Read more about this term, having both an oxidized form (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.... Read more about this term) and a reduced form (ubiquinol).

Several enzyme systems facilitate the conversion of the ubiquinone form of Coenzyme Q10 to the ubiquinol form. It is not necessary to take a ubiquinol supplement to get enough ubiquinol in the plasma and circulating lipoproteinsLipoproteins are particles comprised of protein and lipids, with a core of triglycerides and cholesterol esters and an outer layer of phospholipids. Lipoproteins transport lipids through the bloodstream. LDL-lipoproteins carry cholesterol from the liver to the body tissues. HDL- lipoproteins carry cholesterol back to the liver from the body tissues. LDL-lipoproteins also bind and transport Coenzyme Q10 molecules, predominately in... Read more about this term [Mohr 1992].
Absorption of Coenzyme Q10 from commercially available supplements varies widely. Marketing claims for a superior absorption of ubiquinol supplements seem to be misleading.
A 2019 double-blind crossover study has shown that a well-formulated ubiquinone supplement – with the correct carrier oils, the correct heating and cooling process, the correct excipients – gave significantly better bioavailability than did a ubiquinol supplement. The ubiquinol supplement used in the study did, however, outperform a ubiquinone supplement that did not have the proper formulation and processing [Lopez-Lluch 2019].

CoQ10 Supplementation and Heart Disease Risk Factors

Coenzyme Q10 and Heart Failure

In 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... Read more about this term, researchers gave 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... Read more about this term patients 300 mg/day (3 x 100 mg in divided dosages) or matching placebos for two years.

The CoQ10 adjuvant treatment significantly improved the symptoms, quality of life, and survival of the 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... Read more about this term patients [Mortensen 2014].
A sub-analysis of the European segment of the international multi-center Q-Symbio Study showed that the CoQ10 intervention also significantly improved the patients’ 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... Read more about this term [Mortensen 2019].

Coenzyme Q10 and High Blood Pressure

Older meta-analyses of the effect of Coenzyme Q10 on 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... Read more about this term showed 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. ... Read more about this term reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure [Rosenfeldt 2007; Ho 2009]. A more recent meta-analysis has shown that CoQ10 supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure but not in diastolic blood pressure in patients with 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,... Read more about this term [Tabrizi 2018].

Testing the Potency of Coenzyme Q10 Supplements

Richard Absorption June 8, 2020July 3, 2020 0 Comment

CoQ10 capsules in blister pack — Yes, of course, the capsule must contain 100 mg 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... Read more about this term if that is what the label says. However, the absorption of Coenzyme Q10 is complex. The CoQ10 potency test results do not take important factors into consideration: Dissolving the CoQ10 Crystals – Dividing the CoQ10 Daily Dosage – Deciding on the Form (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.... Read more about this term or ubiquinol) and Formulation

A US supplements manufacturer reports that its testing shows some of the CoQ10 supplements sold on amazon.com do not contain the quantity of Coenzyme Q10 indicated on the product label [Schultz, 2020, May 14].

The testing shows that seven of the ten tested products had less than 80% potency. These seven named products are not products from major sellers of CoQ10 supplements in the USA.

The other three tested products tested are labeled “X Brand” in the test report. These three products are said to contain 93%, 96.5%, and 86% of the declared active ingredient [NOW® Testing].

← Previous