Q10facts - CoQ10 Research Articles

Coenzyme Q10 and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Richard Liver disease March 16, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Older man — 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, 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 have been implicated in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Treatment with the essential bio-nutrient 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 may improve the prognosis for NAFLD patients. CoQ10 has a key role in mitochondrial function as well as having 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 and anti-inflammatory action. CoQ10 levels are depleted in NAFLD.

The results of two randomized controlled studies indicate that CoQ10 supplement at a dosage of 100 mg/day can be effective in reducing systemic inflammation and in improving biochemical variables associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) [Farsi 2016; Farhangi 2014].

NAFLD is a chronic liver disorder related to systemic inflammation.

The NAFLD condition exists whenever the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, primarily in the form of triglycerides, exceeds 5–10% of liver weight.
NAFLD is the most common liver disorder worldwide; its prevalence in the general population is estimated at 20–30%.
NAFLD’s prevalence increases to 60–70% in obese individuals and to 70–90% in individuals with diabetes [Mantle & Hargreaves 2020].

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential bio-nutrient that has been shown to reduce the blood levels of bio-markers of systemic inflammation [Fan 2017; Zhai 2017]. Moreover, number of pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the capacity of supplemental Coenzyme Q10 to prevent or reduce the extent of liver tissue damage by a variety of toxic agents [Mantle & Hargreaves 2020].

Coenzyme Q10 and NADH and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Richard Antiaging March 4, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

DNA strand — Basically, our efforts to avoid or delay the onset of the various pathologies associated with increasing age involve managing the effects of cellular bio-energetic disturbances, oxidative stress, and 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. Combined supplementation 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 and NADH may be a beneficial anti-ageing treatment.

Most recently, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ in its oxidized form and NADH in its reduced form) has been getting much attention as a possible anti-ageing substance.

Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH is a coenzyme that is present in nearly all human cells.
Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH exists in both an oxidized form and a reduced form.
Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH is needed for the cellular process of producing 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 from the food that we eat.
Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH has 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 function in the cells protecting against the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH is essential for life. Without NAD+/NADH, the cells will not produce energy and will die.
Like Coenzyme Q10, NAD+/NADH levels decrease as we get older.

Coenzyme Q10 and NAD+/NADH and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The results of a 2015 Spanish study indicate that Coenzyme Q10 and NADH supplementation could be a beneficial treatment of chronic fatigue syndromeChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder with an unknown cause. CFS is characterized by persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest and that cannot be explained by any identifiable medical condition. CFS is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID). It is sometimes abbreviated ME/CFS. CFS patients typically have low levels of... Read more about this term and other chronic fatiguing illnesses for three reasons [Castro-Marrero]:

Coenzyme Q10 and NADH are essential co-factors in the process of cellular 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.... Read more about this term; they can boost mitochondrial function.
Coenzyme Q10 and NADH are powerful free radical scavengers that mitigate lipid peroxidationOxidation is the chemical reaction of a substance with oxygen. Peroxidation is the extreme form of oxidation that results from free radicals’ stealing electrons from lipids, either in the cell membranes or in the lipoproteins. The final product of lipid peroxidation is highly reactive malondialdehyde, a bio-marker for oxidative stress and damage.... Read more about this term and DNA damage caused by oxidative stress.
Coenzyme Q10 and NADH supplementation can reduce the extent of oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

In sum, oral CoQ10 plus NADH supplementation seems to be a safe and effective therapy to reduce fatigue, restore mitochondrial function and bio-energetic metabolism, and ameliorate oxidative damage in chronic fatigue syndrome [Castro-Marrero].

Undocumented Claims for Coenzyme Q10 Absorption and Efficacy in the US Market

Richard Absorption February 21, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Back cover of Dr. Judy's book An Insider's Guide to Coenzyme Q10 — In his 2018 book, An Insider’s Guide to 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, Dr. William Judy of SIBR Research summarizes the results of clinical studies using 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 CoQ10 supplements. He also includes anecdotes about the use of CoQ10 supplements. The book is available from amazon.com.

Even if they are made from the same raw material, the CoQ10 products on the US retail market are very diverse in terms of their absorption and in terms of their health effects.

We, as consumers, need to see documentation, preferably in peer-reviewed scientific journals, for the absorption and efficacy of the CoQ10 product we buy.

The form of the retail Coenzyme Q10 product can be different (either the ubiquinone form or the ubiquinol form), and the formulation can be different (different carrier oils and different heating and cooling processes).

Coenzyme Q10 and Exercise and Training

Richard Exercise and Training February 20, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

People lifting weights in a fitness center. — 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 NOT on the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The substance Coenzyme Q10 has many properties that make it a logical nutritional supplement for athletes in training and for normal healthy people who exercise to stay fit. Coenzyme Q10 supplements should help to improve exercise capacity and reduce the oxidative stress, muscle damage, 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 caused by strenuous exercise [Sarmiento].

The oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10 – 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 – is essential for 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.... Read more about this term energy [Littarru].
The reduced form of Coenzyme Q10 – ubiquinol – 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,... Read more about this term protecting the cells and 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 (and proteins and DNA) against the damage caused 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... Read more about this term [Bentinger].
Coenzyme Q10 promotes good endothelial function in the blood vessels [Belardinelli].
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is associated with reduced levels of bio-markers for inflammation [Fan; Zhai].
Starting in our 20s, the bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 declines with increasing age; thus, the need for CoQ10 supplements [Kalén].

CoQ10 and Exercise Study Results Inconsistent

But nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems. Until now (February 2020), the results from intervention studies of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation of athletes and healthy people taking exercise have not been as solid as the results from CoQ10 adjuvant treatment in other conditions have been:

Coenzyme Q10 Synergists

Richard Absorption, Bioavailability and Safety January 16, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Professor Urban Alehagen, the lead researcher on the KiSel-10 StudyThe KiSel-10 study was a four-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 443 Swedish citizens aged 70 to 88 who received either a combined daily supplementation of high-selenium yeast and Coenzyme Q10 or matching placebos. The elderly Swedish citizens who received the active treatment of selenium and Coenzyme Q10 had significantly reduced risk of death from heart disease, significantly better heart... Read more about this term, has emphasized the clinical significance of daily supplementation with both 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 and high-selenium yeast. Both supplements have a protective 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 role in the prevention of heart disease.

In the previous article on this site, we discussed substances that can counteract or inhibit the bio-synthesis or absorption or efficacy of Coenzyme Q10. Today we want to look at substances that might actually boost the bio-synthesis or absorption or efficacy of Coenzyme Q10.

Among the substances we want to consider are the following nutritional supplements:

carnitine
NADH
PQQ
riboflavin
seleniumSelenium (symbol Se, atomic number 34) is a trace element that is an essential nutrient and an essential component of some of the most important antioxidants in the body, in particular the selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase, and selenoprotein P. Selenium is involved in the optimal functioning of the immune system. Professor Alehagen has pointed out that there exists a... Read more about this term

High-Selenium Yeast Supplements and Coenzyme Q10

Professor Urban Alehagen writes that a deficiency of selenium may restrict the cells’ ability to get optimal concentrations of Coenzyme Q10. Moreover, the cells are dependent upon adequate concentrations of Coenzyme Q10 to achieve optimal function of selenium in the body. There seems to be a special interrelationship between Coenzyme Q10 and selenium that can be exploited clinically [Alehagen & Aaseth].

Coenzyme Q10 Antagonists and Inhibitors

Richard Absorption, Bioavailability and Safety January 2, 2020March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Dr. Judy's book: An Insider's Guide to Coenzyme Q10. — Dr. William Judy, founder and president of SIBR Research, advises against taking a vitamin C supplement within an hour of taking a CoQ10 capsule. In his book, Insider’s Guide to 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, Dr. Judy summarizes the CoQ10 clinical research results. The book is available from amazon.com.

Human adults’ bio-synthesis of the essential bio-nutrient Coenzyme Q10 declines with increasing age [Kalén]. That is unfortunate.

We humans need sufficient quantities of Coenzyme Q10 for various biological functions:

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.... Read more about this term energy
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 of the cells against oxidative damage
maintenance of endothelial function in blood vessels
anti-inflammatory effects

Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation and Beyond

We can take a daily Coenzyme Q10 supplement, of course, and we should. However, we should be very careful.

Commercially available CoQ10 supplements vary considerably in their formulation and in their absorption and bio-availability. A cheap 30-cents-per day CoQ10 supplement at the supermarket or drugstore is most likely a poorly absorbed and ineffective supplement.

Beware of Unfounded Claims for Coenzyme Q10 Absorption

Richard Uncategorized December 12, 2019March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Dr. William V. Judy in a white-coat standing — In 2008 and again in 2013, SIBR Research did small but legitimate comparison studies of 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 ubiquinol absorption. SIBR Research’s results indicated that the single-dose absorption of the ubiquinol product appeared to be no better than the absorption of the ubiquinone 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 a lipid-based soft-gel capsule. Pictured here: Dr. William V. Judy, president of SIBR Research.

As consumers of Coenzyme Q10 supplements, we must be ultra-careful in evaluating the marketing claims for CoQ10 absorption and efficacy. The nutritional supplements market is a largely unregulated one. It is up to us to do due diligence before buying a CoQ10 product.

All of the CoQ10 products on the market are not equally good. There is very considerable variability in the formulation and solubilization of Coenzyme Q10 with the result that there is also great variability in the absorption and bio-availability of Coenzyme Q10. It is important to remember that the less expensive CoQ10 product is not a good buy if we do not absorb any or much of the active ingredient.

Coenzyme Q10’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Richard Cardiovascular Health, Inflammation December 2, 2019March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Two independent meta-analyses of the available research literature have shown that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is associated with healthy levels of bio-markers for chronic systemic inflammation [Zhai 2017; Fan 2017].

Chronic inflammation – a persistent low-grade inflammation – can have deleterious effects throughout the body. Over time, it can result in tissue damage.
Chronic inflammation is something different from acute inflammation, which is the immune system’s short-term response to an injury or an infection.
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and metabolic disorders [Zhai 2017].
The extent of chronic low-grade inflammation can be measured by testing for the blood levels of known bio-markers for inflammation [Zhai 2017].

Coenzyme Q10 Effect on Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha

Zhai et al analyzed nine 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 enrolling 428 study participants. The results of their analysis showed that CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved the serum concentration of Coenzyme Q10 by 1.17 micrograms per milliliter on average compared to placebo treatment [Zhai].

Coenzyme Q10 Adjunctive Treatment for Heart Failure

Richard Cardiovascular Health November 16, 2019March 19, 2020 0 Comment

Dr. William Judy has been doing clinical research with CoQ10 treatment of 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 for 40 years. The heart muscle tissue of heart failure patients is known to be deficient 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. Three times 100 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 per day added to conventional heart failure medicine improves the patients’ quality of life and chances of survival as compared to placebo together with conventional treatment.

Heart failure is what happens when the heart is no longer able to pump out blood as strongly as it should. It occurs when the heart is too weak or too stiff to fill up with blood and pump out blood efficiently. It is characterized by reduced functional capacity and reduced quality of life:

Reduced ability to exercise and do work
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the lower extremities
Weakness and fatigue from exertion

Heart failure is one of the most costly medical conditions in terms of complications and hospitalizations. The costs of medical care for heart failure patients is expected to rise from $30 billion per year in 2018 to nearly $70 million by 2030 [Bhatt & Butler 2018].

Top Ten Coenzyme Q10 and Heart Disease Studies

Richard Cardiovascular Health November 1, 2019February 28, 2020 0 Comment

The best thing about Coenzyme Q10 adjuvant treatment of heart disease is that the CoQ10 treatment is a positive treatment. It does not block or reduce any neurohormonal activities in the body; instead, it enhances mitochondrial function in the process of cellular ATP energy production. And it provided antioxidant defense of the heart muscle cells. Pictured here: Dr. Svend Aage Mortensen, lead researcher on the Q-Symbio Study.

We have over 30 years of evidence from published clinical trials showing that the ubiquinone form of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is safe, well-tolerated, and effective as an adjuvant treatment for heart disease patients. The 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 form 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 is also stable and affordable.

It is important to remember that Coenzyme Q10 supplements vary considerably in their absorption and bio-availability. A recent comparison study has shown that the formulation of the supplement – the composition of the carrier oils and the heating/cooling process – is more important for absorption and bio-availability than the form of the supplement (ubiquinone or ubiquinol) is [Lopez-Lluch 2019].

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