On this website, we review the results of clinical trials of the effects of oral Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More supplementation. We high-light human studies that show 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. More health benefits of taking a well-formulated CoQ10 supplement:
- Improved symptoms and survival 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... More patients
- Reduced risk of death from heart disease and better maintained heart function among senior citizens
- Improved quality of life for 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... More patients
- Faster recovery with fewer complications following heart surgery
- Lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Reduced frequency and intensity of migraineMigraine headaches are defined as unprovoked headaches that typically last from one to three days and are severe enough to limit or halt routine daily activity. Typically, too, migraine headaches are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation can help to prevent and treat migraine headache. CoQ10 supplements have had statistically significant... More headaches
Why the need for CoQ10 supplementation?
Bio-synthesis of CoQ10 falling with increasing age.
Yes, our bodies do synthesize Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More in almost all cells; however, the bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More is a complicated multi-step process, and the extent of Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More bio-synthesis decreases with increasing age once we pass our 20s.
Insufficient uptake of CoQ10 from the diet.
Moreover, it is difficult to get enough Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More from our food alone to make up the difference in the declining endogenous production of CoQ10. Remember, too, that it becomes more difficult to extract nutrients from our food as we get older.
Drug interference with CoQ10 absorption.
Last but not least, we need to consider that various drug interactionsNumerous drugs interfere with the bio-synthesis or the absorption or both of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is not known to inhibit the action of other drugs. There is research showing that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation does not interfere with the clinical effects of warfarin. However, anyone taking an anti-coagulant medication will want to discuss the benefits of taking Coenzyme Q10 with... More with Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More can reduce the body’s bio-synthesis of CoQ10 and/or the body’s absorption of CoQ10 from external sources. In this context, we think of the statin medications that have been proved to inhibit the bio-synthesis of CoQ10. But, statin medications are far from the only medications to affect adversely the bio-synthesis or absorption of CoQ10.
What are the biological effects of CoQ10 supplements?
Production of ATP energy.
Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More in 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. More form is essential to produce ATP energy – the basic form of cellular energy in humans. Think about this: Low Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More concentrations resulting in energy starvation of the heart muscle cells is directly and unequivocally related to increased risk 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... More. Supplementation can increase the plasma and tissue CoQ10 concentrations.
Antioxidant protection against harmful radicals.
Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More in its reduced form, ubiquinol, the form that results from the reduction of CoQ10 in the 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. More energy, 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,... More. CoQ10 supplements provide extra 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,... More protection of proteins including 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... More, fatty acids, and DNA against the harmful radicals produced as by-products during the 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.
Regulation of endothelial function.
Endothelial dysfunction is directly implicated in the process of atherogenesis (the forming of plaques in the inner lining of arteries) and in the forming of blood clots in the arteries. Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More supplementation improves the function of the vascular endothelial cells [Belardinelli 2008].
Reduction of inflammation and increase in endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More is associated with reductions in the levels of bio-markers for systemic 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... More and with increases in the activity levels of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase [Lee 2012, 2013].
How much Coenzyme Q10 on a daily basis?
Basically, our need for Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More supplementation will vary according to number of factors:
- Age
- Body mass index
- Diet
- Exercise level
- Gender
- Health and physical condition (blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking)
To achieve a good prophylactic and/or therapeutic effect from CoQ10 supplementation, we need to take daily doses that will raise our plasma CoQ10 concentrations into the range from 2.5 to 3.5 micrograms per milliliter.
Remember, without CoQ10 supplementation, most of us will have plasma CoQ10 concentrations somewhere between 0.65 and 1.5 micrograms per milliliter.
What daily dosages of CoQ10 were used in clinical studies?
Q-Symbio study of the effect of CoQ10 on heart failure symptoms?
300 milligrams per day, taken three times daily with meals, significantly improved the symptoms and survival 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. [Mortensen 2014].
KiSel-10 study of CoQ10 and selenium for independently living senior citizens?
200 milligrams per day, taken twice daily with meals, in combination with 200 micrograms of a high-selenium yeast preparation, helped senior citizens maintain better heart function and reduced the risk of death from heart disease [Alehagen 2015].
Italian studies of CoQ10 and oxidative stress and endothelial function?
Doses of 200–300 milligrams per day improved functional capacity, endothelial function, and left ventricular contractility in 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 without any side effects [Belardinelli 2008].
Taiwanese studies of Coq10 and endogenous antioxidant enzymes?
Doses of 300 milligrams per day significantly enhanced the activity of the endogenous 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,... More enzymes and lowered the levels of bio-markers of 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... More [Lee 2013].
Take-home message about CoQ10 supplements
- CoQ10 is a difficult substance to deliver to the body. It has a low absorption rate.
- There is much diversity in the compositions and formulations of CoQ10 supplements and, consequently, in the absorption rates of different CoQ10 supplements.
- The cheaper CoQ10 supplements on the market can have such a low absorption and so few beneficial health effects that they are nearly useless.
In the long run, the well-formulated, well-documented CoQ10 supplement will prove to be the best investment.
Sources
Alehagen, U., Aaseth, J., & Johansson, P. (2015). Reduced Cardiovascular Mortality 10 Years after Supplementation with 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... More and Coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More for Four Years: Follow-Up Results of a Prospective Randomized Double-BlindA double-blind study is a study in which neither the investigators nor the study participants know which participants are receiving the active treatment and which participants are receiving the control treatment until the study has been completed and the seal on the code has been broken. More Placebo-Controlled Trial in Elderly Citizens. Plos One, 10(12), e0141641.
Belardinelli, R., Tiano, L., & Littarru, G. P. (2008). Oxidative stress, endothelial function and coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More. Biofactors, 32(1-4):129-33.
Lee, B., Tseng, Y., Yen, C., & Lin, P. (2013). Effects of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More supplementation (300 mg/day) on antioxidation and anti-inflammation in coronary artery disease patients during statinsStatins are a class of medications that effectively block the body’s synthesis of cholesterol. In so doing, statins also block the body’s synthesis of Coenzyme Q10. More therapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition Journal, 12(1), 142. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-12-142
Mortensen, S. A., Rosenfeldt, F., Kumar, A., Dolliner, P., Filipiak, K. J., Pella, D., & Littarru, G. P. (2014). The effect of coenzyme Q10Coenzyme Q10 molecules are fat-soluble molecules that are both synthesized 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... More on morbidity and mortality in 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: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blindA double-blind study is a study in which neither the investigators nor the study participants know which participants are receiving the active treatment and which participants are receiving the control treatment until the study has been completed and the seal on the code has been broken. More trial. JACC. 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, 2(6), 641-649.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this review article is not intended as medical advice and should not be used in that way.
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