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].

Coenzyme Q10 and NADH and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Richard Antiaging March 4, 2020July 3, 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].

Coenzyme Q10 and healthy ageing

Richard Antiaging July 19, 2018July 19, 2018 0 Comment

Physical exercise combined with a Mediterranean diet and 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 supplementation should improve our chances for healthy ageing and for the prevention of chronic oxidative stress leading to neurodegenerative disease and heart disease.

There is 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 reduction in the rate of Coenzyme Q10 bio-synthesis during the ageing process and in ageing-related diseases. Mice studies have given us reason to believe that there is a direct relationship between a longer and healthier life and Coenzyme Q10 function 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 the cells [Hernandez-Camacho 2018].

Human studies of Coenzyme Q10 status and healthy ageing

Professor Alehagen’s KiSel-10 study:

Four years of daily supplementation with 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 and 200 micrograms of high-selenium yeast resulted in significant health benefits for elderly community-living study participants as compared to placebo supplementation [Johansson 2015]:

Coenzyme Q10 and exercise and ageing

Richard Antiaging, Cardiovascular Health October 24, 2017October 24, 2017 0 Comment

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 supplementation and exercise confer 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 heart health benefits and anti-ageing benefits. The exercise can be aerobic exercise or strength training or both. The Coenzyme Q10 supplement you choose should be a supplement with well-documented absorption and efficacy.

The biggest difference in elderly (70+) men and women still living at home and still relatively healthy is the extent to which they exercise. Among elderly adults of the same socioeconomic status, nutrition and lifestyle do not vary much. Exercise levels do vary considerably.

With the variations in exercise level come variations in ageing. The question is, what is the role of Coenzyme Q10 status in the elderly and the rate at which they age?

The differences in ageing – manifested in differences in functional capacity, exercise status, and body weight — are connected to Coenzyme Q10 plasma levels and to Coenzyme Q10/cholesterol ratios in plasma.

Coenzyme Q10 for brain and muscle tissue

Richard Antiaging September 14, 2017September 14, 2017 0 Comment

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 can increase brain mitochondrial concentrations and increase neuro-protective effects. In addition to providing 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 defense against free radical damage, Coenzyme Q10 is essential for the process of cellular energy production.

So, it seems clear that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is not needed when we are young and healthy, in our teenage years and in our early 20’s. But … definitely … from our 20s onward, and increasingly as we get older, we need a well-formulated daily Coenzyme Q10 (preferably taken twice daily with meals) … or we need to take nutritional supplements that will enhance our bodies’ bio-synthesis of Coenzyme Q10. Or both.

Because there is no doubt that we need to maintain functional levels of Coenzyme Q10 in the cell membranesThe cell membranes, sometimes called plasma membranes, are the physical barrier that protects the contents of the cells from everything that is outside the cells. The cell membranes also regulate what can move in and out of the cells. Coenzyme Q10 is present in all cell membranes in the body except in the red blood cells. It helps to prevent... Read more about this term and 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, particularly in the brain and muscle tissue. Coenzyme Q10 is essential in the process of cellular 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 production, and Coenzyme Q10 is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant protector of the cells [Littarru].

Coenzyme Q10 and the energy starved heart

Richard Antiaging, Cardiovascular Health, Chronic fatigue syndrome June 22, 2017June 24, 2017 0 Comment

The number of bean-shaped 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 our cells varies according to the energy needs of the various organs. The cells in organs with high energy needs, e.g. the heart, the liver, the skeletal muscle, will have greater numbers of mitochondria than will the cells of less active organs, e.g. the skin. Adequate supply 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 necessary to keep the mitochondria actively 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 molecules.

Cellular respiration is the name for the process by which the ATP molecules are produced inside the mitochondria in our cells. Coenzyme Q10 in its oxidized form is an essential component in this process of energy production.

Fewer Coenzyme Q10 molecules in the mitochondria inevitably mean less ATP energy production. Fewer ATP molecules mean less energy for our cells.

Heart muscle cells with low Coenzyme Q10 concentrations and with fewer ATP molecules produced make for an energy starved heart.

Coenzyme Q10 and healthy ageing

Richard Antiaging, Antioxidant function, Cardiovascular Health, Healthy People May 2, 2017May 2, 2017 0 Comment

Elderly couple on the beach — Given the importance 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 the process of cellular energy production and in the process of neutralizing 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, it is very important to take a daily Coenzyme Q10 supplement as we grow older.

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential bio-nutrient that is made naturally in the human body. It is a necessary co-factor in the process of cellular energy production. It also functions as a 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 protecting our cells against oxidative damage (oxidative damage = damage caused by free radicals that harm cell membranesThe cell membranes, sometimes called plasma membranes, are the physical barrier that protects the contents of the cells from everything that is outside the cells. The cell membranes also regulate what can move in and out of the cells. Coenzyme Q10 is present in all cell membranes in the body except in the red blood cells. It helps to prevent... Read more about this term and cell DNA and proteins and fats in the blood).

Unfortunately, as we pass through our 20s and move into our 30s and 40s and head towards senior citizen status, our cells produce less of this essential substance with increasing age [Kalén]. We know this.

Coenzyme Q10, older athletes, and statins

Richard Antiaging, Antioxidant function, Exercise and Training, Healthy People, Statins April 26, 2017April 26, 2017 0 Comment

woman-exercising — The more intensely and strenuously we exercise, the more quickly we reach the anaerobic threshold. A 2012 study has shown that 200 milligrams 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 daily can significantly delay the time to the anaerobic threshold. The Coenzyme Q10 supplementation was also associated with 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 improvement in muscle strength in the study.

Older active adults who are taking a statin medication? Shouldn’t they go right to the top of the list of people who need a good Coenzyme Q10 supplement?

That is the question that Dr. Richard Deichmann and his colleagues in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Ochsner Clinical School in New Orleans asked themselves. They tested whether daily supplementation with 200 milligrams of Coenzyme Q10 daily for six weeks would improve measures of cellular energy production, muscle function, and well-being in older active adults taking statin medications.

A review of Coenzyme Q10 research results

Richard Antiaging, Antioxidant function, Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes March 15, 2017March 15, 2017 0 Comment

Pharmaceutical control — **The Coenzyme Q10 supplements with the best documented results in randomized controlled trials have been manufactured under national-level pharmaceutical control.**

Recently, I read a published review of the research literature about the nutritional and therapeutic supplement 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. It was very interesting to see what the research has revealed and to see what the authors of the review chose to emphasize [Potgieter].

Coenzyme Q10 supplements confer the following known health benefits:

improve the 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... Read more about this term patients
provide 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 to patients taking statin medications
help to lower high blood pressure
maintain good heart function in middle-aged and elderly people
provide heart health benefits to people with diabetes

Normal unsupplemented levels of plasma Coenzyme Q10
First off, there is wide variation in the plasma Coenzyme Q10 concentrations of individuals who are not taking Coenzyme Q10 supplements. There are many factors that influence any one individual’s Coenzyme Q10 status:

Coenzyme Q10 and exercise in younger and older adults

Richard Antiaging, Antioxidant function, Cardiovascular Health, Exercise and Training March 3, 2017March 3, 2017 0 Comment

sevilla-cathedral — Sevilla is famous for its cathedral, Santa Maria de la Sede, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, built during the 15th century. Sevilla is also famous for its university. Within the university, the Developmental Biology Institute has been doing much research into the nutritional and medical importance 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.

Spanish researchers at the Pablo de Olavide University in Sevilla hypothesized that the effect of physical activity on plasma Coenzyme Q10 levels and on plasma Coenzyme Q10/cholesterol ratios might vary according to the age of the individuals engaging in the physical activity. Their results show, for the first time, an apparently different effect of exercise on young people and on older people.

Lower levels of plasma Coenzyme Q10 and lower Coenzyme Q10/cholesterol ratios were associated with high levels of physical activity in the young people more so than in older people who were also exercising. That result was surprising.
Moreover, lower levels of plasma Coenzyme Q10 and lower Coenzyme Q10/cholesterol ratios were associated with high levels of physical activity in the younger people more so than with moderate levels of physical activity in younger people. That result was not surprising.
What was most surprising was the data that showed that older people who exercised more often and more intensely had higher levels of Coenzyme Q10 in plasma and higher ratios of Coenzyme Q10 to 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... Read more about this term in plasma than did older adults who exercised moderately or who were mostly sedentary. In this respect, the effect of exercise on the older people differed from the effect of exercise on the younger participants [Del Pozo-Cruz 2014].

Coenzyme Q10 and physical activity in young people
In the Spanish study, the young participants had an average age of 20 years plus or minus 2 years. Two possible explanations come to mind for the lower plasma Coenzyme Q10 levels in highly active younger people:

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