Dr. William Judy in his 2018 book, 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: An Insider’s Guide, discusses the absorption and bioavailability of 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 and ubiquinol forms of Coenzyme Q10. The book is available from amazon.com. ISBN: 978-87-7776-186-7
There are numerous enzyme systems at work in the body to convert ubiquinone, the oxidized form of Coenzyme Q10, to ubiquinol, the reduced form of Coenzyme Q10. Despite marketing claims to the contrary, it is not necessary to take a ubiquinol supplement to get sufficient ubiquinol in the body [Mantle & Dybring 2020]. No worries there.
Dr. William V. Judy, SIBR Research Institute, explains: Absorption is the movement of the ingested 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 through the stomach and small intestines into the lymph and then into the blood circulation. Bioavailability is the accumulation of the ingested Coenzyme Q10 in the blood over time in response to daily doses. It is the amount of Coenzyme Q10 that is available for transport into the tissue cells.
Fact: Without decent absorption and bio-availability of our CoQ10 supplement, we cannot hope to get good heart health effects.
Fact: There is much variability from one CoQ10 supplement to another. It is important to choose a CoQ10 supplement for which there is documented evidence of absorption and bio-availability as well as published evidence of improvement of heart health signs and symptoms.
Sadly, the claims for the absorption of many CoQ10 supplements have been greatly exaggerated in many cases.
According to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million US adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. More than 30 million Americans – nearly 10% of the adult population – have diabetes, of whom more than 90% have type-2 diabetes. Moreover, more than 84 million Americans have pre-diabetes and will have full-blown diabetes within five years if they are not treated.
Diabetes is a serious disease. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It can be managed with exercise, diet, insulin, and other drugs to control blood sugar levels.
Coenzyme Q10 for Prevention and Adjunct Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes
In a 2017 article in the British Journal of Diabetes, Dr. David Mantle, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the Royal College of Pathologists, makes the following points about the use 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 supplements to prevent and treat type-2 diabetes:
CoQ10 depletion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
Coenzyme Q10 plays important roles in both mitochondrial 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 and in 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 against oxidative stress.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 can significantly improve glycemic control.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 can improve vascular dysfunction.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 may be of particular importance in type-2 diabetics who have been prescribed 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.... Read more about this term.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 may be of particular importance for patients with fatty liver disease.
Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 is well tolerated, with no 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 adverse effects reported in long-term use.
The importance of the formulation of the Coenzyme Q10 supplement with respect to product quality and bio-availability cannot be over-emphasized.
In his 2018 book, The Insider’s Guide to Coenzyme Q10, Dr. William Judy discusses the clinical research conducted with Coenzyme Q10 supplements.
Three Different Forms of Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
Coenzyme Q10 occurs in the body in three closely related chemical forms:
In its raw material form, 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 consists of crystalline compounds. These crystals must be dissolved to single CoQ10 molecules to permit absorption. Only single CoQ10 molecules can be absorbed. CoQ10 crystals have poor dissolution within the chyme of the intestines because melting point of CoQ10 crystals is 10 degrees centigrade above body temperature. Thus, the absorption of the Coq10 supplement depends upon the manufacturer’s formulation, upon the solubility of the Coenzyme Q10 in the oil matrix.
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring vitamin-like bio-nutrient that is essential to 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 production. It is especially important for the optimal functioning of tissues with high energy requirements such as heart muscle tissues [Mantle 2015].
Beyond its role in cellular energy production, Coenzyme Q10 has the following important biological functions:
In its reduced form, Coenzyme Q10 is a lipid soluble antioxidant that protects 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 from oxidative 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 [Mantle 2015].
Coenzyme Q10 improves endothelium-dependent vaso-dilation in patients with diabetes and in patients with coronary artery disease [Tiano 2007].
In a meta-analysis of 17 RCTs, CoQ10 supplementation significantly reduces the blood levels of known 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... Read more about this term: C-RP, IL-6, and TNF-α [Fan 2017].
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].
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 supplementationcould 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].
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 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 termprotecting 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:
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
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
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