CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) is a coenzyme or cofactor that is present in all respiring eukaryotic organisms ranging from bacteria, plant, to mammal. Although this coenzyme is present in the mitochondria of all human cells, it can be extracted from food and plants to be used as a dietary supplement. CoQ10 is one of the key ingredients in the production of energy in the form of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy currency of cells, and it is responsible for powering all organs in the body. CoQ10 can be found in abundance in organs requiring a lot of energy to function (e.g., heart, brain, liver, and kidney) [Fan et al. 2017; Littarru and Tiano 2005]. In addition to its mitochondrial energetic function, it also plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role [Saha andWhayne 2016]. Given these functions, CoQ10 and its potential health benefits are linked to the treatment of various human diseases.

The likelihood of developing diseases multiplies when people get older. There is evidence that links degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and cancer with inflammation  [Littarru and Tiano 2005]. As people age, the production of pro-inflammatory substances increases, and CoQ10 synthesis and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects decrease. Some patients receiving statin treatments also demonstrated CoQ10 deficiencies and suffered from myalgia, fatigue, and rhabdomyolysis [Saha and Whayne 2016]. Furthermore, CoQ10 depletion has been linked to heart conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure, muscle weakness from statins, diabetes, migraines, and neurodegenerative diseases [Fan et al. 2017; Littarru and Tiano 2005; Saha and Whayne 2016]. The bioenergetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of CoQ10 makes it a powerful compound that promotes energy and stamina, supports cardiovascular functions and overall immune system functions. 

Reference(s) 

[1] Fan, L., Feng Y., Chen, G., Qin, L., Fu, C., and Chen L.. 2017. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory markers: A Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pharmacological Research 119: 128-136.

 

[2] Littarru, G.P., and Tiano, L. 2005. Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: an update. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 8:641–646.

 

[3] Saha, S.P., and Whayne, T.W. 2016. Coenzyme Q-10 in Human Health: Supporting Evidence. Southern Medical Journal 109(1): 17-21.

Additional Readings 

[4] Abdollahzad, H., Aghdashi, M.A., Jafarabadi, M.A. and Alipour, B. (2015). Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized controlled trial. Arch. Med. Res. 46: 527-533

[5]  Bhagavan, H.N., and Chopra, R.K. (2006). Coenzyme Q10: absorption, tissue uptake, metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Free Radic. Res. 40: 445-453