A fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance found in blood, organs and membranes. Since its primary function in every cell in the body is in generating energy, the highest concentration is found on the inner membrane of the mitochondria, the power houses inside the cell.
Discovery and history
Discovered 1957, 1972 a deficiency was demonstrated in human heart disease and 1978 Peter Mitchell received a Nobel prize. Numerous studies worldwide since 1980s in relation to various diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer; its antioxidant role as a free radical scavenger was widely studied.
Deficiency is either due to decreased production (biosynthesis) or increased need in the body. Biosynthesis can be affected by genetic factors. Chronic disease conditions (cancer, heart disease, etc.) are thought to reduce the biosynthesis and increase the demand for CoQ10 in the body, but there is no definite data to support these claims.
Studies have shown benefits in
- Heart Health: Atherosclerosis, Hypertension and Chronic Heart failure (CHF).
- Statins and Beta Blockers can lower CoQ10 levels in some people with certain genetic factors, causing muscular pain.
An Anti-oxidant against Oxidative stress
CoQ10 is used in treatment of a variety of disorders primarily related to suboptimal cellular energy metabolism and oxidative injury.
- Diabetes and obesity are metabolic disorders induced by excessive dietary intake of fat, usually related to inflammation and oxidative stress. CoQ10 was found beneficial in treating high fat induced hyperlipidemia in rats, though it had no direct impact on diabetes.
- Anti-aging: protection from accelerated aging resulting from oxygen free-radical damage and inflammation.
- Fibromyalgia: particularly related to oxidative stress and headaches.
- Alzheimer’s: mice showed benefit related to oxidative stress and their behaviour improved.
Studies that have shown benefit and need further investigation
- Neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases have lowered CoQ10.
- Parkinsons: daily living was improved in early and mid stage.
- Migraine and cyclical vomiting, particularly in combination with magnesium citrate and riboflavin (B2); benefits for adults, children and in pregnancy.
- High blood pressure decreased without significant side effects.
- Cancer: some benefit in the cardiotoxicity from some chemotherapies.
- May be useful in breast and prostate cancer.
- Improved recovery after Cardiac Arrest.
Sources
Meat and fish are the richest dietary sources. Vegetable oils are quite rich sources. Parsley is the richest vegetable source, broccoli, grape, and cauliflower are modest sources. Avocado is the only fruit with high content. Frying reduces the content by 14-32%. Coenzyme Q10 appears to be a safe supplement with minimal side effects and low drug interaction potential.
We are happy to advise you on your health matters.
Lin Bridgeford DO KFRP MSCC ICAK (UK) MSc
Registered Osteopath & Kinesiologist & Yoga Teacher
Aether Bios Clinic
Saltdean
Tel: 01273 309557
Mobile: 07710 227038
