This is an important antioxidant that works within the mitochondria of all cells. Mitochondria are organelles ("mini organs") within cells) where energy production takes place. This information covers:

What is CoQ10?

CoEnzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance present in most eukaryotic cells (Human cells are all eukarotic cells), primarily in the mitochondria. Levels of CoQ10 fall naturally with aging and can be significantly impaired by statin (anti-cholesterol) and beta blockers (blood pressure medication). It is extremely safe to take. The following is somewhat technical but worth trying to get your head around. Please email us at if you get stuck or simply need further information.

CoEnzymeQ10 is a component of the electron transport chain (ETC) and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP. Ninety-five percent of the human body’s energy is generated this way. Therefore, those organs with the highest energy requirements—such as the heart, liver and kidney have the highest CoQ10 concentrations. There are three redox states of CoQ10: fully oxidized (ubiquinone), semiquinone (ubisemiquinone), and fully reduced (ubiquinol). The capacity of this molecule to exist in a completely oxidized form and a completely reduced form enables it to perform its functions in electron transport chain and as an antioxidant respectively.

Inhibition by statins and beta blockers

CoQ10 shares a common biosynthetic pathway with cholesterol. The synthesis of an intermediary precursor of CoQ10, mevalonate, is inhibited by some beta blockers, blood pressure-lowering medication, and statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins can reduce serum levels of CoQ10 by up to 40%. Some research suggests the logical option of supplementation with CoQ10 as a routine adjunct to any treatment that may reduce endogenous production of CoQ10, based on a balance of likely benefit against very small risk. People taking statins are also often advised to take a magnesium supplement, usually 400mg Magnesium Orotate since this may enhance the effect of CoQ10 supplementation.

Heart health

CoQ10 helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. There is evidence of CoQ10 deficiency in heart failure. Recently, CoQ10 plasma concentrations have been demonstrated as an independent predictor of mortality in chronic heart failure, CoQ10 deficiency being detrimental to the long-term prognosis of chronic heart failure. CoQ10 is available as medicine in several European countries, but is in these countries also available as a food supplement. Oxidation of the circulating LDL is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is the underlying disorder leading to heart attack and ischemic strokes and CHD. Studies in the last decade have demonstrated that the content of Ubiquinol in human LDL affords protection against the oxidative modifications of LDL themselves, thus lowering their atherogenic potency.

Migraine headaches

Supplementation of CoQ10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers of migraine headaches. So far, three studies have been done, of which two were small, did not have a placebo group, were not randomized, and were open-label, and one was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which found statistically significant results despite its small sample size of 42 patients. Dosages were 150 to 300 mg/day. It has been used effectively in the prophylaxis (prevention) of migraines, especially in combination with a daily supplement of magnesium citrate 500 mg and riboflavin (vitamin B2) 400 mg.

Cardiac arrest

Another recent study shows a survival benefit after cardiac arrest if CoQ10 is administered in addition to commencing active cooling of the body to 90–93 degrees Fahrenheit (32–34 degrees Celsius).

Blood pressure

There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure in human studies. A recent (2007) meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ10 for hypertension reviewed all published trials of CoQ10 for hypertension, and assessed overall efficacy, consistency of therapeutic action, and side-effect incidence. Meta-analysis was performed in 12 clinical trials (362 patients) comprising three randomized controlled trials, one crossover study, and eight open-label studies. The meta-analysis concluded that CoQ10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side-effects.

Periodontal disease

Studies have shown that diseased gum tissue is deficient in CoQ10 compared to healthy gum tissue. Human clinical trials have suggested a link between oral administration of CoQ10 and improved gingival health, immune response in gum tissues, and a reversal of the diseased gum conditions. In addition to oral supplementation, topical application of CoQ10 on gum tissues has been shown to improve periodontitis and gingivitis conditions.

Radiation injury

A 2002 study reported that, in rat experiments, CoQ10 taken as dietary supplement reduced radiation damage to the animals' blood.

Parkinson's disease

A 2002 study in 80 Parkinson's disease patients found 1200 mg/day reduced the progression by 44% and a phase III trial of 1200 mg/d and 2400 mg/d should run until 2011.

CoQ10 concentrations in foods and dietary intake

Detailed reviews on occurrence of CoQ10 and dietary intake were published recently. Besides endogenous synthesis, CoQ10 is also supplied to the organism by various foods. However, despite the scientific community’s great interest in this compound, a very limited number of studies have been performed to determine the contents of CoQ10 in dietary components. The first reports on this issue were published in 1959, but the sensitivity and selectivity of the analytical methods at that time did not allow reliable analyses, especially for products with low concentrations. Developments in analytical chemistry have since enabled a more reliable determination of CoQ10 concentrations in various foods (see table below).

Meat and fish are the richest source of dietary CoQ10 and levels over 50 mg/kg can be found in beef, pork and chicken heart, and chicken liver. Dairy products are much poorer sources of CoQ10 compared to animal tissues. Vegetable oils are also quite rich in CoQ10. Within vegetables, parsley, and perilla are the richest CoQ10 sources, but significant differences in their CoQ10 levels can be found in the literature. Broccoli, grape, and cauliflower are modest sources of CoQ10. Most fruit and berries represent a poor to very poor source of CoQ10, with the exception of avocado, with a relatively high CoQ10 content.

Intake

In the developed world, the estimated daily intake of CoQ10 has been determined at 3–6 mg per day, derived primarily from meat.

Biochemical role

CoQ10 is found in the membranes of many organelles. Since its primary function in cells is in generating energy, the highest concentration is found on the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. Some other organelles that contain CoQ10 include endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, lysosomes, and vesicles.

CoQ10 and electron transport chain (ETC)

CoQ10, fat-soluble and therefore mobile in cellular membranes, plays a unique role in the electron transport chain (ETC). In the inner mitochondrial membrane electrons from NADH and succinate pass through the ETC to the oxygen, which is then reduced to water. The transfer of electrons through ETC results in the pumping of H+ across the membrane creating a proton gradient across the membrane, which is used by ATP synthase (located on the membrane) to generate ATP. CoQ10 functions as an electron carrier from enzyme complex I and enzyme complex II to complex III in this process. This is crucial in the process, since no other molecule can perform this function. Thus, CoQ10 functions in every cell of the body to synthesize energy.

Antioxidant function of CoQ10

The antioxidant nature of CoQ10 derives from its energy carrier function. As an energy carrier, the CoQ10 molecule is continually going through an oxidation-reduction cycle. As it accepts electrons, it becomes reduced. As it gives up electrons, it becomes oxidized. In its reduced form, the CoQ10 molecule holds electrons rather loosely, so this CoQ10 molecule will quite easily give up one or both electrons and, thus, act as an antioxidant. CoQ10 inhibits lipid peroxidation by preventing the production of lipid peroxyl radicals (LOO). Moreover, CoQH2 reduces the initial perferryl radical and singlet oxygen, with concomitant formation of ubisemiquinone and H2O2. This quenching of the initiating perferryl radicals, which prevent propagation of lipid peroxidation, protects not only lipids, but also proteins from oxidation. In addition, the reduced form of CoQ10 effectively regenerates vitamin E from the a-tocopheroxyl radical and, thereby interfering with the propagation step. Furthermore, during oxidative stress, interaction of H2O2 with metal ions bound to DNA generates hydroxyl radicals and CoQ10 efficiently prevents the oxidation of bases, in particular, in mitochondrial DNA. In contrast to other antioxidants, this compound inhibits both the initiation and the propagation of lipid and protein oxidation. It also regenerates other antioxidants such as vitamin E. The circulating CoQ10 in LDL prevents oxidation of LDL, therefore, by providing its benefits in cardiovascular diseases.

Source: Wikipaedia

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