What is CoenzymeQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important aid in the proper functioning of a healthy body. It is found in all parts of the body but is most abundant in the heart and brain. CoQ10 acts like a vitamin, helping to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive particles that constantly seek to stabilize themselves and, in doing so, damage our bodies and destroy cells. As a result, they cause oxidative stress, which means they damage our cells, which can cause them to die or even become cancerous. A healthy person's body produces sufficient amounts of CoQ10. However, as we age, our bodies find it increasingly difficult to produce enough CoQ10 to maintain a healthy balance.

Let's take a closer look - what exactly does CoQ10 do for us?

CoQ10 exists in several forms within our cells: an oxidized form , it is then called ubiquinone ; and a reduced form , called ubiquinol .

The reduced form refers to the chemical status of CoQ10, which is the opposite of the oxidized form.

This simply means that CoQ10 in its ubiquinol (i.e. reduced) form can neutralize free radicals in the body (meaning it works as an antioxidant), while the oxidized form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone) helps our cells produce energy.

So the human body uses both forms.

The role of CoQ10 as an antioxidant

Antioxidants are substances that protect our bodies from oxidative damage, often caused by free radicals. Ubiquinol can neutralize these free radicals, rendering them harmless, and thus protect our bodies from chemical damage. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E offer essentially the same protection as CoQ10. However, CoQ10 is much better as an antioxidant because each unit of CoQ10 can protect us twice as much from the effects of free radicals. Additionally, CoQ10 helps vitamins like C and E work better and more effectively, which means even greater antioxidant power.

The role of CoQ10 in energy production

Coenzyme Q10 also plays an important role in keeping the human body alive and healthy. The oxygen we breathe is carried by our blood throughout the body. In fact, this oxygen is used inside our cells to fuel the power plants that create the energy we need to live, breathe, move, and laugh. Unfortunately, during this process, free radicals are produced as part of the natural reaction. In a healthy body, these free radicals are captured and deactivated by antioxidants, such as CoQ10 or vitamins. Our body essentially protects itself from the damage caused by these free radicals from power plants. A healthy lifestyle, with fresh fruits and vegetables and a clean environment, helps us maintain this internal protection during our youth.

Our natural reserve of CoQ10

Our CoQ10 production works best when we are between the ages of 20 and 30. When our bodies produce the very useful CoQ10, they also produce cholesterol at the same time, using similar building blocks. The end product is not at all the same, even though they started out the same way. It's a bit like different buildings start as bricks, but one becomes a hospital and the other a family home. In a healthy person with a healthy lifestyle, this dual production is not a problem. However, more and more people are now taking statins to lower their blood cholesterol levels. Statins are highly effective medications that block the production of cholesterol in our bodies. Unfortunately, this means they also prevent our bodies from producing CoQ10, which is necessary to maintain a healthy balance in our system.

How can I help my body get enough CoQ10?

CoQ10, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the form of tablets, capsules, or drops, is based on a yeast fermentation process, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. CoQ10 is prepared for the consumer market by being processed into ubiquinol or ubiquinone capsules. Clinical studies have shown that a CoQ10 oil formulation takes approximately 5 to 8 hours to reach our bloodstream after being swallowed. The capsule opens in the stomach and releases the CoQ10. At this point, the ubiquinol in the capsule is usually oxidized to ubiquinone, unless protective antioxidants are added to the capsule to preserve the reduced form. A good balance of CoQ10 in the body is achieved after approximately 1 to 2 weeks, which means that the positive effects of CoQ10 supplements are not immediately registered but slowly increase over a short period.

Why do I need a CoQ10 supplement?

An infection, a short-term illness, or a pre-existing condition can throw a healthy body out of balance. This imbalance leads to metabolic stress, meaning our bodies have to work harder to stay healthy. As we age, or even when we're not able to live as healthily as we should, a lack of CoQ10 can affect how we feel and how our bodies function. In these situations, more and more free radicals are produced, causing oxidative stress. By taking a good-quality CoQ10 supplement, we can help our bodies fight free radicals and protect our organs from damage.

Can CoQ10 help my heart?

Our cells use the oxygen we breathe to produce the energy that keeps our bodies alive. It is normal for free radicals to be produced during this process. In a healthy body, these free radicals are captured and deactivated by antioxidants, such as CoQ10 or vitamins. However, during times of stress or illness, the production and regeneration of antioxidants can be severely limited, leading to a buildup of free radicals in the body. Free radicals disrupt the proper functioning of our cells and impair a healthy metabolism. A twice-daily dose of 100 mg has been shown to help patients suffering from fatigue and shortness of breath, which are linked to heart disease.

Summary

Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplements are well tolerated and safe for patients with cardiovascular disease. Taking a CoQ10 supplement can reduce free radical damage in our bodies caused by stress, illness, or advanced age. Patients with heart disease felt less fatigued and less short of breath when taking a daily dose of CoQ10.

Bibliographic references

• Bentinger, M. et al. The antioxidant role of coenzyme Q. Mitochondrion, 2007;7.
• Mantle, D. et al. Bioavailability of coenzyme q10: An overview of the absorption process and subsequent metabolism. Antioxidants, 2020;9.
• Rabanal-Ruiz, Y. et al. The use of coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants, 2021;10.
• Bhagavan, H. et al. Plasma coenzyme Q10 response to oral ingestion of coenzyme Q10 formulations. Mitochondrion, 2007;7.