Spotlight on Coenzyme - Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), or ubiquinone, is known for its key role in mitochondrial energy production; it is present in cell membranes and blood plasma and occurs in particularly high levels in the liver, heart, kidneys, muscles and other tissues with high energy requirements. CoQ10 is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent able to prevent damage induced by free radicals and inflammatory pathways. It also affects expression of genes involved in cell signalling, metabolism and transport (1).

The body is able to manufacture CoQ10 but the capacity for CoQ10 production decreases with age meaning deficiency becomes more common as we get older.

CoQ10 Deficiency

CoQ10 deficiencies can be due to genetic mutations, mitochondrial diseases, age-related oxidative stress and carcinogenic processes. It can also be a side effect of statin treatment. Many neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia and cardiovascular diseases are associated with low levels of CoQ10 (1).

Supplementing with CoQ10 can improve energy and antioxidant capacity and can provide significant symptomatic benefits in many diseases.

CoQ10 and Ageing

CoQ10 levels decline in some tissues with ageing. Supplementation with CoQ10 has shown benefits as an anti-ageing agent, especially under conditions associated with increased oxidative stress and in age related disorders such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (2,3).

Tissue fibrosis is implicated in the age-related loss of function of various organs including the heart. Clinical studies have found that CoQ10 supplementation may decrease cardiovascular fibrosis which affects many older people. This reduces inflammation, improves cardiovascular function and reduces the risk of deaths from cardiovascular problems through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions (4,5). 

CoQ10 and Migraines

CoQ10 can be used to reduce migraine duration and the number of migraine days per month (6).

CoQ10 and Skin Health

Levels of CoQ10 are known to diminish with age which affects cellular health and the cell’s ability to regenerate. CoQ10 reduces some visible signs of ageing, significantly reduces wrinkles and micro-relief lines, and improves skin smoothness (7).

Summary of Uses of CoQ10

As we age, our bodies produce less CoQ-10 meaning supplementation becomes more important as time goes on. Supplementation with CoQ10 could also be useful for those with (8):

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Neuronal degenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Degenerative muscle disorders such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome
• Migraine
• Cancer
• Low energy
• Anyone taking statins

Tom Oliver Nutrition’s CoQ10 contains a patented form of CoQ10 identical to the CoQ10 which is produced by the body.

Supplements in the range that may complement Tom Oliver’s CoQ10 include Magnesium, vitamin D with K2, curcumin complete and omega 3.

References

1. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014 Jan 1;19:619-33. Clinical applications of coenzyme Q10. Garrido-Maraver J et al.
2. 2019 Sep 14;11(9):2221. The Paradox of Coenzyme Q 10in Aging. Diaz-Casado ME et al.
3. Curr Drug Metab. 2016;17(4):345-58. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation and Exercise in Healthy Humans: A Systematic Review. Sarmiento A et al.
4. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2019;1178:103-112. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Fibrosis and Aging. Hargreaves IP, Mantle D.
5. Mech Ageing Dev. 2021 Jul;197:111521. Coenzyme Q 10supplementation – In ageing and disease. Aaseth J et al.
6. Acta Neurol Scand. 2019 Mar;139(3):284-293. Efficacy of CoQ10 as supplementation for migraine: A meta-analysis. Zeng Z et al.
7. 2017 Jan 2;43(1):132-140. The effect of dietary intake of coenzyme Q10 on skin parameters and condition: Results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Zmitek K et al.
8. 2021 May 17;13(5):1697. Coenzyme Q 10: Clinical Applications beyond Cardiovascular Diseases. Testai L et al.