Coenzyme Q10: Do you need to supplement?

Overview

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (Q₁₀) deficiency was first associated with breast and other cancers more than fifty years ago.

Since then Q₁₀ deficiency has been linked to other chronic diseases.

Research suggests that supplementation with this coenzyme may improve several conditions. Anti-aging agent has been added to Q₁₀ health claims.

Alongside the health benefit claims of Q₁₀ supplementation are claims that suggest some supplements may be worthless. 

Q₁₀ supplements are readily available without prescription and it may seem that using these supplements is similar to taking a daily vitamin and mineral supplement to prevent deficiency.

But are you at risk for Q₁₀ deficiency? What is Q₁₀ and what does it do for you? Is the supplement you are taking effective or necessary?

This overview provides facts about coenzyme Q₁₀ and supplementation.

What is coenzyme Q₁₀

• Coenzyme Q₁₀ also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, CoQ₁₀, Q₁₀ and vitamin Q₁₀: naturally synthesised in your body
• Synthesised in and present in nearly all cells of your body
• As you age your requirement for the coenzyme increases while production decreases.

Functions of coenzyme Q₁₀

• Coenzyme Q₁₀ is a strong oxidation agent with three oxidation states
• Involved in metabolic processes which convert nutrients from food you consume, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids, to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the energy molecule

Metabolic processes include:

• Fatty acid oxidation, citric acid cycle,and electron transport chain ATP production
• Gluconeogenesis
• Branched chain amino acid metabolism
• Pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis: DNA synthesis
• Antioxidant

Link to the full article to learn more about coenzyme Q₁₀