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CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or uniquinone, is part of an enzyme complex that affects certain chemicals in our bodies.
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It occurs naturally in the body and is found in highest amounts in the mitochondria, where cellular energy is created. CoQ10 levels are highest in the hardest-working tissues of the body, especially the heart.
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CoQ10 was first identified in 1957. Particularly high amounts were found in heart tissue, which is why researchers became interested in the connection between CoQ10 and heart disease.
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Studies in the 1960s found a possible connection between cancer (especially breast cancer) and low levels of CoQ10 in the blood. Some lab studies have suggested CoQ10 may have a role as an immune system booster. Ongoing studies are still investigating the effectiveness of CoQ10 for many diseases.
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CoQ10 is an antioxidant and helps to protect cells from damage caused by the body’s own free radicals. The body produces free radicals in the normal course of energy production. However as we get older our bodies generate an excess of free radicals. This can be harmful for individuals whose body is not producing enough CoQ10 and other antioxidants to control these free radicals.
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Why Supplement with CoQ10?
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As we age there is a decline in the amount of CoQ10 our body produces. Therefore taking a daily CoQ10 supplement especially as we age, can increase cell energy levels and strengthen the body’s immune function.
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For chronic conditions larger dosages are recommended and it is not possible to get large amounts of CoQ10 from diet alone.
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Increased Energy – CoQ10 is involved in the energy creation process in the body. 95% of all the human body’s energy requirements (ATP) is converted with the aid of CoQ10. Supplementing with CoQ10 may be beneficial for people with low energy reserves, active and busy people, and for post-exercise recovery.
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Cardiovascular Support – CoQ10 helps maintain heart health. CoQ10 levels are especially low in patients with heart disease. Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 mean the heart lacks the energy to keep it running normally. It is thought that supplementing with CoQ10 assists in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.
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CoQ10 levels are reported to be low in patients with some chronic diseases muscular dystrophies, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels. It is thought that CoQ10 may be of some benefit for these conditions.
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There is no recommended daily allowance for coQ10. The doses below are a guide and it is recommended that you talk to your health care professional to ascertain what is best for your particular circumstance.
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50 - 100 mg per day. As a general supplement during aging and for fatigue a dosage of 50-100 mg per day is recommended.
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100 – 200 mg per day. For heart disease including hypertension, cholesterol management, circulation and other chronic problems a dosage of 100 -200 mg per is recommended.
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CoQ10 is found in the food we eat. However, the average diet only provides about 10 mg a day and it is not possible to get high dosages from diet alone.
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The best sources of CoQ10 is in organ meats (heart, liver, kidney), soya and canola oil, sardines, herrings, mackerel, nuts, seeds and beef muscle. Other sources are chicken, pork, other fish, eggs, spinach, broccoli. Note that refining grains removes considerable amounts of CoQ10, so whole grains are recommended.
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Links to Useful CoEnzyme Q10 Information
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