CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q, and abbreviated at times to CoQ₁₀, CoQ, Q10, or Q) is abenzoquinone, where Q refers to the quinone chemical group, and 10 refers to theisoprenyl chemical subunits.

This oil-soluble vitamin-like substance is present in most eukaryotic cells, primarily in the mitochondria. It is a component of the electron transport chain 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 and the liver – have the highest CoQ₁₀ concentrations.

Supplementation

Because of its ability to transfer electrons and therefore act as an antioxidant, Coenzyme Q is also used as a dietary supplement. When one is younger the body can synthesize Q₁₀ from the lower-numbered ubiquinones such as Q₆ or Q₈. The elderly and sick may not be able to make enough, thus Q₁₀ becomes a vitamin later in life and in illness.

Disease Prevention

Mitochondrial disorders: Supplementation of Coenzyme Q₁₀ is a treatment for some of the very rare and serious mitochondrial disorders and other metabolic disorders, where patients are not capable of producing enough coenzyme Q₁₀ because of their disorder. Coenzyme Q₁₀ is then prescribed by a physician.
Migraine headaches: Supplementation of Coenzyme Q₁₀ 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.
Cancer: It is also being investigated as a treatment for cancer, and as relief from cancer treatment side-effects.
Brain health and neurodegenerative diseases: Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant properties of coenzyme Q₁₀ benefit the body and the brain in animal models. Some of these studies indicate that coenzyme Q₁₀ protects the brain from neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson's although it does not relieve the symptoms. Dosage was 300 mg per day.
Cardiac arrest: Another recent study shows a survival benefit after cardiac arrest if coenzyme Q₁₀ is administered in addition to commencing active cooling (to 32–34 degrees Celsius).
Blood pressure: There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ₁₀ on blood pressure in human studies. In a recent meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ₁₀ for hypertension, a research group led by Professor Frank Rosenfeldt (Director, Cardiac Surgical Research Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) reviewed all published trials of Coenzyme Q₁₀ 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 research group concluded that coenzyme Q₁₀ 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.
Lifespan: Studies have shown that low dosages of coenzyme Q₁₀ reduce oxidation and DNA double-strand breaks, and a combination of a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation leads to a longer lifespan in rats.

CoQ10 is found in the following products:

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