Top Benefits of CoQ10

CoQ10 is a coenzyme. Enzymes make chemical reactions happen more quickly and efficiently in the body. A coenzyme is an assistant to an enzyme that helps it do its job. CoQ10 is used by the body in many chemical reactions that involve processing food for energy. 

CoQ10 is found in high amounts in vital organs like the heart, kidneys and brain. It’s so common in our bodies that it is categorized within the ubiquinone family of compounds; ubiquinone taking its meaning from the word “ubiquitous,” meaning it is constantly encountered throughout the body.

CoQ10’s primary role is in helping mitochondria, the power center of our cells, function properly. Perhaps you’ve heard of ATP, adenosine triphosphate. This is the chemical released by our body every time we contract a muscle. Essentially, it is the energy source that our body creates for our muscles to use. CoQ10 is involved in two different steps of the process that creates ATP, which is why it is so important to our health. A deficiency in CoQ10 can result in feelings of fatigue while serious genetic deficiencies can lead to severe health problems.*

CoQ10’s main claim to fame is it’s support of heart health. Due to its antioxidant properties it helps keep blood vessels flexible by reducing the stiffness and damage caused by free radicals.* The heart is a muscle, and as mentioned, CoQ10 helps the muscle’s energy sources replenish itself.* Studies have shown that CoQ10 offers positive benefits for the brain as it may help those with low mood and improve age-related memory loss.* Since it helps the body convert food to energy, some research has shown CoQ10 provides improvement for blood sugar levels.*

One of the most exciting areas of research concerning CoQ10 supplementation is how it affects those who use statins. Statins are prescribed for high cholesterol, but studies show that statin drugs can deplete CoQ10 in the body.* Taking a supplement may help restore the levels of CoQ10 for those who take such medications.* Some research shows that CoQ10 use can lessen muscle and nerve pain that often accompanies statin use.*

It’s difficult to get adequate levels of CoQ10 through diet alone. It’s found most abundantly in organ meats, but is also present in small amounts in oranges, strawberries, cauliflower and broccoli. At best you’ll get no more than 1-3 mg of CoQ10 in a serving of these food items.

Because it has a direct effect on energy sources, it’s best to take CoQ10 earlier in the day. Since CoQ10 is fat soluble, take it with food or a supplement that contains fat, such as fish oil, for better absorption.*

Most trials studying the benefits of CoQ10 use a dosage between 100mg-400mg. Supplementation with CoQ10 is necessary to effectively reap its extensive benefits.* Nature's Lab CoQ10 200 mg offers 200 mg of CoQ10 in one capsule. Both of Nature’s Lab’s multivitamins, One Daily and Six Daily contain 100 mg of CoQ10 per serving. If you are all in on supporting your heart and brain health as well as boosting your energy level, Nature's Lab CoQ10 + Alpha Lipoic Acid + Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl is a formula that checks all of these boxes with its synergistic blend of potent antioxidants.

References

Pagano, G., Aiello Talamanca, A., Castello, G., Cordero, M. D., d'Ischia, M., Gadaleta, M. N., Pallardó, F. V., Petrović, S., Tiano, L., & Zatterale, A. (2014, November 5). Current experience in testing mitochondrial nutrients in disorders featuring oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction: Rational design of Chemoprevention Trials. International journal of molecular sciences. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264162/ 

Semeco, A. (2017, October 12). 9 benefits of coenzyme Q10 (coq10). Healthline. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coenzyme-q10#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12 

Coenzyme Q10. Linus Pauling Institute. (2022, January 3). Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/coenzyme-Q10 

Team, T. D. C. (2020, June 17). Why coq10 for diabetes? TheDiabetesCouncil.com. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.thediabetescouncil.com/why-coq10-for-diabetes/