CoQ10 for Cellular Function and Mitochondrial Health

CoQ10 is fast emerging as a popular dietary supplement. The number of individuals using CoQ10 has risen from 2 million to a staggering 24 million within a space of 16 years. With this mind-blowing statistic, let’s get into what makes CoQ10 so popular among the health conscious and what it is good for?

CoQ10 is a compound that occurs in most living beings. It is produced by nearly all the cells and stored in the mitochondria, where it is used to create energy for healthy cellular functions. We produce less CoQ10 when we get older. Besides, some cancers and heart diseases are linked to low levels of CoQ10. We don’t have enough evidence to suggest whether low levels of this enzyme cause these diseases or CoQ10 deficiency occurs due the stress placed by these ailments. At the same time, experts agree on the importance of CoQ10 to cellular function and mitochondrial health and that low levels may play a role in impairing these functions.

Here is all you need to know about CoQ10 and its relevance to our health.

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10 (also known as Coenzyme Q10) is naturally produced in the body and performs some amazing functions – including working as a powerful anti-oxidant and critical player in the energy making process. In its active form, it is known as ubiquinol or ubiquinone.

CoQ10 levels are usually high in organs that experience high rates of metabolism. These organs include the kidney, heart, and liver. It is also interesting to note that CoQ10 is not typically seen as a “vitamin”, because all living things including humans, can synthesize small quantities of this compound without using food as a source.

How CoQ10 Works?

All cells contain tiny organelles known as mitochondria that convert fat and other nutrients into energy in our cells. And CoQ10 is irreplaceable in the process of energy production, meaning you can’t make energy without CoQ10.

Furthermore, Coq10 also defends cells from oxidative damage, harmful bacteria and viruses. Its anti-oxidant properties are as a result of its ability to donate and receive electrons in some of its forms. Coq10 also aids other enzymes that are involved in digestion of food.

Also, as a potent antioxidant, Coq10 enhances absorption of essential nutrients. This coenzyme recycles other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E by donating its electrons. This action helps enhance the effects of other antioxidants and vitamins that are already at work in the body.

Even though your body can produce some amounts of coenzyme Q10, the rate at which it is naturally produced declines as you get older – a period when your body is most vulnerable to various health conditions. Maintaining a healthy level of Coq10, either through diet or supplements, is essential to our well-being.

Benefits to Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Function

CoQ10 Nurtures Natural Energy

Coenzymeq10 plays a significant role in the conversion of energy from carbohydrates and fats into an energy source, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for cells to use. This process is known as mitochondrial ATP synthesis.

A report organized by the Oregon State University demonstrated that this process requires the presence of CoQ10 in the mitochondrial membrane.

During the utilization of carbohydrates in the mitochondria, there is a movement of electrons within the adenosine molecule, thus creating ADP or adenosine diphosphate (1).

Concurrently, Coq10 controls the flow of protons inside the mitochondria to the exterior of the mitochondrial membrane. Energy is released when the protons come back inside the mitochondrial membrane, and adenosine diphosphate is wholly synthesized (1).

CoQ10 Reduces Oxidative Damage

Oxidative damage caused by unstable molecules (free radicals) in our bodies results in aging, and accompanying deterioration of health.

According to a review published in 2015, CoQ10, the water- and fat-soluble antioxidant can restrict the oxidative degeneration of lipids, which occurs when low-density lipoproteins and cell membranes come in contact with external oxidizing agents (2).

Another review published in 2018 discovered that Coq10 in the mitochondria, protects membrane proteins and DNA from oxidative damage resulting from the degeneration of lipids, and inhibits toxins involved in age related diseases such as renal failure and cardiovascular diseases (3).

CoQ10 Reverses Effects of Aging

According to a review article published in 2018, the levels of Coq10 become lower in our tissues as we grow older resulting in deterioration of organs and energy metabolism (3).

Although the consumption of coenzyme Q10 does not affect lifespan, it can reverse the effects of aging. Results from a randomized controlled trial published in 2015 showed that the elderly participants showed signs of improvement in their health and physical performance after given Coq10 supplements.

CoQ10 improves symptoms of heart failure

Many studies have explored the role of CoQ10 in heart health. CoQ10, with its dual function as an anti-oxidant as well as an important player in the process of producing energy, works as an extremely important nutrient for healthy functioning of your heart. And that’s what most studies have found.

It is not at all surprising as your heart is one of the most ‘energy-consuming’ organs in the body. Think about it. Your heart beats continuously without ever taking a break. It needs lots of energy to do this amount of work day and night. And that’s why CoQ10 plays an exceptionally crucial role in maintaining your heart health. Low CoQ10 would mean a weak, tired heart without much energy to carry out its function, which is to pump out blood to various organs in the body. This can result in heart failure.

A very prominent study, Q-SYMBIO trial, found that Coq10 supplementation can improve many symptoms associated with heart failure. CoQ10 also lowers the risk of urgent hospitalization and the need of transplantation. (4) This way CoQ10 stands out as one of the most heart-healthy nutrients, besides vitamin D, magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids.

CoQ10 Provides an Environment with Optimum PH Levels

In our cells, Coq10 maintains an ideal PH level by transporting proteins and isolating distinct digestive enzymes from other parts of the cell. This process creates an environment where diseases are unlikely to develop, especially in conditions that are not acidic.

For numerous reasons, probably including its capabilities to nurture proper pH levels, studies including a 2011 article showed that coenzyme Q10 could help enhance the immune function of our bodies and lower the risk of certain diseases (5).

CoQ10 Helps with Cognitive Disorders

Increased oxidative stress in a part of the brain known as the substantia nigra is believed to be a contributing factor to the symptoms of conditions such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s.

Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to counter declines in mitochondrial electron transport chain activity that influences your brain functions and your nerve channels. Additionally, according to a 2018 report of a randomized, placebo-controlled study, which is still ongoing, CoQ10 supplementation can help improve symptoms, such as fatigue, depression and anxiety, associated with schizophrenia. CoQ10 achieves this by its ability to “restore electron flow in the electron transfer chain and increase mitochondrial antioxidant capacity.” (6).

This observation suggests that the coenzyme might be beneficial in improving cognitive functions and health.

6. CoQ10 Counters Effects of Statin Drugs

Statins are a class of drugs which reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They perform this function by reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood.

These drugs interfere with the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme which is relevant to the production of cholesterol. However, this enzyme is also responsible for the synthesis of Coq10. The resulting decline in the levels of coenzyme Q10 negatively impacts our health and may lead to many side effects such as muscle pain and weakness.

The Oschner Journal in 2010 suggested that elderly athletes who were on statins would benefit significantly from taking Coq10 supplements. The supplements will be able to reduce the side effects of the inhibitors (7).

Studies show that CoQ10 supplements may help reduce the severity of side effects caused by chronic use of statins. For example, this study found that supplementing with 50 mg CoQ10 twice daily can lower mild muscular symptoms that are triggered by statin use. [8]

Coq10 Minimizes Complications Related to Heart Surgeries

Coq10 also shows potential in reducing the risks of complications developing in people who have undergone cardiac surgery.

A systematic review and analysis conducted in 2015 revealed that patients who were administered Coq10 before heart surgeries were less likely to experience associated complications (9).

How to Increase CoQ10 with Supplements and Food

As previously stated, tissue levels of Coq10 get depleted as we grow older hence the need to get more of it from other sources (10).

Since coenzymeq10 is relevant in the production of energy, it occurs ideally in organ meats such as animal liver, kidney, and heart. It also exists in pork, chicken, beef and fatty fish such as salmon (11).

Although the highest concentrations of CoQ10 occur in animal products, there are other sources that are also good. Oils made from soybeans, olives, and nuts contain adequate Coq10. Unrefined Italian oils are considered the ones with the highest Coq10 content. Additionally, nuts provide sufficient levels of the coenzyme for your intake while vegetables and fruits are not a very good source of CoQ10 (11).

Another way to increase our Coq10 levels is through the use of CoQ10 supplements.

According to an article by the Oregon State University, your diet and the natural production of Coq10 provides adequate amounts needed by the cells to function correctly (2). Supplements assist individuals who are elderly and are on statin drugs, those with cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (11).

Conclusion

The health benefits of CoQ10 include:

Protecting cells against oxidative stress
Slowing downs cellular aging caused by oxidative damage
Reducing the risk of side effects caused by statins
Improving heart failure symptoms
Reducing the risk of complications arising from cardiac surgeries

Most experts agree that oral CoQ10 supplements may not be very effective in increasing CoQ10 levels in the body. However, using liposomal CoQ10 supplements is a great way to boost your levels. Liposomal way of delivering nutrients directly to the cells and tissues ensures higher bio-availability and improved absorption.

References:

Coenzyme Q10 (n.d).Retrieved July 21, 2018. From http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/coenzyme-Q10
Nimalaratne C, et al. Hen Egg as an Antioxidant Food Commodity: A Review. 2015 Sep 24;7(10):8274-93.
Gutierrez-Mariscal FM, et al. Coenzyme Q10: From bench to clinic in aging diseases, a translational review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018 Feb 16:1-18. [PubMed]
Mortensen SA et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blind trial. JACC Heart Fail. 2014
Saini R. Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011 Jul;3(3):466-7.
Áine M, et al. The Impact of coenzyme q10 on the cognitive deficits and symptoms of schizophrenia: Protocol and baseline data of a randomised, placebo-controlled study. Schizophr Bull. 2018 Apr; 44(Suppl 1): S357.
Deichmann R et al. Coenzyme q10 and statin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Ochsner J. 2010 Spring;10(1):16-21.
Skarlovnik et al. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Decreases Statin-Related Mild-to-Moderate Muscle Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Study. Medical Science Monitor. 2014
de Frutos F, et al. Prophylactic treatment with coenzyme Q10 in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: could an antioxidant reduce complications? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2015 Feb;20(2):254-9.
Garrido-Maraver J, et al. Coenzyme q10 therapy. Mol Syndrome. 2014 Jul;5(3-4):187-97. [PubMed]
Pravst I, et al. Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Apr;50(4):269-80.