Coenzyme Q10/CoQ10

Introduction

Coenzyme Q10, which is also known as ubidecarenone, is often abbreviated to CoQ10, Q10 or Coenzyme Q. The Q in CoQ10 refers to the quinine chemical group to which it belongs, while the 10 points refer to the subunits of isoprenyl chemicals it contains.

CoQ10 was discovered in 1957 by a group of researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Enzyme Institute headed by Professor Fred L. Crane. Professor Karl Folkers of Merck reported the substance’s chemical structure and composition a year after that.

CoQ10 is an chain-breaking antioxidant that is liposoluble and is associated with lipoproteins and membranes. The substance, which is found in most human cells, helps the body convert food into energy which the body needs to function. The liver and the heart are among the body parts that contain the highest concentrations of CoQ10, as these are the organs that require high amounts of energy.

The human body has its own free radicals or compounds that destroy cells, and an excess production of these free radicals occurs as a person gets older. This is further increased with exposure to pollution and radiation, and a person who has an excess production of free radicals and reduced amounts of CoQ10, faces a lot of health problems. Thus, they need more CoQ10 in their body, since this is an antioxidant that curbs the increase of free radicals; therefore, reducing and preventing cell and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage.

Sources of CoQ10

CoQ10 already naturally occurs in the body, but as you age, the production of CoQ10 in your body declines. This substance cannot be sourced in large amounts from diet alone, so CoQ10 supplementation is required to increase your body’s CoQ10 content.

Increasing the body’s supply of CoQ10 is imperative, especially for those who have chronic health problems like Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Cancer, and Parkinson’s Disease among others. The intake of prescription drugs can also lower your body’s supply of CoQ10.

You can also increase your body’s CoQ10 level by eating CoQ10-rich foods like mackerel and fresh herring. The red and white tissue of fresh mackerel is said to yield 67 and 15 μg/g concentrations of CoQ10, while that of the fresh herring is said to yield 15 to 24 μg/g concentrations of CoQ10. The fresh heart tissue of these fish products can however yield 105 to 148 μg/g concentrations of coQ10.

Other foods that are rich in CoQ10 include:

• Pork Heart (24mg for every 120 grams)
• Soybean Oil (9.2mg for every 100 grams)
• Canola Oil (7.3mg for every 100 grams)
• Chicken leg (2mg for every 120 grams)
• Sesame Seeds Oil (3.2mg for every 100 grams)

However, frying reduces the CoQ10 content of foods by 14 to 32 percent.

Eating vegetables like Spinach and Broccoli can also increase your body’s CoQ10 content.

Benefits of CoQ10

Powerful Antioxidant

CoQ10 has the ability to transfer electrons, making it an ideal antioxidant and dietary supplement that is beneficial for people who are older or those who are sick. As an antioxidant, the CoQ10 attacks free radicals and improves cellular energy production.

Reducing Migraines

Patients who have metabolic or mitochondrial disorders and who could not produce the CoQ10 their body needs, are required to supplement with CoQ10. Even those who suffer from minor illnesses like migraines can benefit from CoQ10 supplements.

Protecting From Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer

CoQ10 is also being eyed as a possible protection from neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. Research is also being made to investigate the efficacy of CoQ10 in treating cancer, and in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments for cancer.

Reducing Hypertension

Regular intake of CoQ10 supplements can also lower the blood pressure of hypertensive patients. Taking CoQ10 can lower both the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure.

Aside from these illnesses, CoQ10 can also be a potential treatment for those with congestive heart failure, angina, arrhythmias, diabetes, obesity, male infertility and gingivitis.

Conclusion

Some of those who are taking in CoQ10 have complained of getting skin eruptions, nausea and symptoms of anorexia. There is as yet no report on the toxicity level of CoQ10 but those who already have heart failure should check with their doctors before taking in CoQ10 supplements.

While the use of CoQ10 has been proven beneficial to adults, there is as yet no information regarding its use by children. It is better to consult your health care provider before taking in CoQ10 supplements whether for adults or children to make sure that it will not have any adverse effect on your health.