The substance commonly known as CoQ10 is a compound that occurs naturally in the body. It serves a variety of functions and works in every single cell. Here is a look at CoQ10, and the benefits you can get from supplementing with it. What is CoQ10? CoQ10, short for coenzyme-Q10, is a substance produced and used to some extent by every cell in the body. Because it is so ubiquitously used throughout the body, it plays a number of roles in different tissues and organ systems. The highest levels of CoQ10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The body's cells store CoQ10 in the mitochondria, which serve as the primary energy-houses in cells. CoQ10 Deficiency Although CoQ10 is produced naturally by the body, production tends to decrease with age. Hence, the risk of CoQ10 deficiency increases with age. The mitochondria also help prevent oxidative damage, which is a primary cause of the aging process. Hence, CoQ10 deficiency and increased issues due to aging tend to go hand-in-hand. When oxidative damage rise to a level beyond normal, health issues can arise. As a result a variety of chronic conditions have been associated with CoQ10 deficiency. In addition to aging, other causes of deficiency can include side effects such as statin treatment, mitochondrial disease, genetic defects in CoQ10 utilization, and other nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B6 deficiency).
The Benefits of Taking CoQ10
What follows are the potential benefits of supplementing with CoQ10. We recommend that you speak with a medical professional before taking CoQ10 or any other supplement for the first time. CoQ10 supplements are not intended to treat disease or substitute medical treatment where necessary.
- Preventing heart disease: CoQ10 has been shown to improve the symptoms of congestive heart failure. It also has potential to aid in the recovery of individuals recovering from heart valve and heart bypass surgeries, when taken alongside other nutrients. It is highly recommended for patients experiencing or recovering from heart disease.
- Improving the symptoms of diabetes can be possible with CoQ10. It has been shown to help improve insulin sensitivity, as well as regulate blood sugar levels. It has also demonstrated a capacity to reduce both fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C in those with type II diabetes. It's also been shown to increase the breakdown of fats, and prevent fat accumulation, in those with type II diabetes.
- Benefits the brain: Supplementing with CoQ10 helps bolster mitochondrial function, which helps prevent oxidative damage. The oxidative damage tends to affect the brain because of its high fatty acid content, and its need for oxygen. CoQ10 might reduce the accumulation of certain compounds from oxidative damage that cause neurological disease such as Alzheimer's.
- Reducing inflammation: Inflammation can occur throughout the body, and it contributes to many types of disease. CoQ10 deficiency is one of the deficiencies commonly associated with increased inflammation. Boosting physical performance might be possible with CoQ10. This is because CoQ10 is closely associated with energy production. Scientific findings on this benefit are mixed, though.
- Reducing headaches might be achieved by supplementing with CoQ10. The excessive release of free radicals, and diminished antioxidant activity, associated with low mitochondrial levels of CoQ10 can cause headaches. Studies have shown that taking CoQ10 is very beneficial in reducing headaches in those lacking sufficient levels of CoQ10.
CoQ10 is a nutrient that should not be underestimated for its variety of potential benefits. Preventing heart disease, improving blood sugar levels and reducing diabetes symptoms, bolstering the brain, and more are all possible with CoQ10. Talk to a medical professional if this supplement is of interest to you.