Quite a task when faced with variable (and questionable) quality of nutrients, in differing quantities, funnelled into all singing and dancing packaging, which at first glance seems a great deal, that is, until you peak under the bonnet!

 

In terms of ‘bang for buck’ due to its wide-reaching potential in clinical application and researched for over six decades, lets shine a light on this fascinating vitamin-like substance, Coenzyme CoQ10, highly revered by the scientific community.

 

CoQ10, first discovered in 1957 by Dr. Frederick Crane whilst carrying out research on beef heart mitochondria to understand the mechanisms of cellular respiration and energy production had significant impact on the scientific world, particularly in the fields of biochemistry, medicine, and cellular biology.

 

Just a year later in 1958, Dr. Karl Folkers synthesised the compound and determined its chemical structure; a benzoquinone ring and a long isoprenoid side chain with 10 isoprene units, giving its name (Q10), molecular formula C59H90O4, affectionally termed 2,3-Dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, quite a mouthful, lets stick to CoQ10!

Also known as ubiquinone due to its ubiquitous presence throughout the body, and from the Latin word "ubique," which means "everywhere" or "ubiquitous" and exists primarily in three redox states, with two major functions:

* Ubiquinone (oxidized form), for cellular energy production. Plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain within mitochondria, essential to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. Ultimately, turning the food we eat into energy we can use!

* Ubiquinol (reduced form), acting as a potent antioxidant. Prevents oxidative damage of mitochondria, cells and LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), caused by free radicals. Also has the ability to regenerate Vitamins C & E back to their active form.

* Ubisemiquinone (semiquinone form), an intermediate occurring between Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol during the process of electron transfer within the electron transport chain.

CoQ10’s natural affinity to transform across these states helps to think objectively when considering supplementation¹.

Dosage for efficacy has been variable across studies depending on the particular focus, though there seems a widely accepted view in supplementation of 100mgs.

Synergistic ingredients such as B-vitamins raise capacity for maximum efficacy within the body, whilst Ubiquinol in oil soft gel format delivers superior absorption.

Factors influencing CoQ10 levels:

Age, CoQ10 levels decrease with age at varying velocity depending on the tissue² subsequently affecting the cells’ ability to produce ATP, lowering energy output, as well as reducing antioxidant capacity. 

Dietary choices, the highest concentrations of CoQ10 are in animal sources such as organ meats; liver, heart and kidneys, fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, beef steak, pork and chicken. Vegan sources include soy, peanut, pistachio, broccoli and spinach, avocadoes, oranges and strawberries, and whole grains.

Ability to extract CoQ10 from food sources, metabolise, absorb and utilise with individual variation in stomach acid levels, digestive enzyme production, gut health and microbiome.

Activity level, energy hungry heart and muscle tissue working to a higher output during periods of exercise demands a higher production and turnover of ATP.

Genetics, variations in gene expression by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s) can influence CoQ10 biosynthesis and utilisation³.

Medications, statin use and potential benefit of CoQ10 supplementation has been extensively researched in favour where muscle pain and fatigue may be experienced as a result⁴.

While statins are among the most commonly recognised medications that may increase the need for CoQ10 supplementation, several other classes of medications may also potentially affect CoQ10 levels or metabolism.

Health condition and co-morbidities, NAFLD disease is on the rise, and it’s expected that over half the adult population by 2040 will suffer from this lifestyle driven condition⁵.

Considering the liver is a prime site for CoQ10 biosynthesis, downregulation in manufacture capability naturally declines production output.

Who might benefit from a CoQ10 supplement?

Due its fundamental role in energy production and antioxidant capability, potential therapeutic applications of CoQ10 may include:

• Chronic fatigue, post-viral fatigue syndrome⁶
• Metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus⁷
• Inflammatory conditions⁸
• High blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure^9,10,11
• Neurodegenerative diseases¹²
• Fertility in males, improving seminal quality, and especially sperm motility¹³, in infertile females undergoing fertility treatment, increasing pregnancy rates.¹⁴
• Ophthalmic health, particularly retinal health and protecting against degenerative eye diseases¹⁵

In addition, CoQ10 is well researched in support of oral health, specifically periodontal inflammation, gingivitis, plaque and bleeding gum reduction¹⁶. Recent research even points towards playing a positive role in the management of asthma¹⁷ and COPD¹⁸.

Given that the highest food sources of CoQ10 are of animal origin, vegan and vegetarian dietary choices may amplify a case for consideration of supplementation, particularly with age.

In summary, it might be thought, who doesn’t warrant a quality CoQ10 supplement?!

Well, I think those early twenties and under are pretty robust and can put their wallets back in their pocket, as for the rest of us, depending on where we are in our own health journey and what we’re trying to achieve, it might well require a consideration!

CoQ10 from reviveactive.com

Ubiquinol CoEnzymeQ10

30 liquid capsules | 100mg in each capsule

£29.95

Revive Active Super Supplement containing 150mg CoQ10

30 day sachets

£49.95

Sales enquiries: [email protected]

References

1. Mantle D, Dybring A. Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:386. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9050386

2. Díaz-Casado E, Quiles J,Barriocanal-Casado E,The Paradox of Coenzyme Q10 in Aging. Nutrients. 2019; 11:2221. DOI: 10.3390/nu11092221

3. Quinzii C, Hirano M. Coenzyme Q and Mitochondrial Disease. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2010; 16:183–188. DOI: 10.1002/ddrr.108

4. Qu H, Guo M, Chai H et al. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Statin‐Induced Myopathy: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2018; 7:19 https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835

5. Le M, Yeo Y, Zou B et al. Forecasted 2040 global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using hierarchical Bayesian approach Clin Mol Hepatol. 2022; 28:841–850. DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0239

6. Mantle D, Hargreaves I, Domingo J et al. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview. 2024; 25:574 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010574

7. Miyake Y, Shouzu A, Nishikawa M, et al. Effect of treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on serum coenzyme Q10 in diabetic patients. Arzneimittelforschung 1999; 49:324-9 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1300422

8. Varnousfaderani S, Musazadeh, Ghalichi F, et al Alleviating effects of coenzyme Q10 supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: results from an umbrella meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1191290. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1191290

9. Zhao D, Liang Y, Dai S. et al. Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2022; 13:2180–2194 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac100 10. Fladerer J, Grollitsch S. Comparison of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) and Reduced Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) as Supplement to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease and Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality. 2023;25: 1759–1767 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11886-023-01992-6

11. Lorenzo A, Lannuzzo G, Parlato A et al. Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement. J Clin Med. 2020; 9:1266. DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051266

12. Hernández-Camacho J, Bernier M, López-Lluch G et al. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Aging and Disease. Front. Physiol 2018; https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00044

13. Salvio G,Cutini M, Ciarloni A et al. Coenzyme Q10 and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10: 874 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10060874

14. Florou P, Anagnostis P, Theocharis P. Does coenzyme Q10 supplementation improve fertility outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials. 2020; 37:2377-2387 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01906-3

15. Zhang X, Tohari A,, Marcheggiani F. et al.Therapeutic Potential of Co-enzyme Q10 in Retinal Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2017; 24:4329-4339. DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170801100516

16. Golafrouz H, Shidfar F, Piran A. et al. Impact of dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 on periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PharmaNutrition 2023;23:100328 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phanu.2022.100328

17. Comhair S, Grandon D, Khan A, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015;191:1336–1338 doi: 10.1164/rccm.201412-2259LE

18. Zozina V, Covantev S, Kukes V et al. Coenzyme Q10 in COPD: An Unexplored Opportunity? Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2021; 18:114-122 https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2020.1849084