What is CoQ10?
CoQ10, also known as coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone, is a naturally-occurring compound found in every cell in your body. It is vital for healthy heart and muscle function, among other things.
Why is Coenzyme Q10 Important?
CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the form of ATP in your mitochondria. These are the energy powerhouse of your cells. Every cell in your body needs enough of this coenzyme to have enough energy to work properly.
What is Associated with Low Levels of CoQ10?
Low levels of CoQ10 are found in patients with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, Parkinson’s disease and those on cholesterol-lowering medications called statin drugs. CoQ10 supplementation has been proven to improve these conditions. Taking CoQ10 also helps diabetics improve their blood sugar control and blood pressure. Topical application of CoQ10 in the mouth can help with periodontal (gum) disease.
What Causes Low Levels of CoQ10?
Statin medications can reduce levels of ubiquinone, and cause fatigue, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness, nighttime cramping, and tendon pain. We always recommend supplementation if you are taking statin drugs.
Recent research has also suggested a role for CoQ10 in infertility.
The Best Food Sources of CoQ10 (mg per serving)
Pork heart (24 mg)
Beef heart (4.8 mg)
Chicken leg (2.0 mg)
Herring (0.7 mg)
Trout (1.1 mg)
What are the Best CoQ10 Supplements?
Not crazy about those food options? Quality supplements are available through excellent manufacturers like Metagenics, Douglas Labs and Xymogen. Metagenics has formulated a nanomicelle CoQ10 that delivers 1,000 times smaller molecules than other formulas, which places the active ingredient closer to cell membranes. It has been demonstrated in a study to be more bioavailable, increasing plasma levels by 25-50%, so less supplementation is required. Douglas Labs offers a lozenge that may help gum disease. Xymogen’s CoQMax has been shown in clinical trials to be over eight times more absorbable than powdered CoQ10 and more than twice as bioavailable as other oil-based or so-called “nano”-dispersed formulas on the market.
If you are thinking of supplementing with Coenzyme Q10, it’s best to speak to one of our naturopaths for expert advice about which one is best for you. Call us at 416-481-0222 or book online here.
Authored by Dr Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), Naturopath
CoQ10 References:
Skarlovnik A, Janić M, Lunder M, Turk M, Šabovič M. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreases statin-related mild-to-moderate muscle symptoms: a randomized clinical study. Med Sci Monit. 2014 Nov 6;20:2183-8. doi: 10.12659/MSM.890777.
Wang LW, Jabbour A, Hayward CS, Furlong TJ, Girgis L, Macdonald PS, Keogh AM. Potential role of coenzyme Q10 in facilitating recovery from statin-induced rhabdomyolysis. Intern Med J. 2015 Apr;45(4):451-3. doi: 10.1111/imj.12712.
Ben-Meir A, Burstein E, Borrego-Alvarez A, Chong J, Wong E, Yavorska T, Naranian T, Chi M, Wang Y, Bentov Y, Alexis J, Meriano J, Sung HK, Gasser DL, Moley KH, Hekimi S, Casper RF, Jurisicova A. Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging Cell. 2015 Oct;14(5):887-95. doi: 10.1111/acel.12368. Epub 2015 Jun 26.