About CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, commonly shortened to CoQ10, is a fat-soluble nutrient found throughout the human body. Recently, CoQ10 has become very popular as a dietary supplement and nutritional medicine. Though evidence is still under investigation, CoQ10 shows promise in preventing or treating common disorders. It is also referred to as ubiquinone.

Biological Function

The "Q" in Coenzyme Q-10 refers to quinone, a chemical family that includes CoQ10 and several other biologically essential substances, such as vitamin K1. This is also reflected by the chemical's other name, ubiquinone--a blend of "ubiquitous" because it is found throughout the body, and "quinone" because of its chemical makeup.
CoQ10 is present in nearly every cell of the body, and is collected in cellular mitochondria. It is an essential part of the process of cellular respiration, which creates ATP, the nucleotide responsible for nearly all of the body's energy production. Though it is found throughout the body, CoQ10 is most highly concentrated in the organs that require the most energy transfer, such as the heart.

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects

Levels of CoQ10 are highest in young people, but tend to decrease with age. Though long-term studies have not yet investigated the link between CoQ10 and aging, it is possible that decreased CoQ10 levels are an underlying cause of many age-related conditions, such as heart disease, macular degeneration and dementia.
Additionally, CoQ10 shows powerful antioxidant effects, meaning that it may protect the body against free radicals that lead to cellular damage. Supplementation from CoQ10 may reduce signs of free-radical damage, such as wrinkles, and, like other antioxidants, the substance may offer protection against some forms of cancer.

Dietary Supplementation

Dietary supplements containing CoQ10, ranging in dose from 25 to 500 mg, are very popular. Both healthy people and those with medical conditions use CoQ10 as an energy enhancer, antioxidant, diet supporter and immunity enhancer. It is also a popular addition to sports supplements and may enhance exercise performance.
CoQ10 is available in the form of a capsule or softgel, and may also be a component of powder supplements. CoQ10 supplements often contain vitamin E for added absorption and prolonged shelf life, and some manufacturers also produce combinations of CoQ10 and fish oil. Because CoQ10 is fat soluble, additional fatty foods or supplements can help to enhance absorption.

Medicinal Uses

Major medical institutions and universities have studied CoQ10 for its potential medicinal effects. CoQ10 may help to relieve pain from migraine headaches and it is believed to support a healthy central nervous system. It is most often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including angina, hypertension, cardiac arrest and congestive heart failure.
Because of its powerful free-radical scavenging effects, CoQ10 may also assist in the treatment or prevention of some types of cancer. It has been used to decrease the painful symptoms of cancer and to relieve the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. CoQ10 especially shows promise in preventing heart damage from Anthracycline, a chemotherapy often associated with cardiomyopathy.

Dangers and Risks

Though CoQ10 may help protect the heart and other organs from damage due to chemo, it should only be taken by cancer patients with the guidance of a physician, since antioxidants can decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy. No other medication interactions are known, but consumers should use caution when taking CoQ10 with drugs that affect the liver or are known to lower platelet count.
Only a physician can accurately diagnose or treat a serious medical condition. While CoQ10 may be an effective treatment when used as a complement to conventional medicine, it should not be used without the guidance of a medical professional.