Last update: November 20, 2024
7 minute read
The Health Benefits of CoQ10
Learn about the health benefits of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant for energy, heart health, and brain function.
By Stephanie Wright, RN, BSN
Edited by Dr. Jacquie Leone, NMD, HN
Searching for a top-notch supplement to boost your overall health? Let's introduce you to CoQ10, an antioxidant with lots of health benefits. Dive into this article to discover why CoQ10 is a favorite for boosting energy and potentially slowing aging.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a powerful antioxidant needed by every cell in the human body. As a result, CoQ10 plays a key role in energy production, fighting free radicals, fighting oxidative stress, and many other physiological functions.
In addition, the nutrient's antioxidant capacity makes it a popular dietary supplement for many people. While the body produces a certain amount of CoQ10 naturally, levels decline sharply with age.
Low levels of CoQ10 can impact you in ways you might not have guessed. If you have lower levels of CoQ10 or you're getting older, you need to get it through diet and supplementation.
Some of the best dietary sources of CoQ10 include beef, chicken, beef liver, fish, oysters, nuts, seeds, cruciferous vegetables, and avocados. However, taking CoQ10 supplements is a great way to boost your levels quickly!
CoQ10 fights oxidative damage and may help with mitochondrial dysfunction, heart conditions, and other health conditions. You can discuss the effect of coenzyme Q10 administration with your doctor and even ask about current studies.
How CoQ10 works
CoQ10 helps your cells make energy. It takes the food you eat and turns it into energy your cells can use. This energy is called ATP.
When your cells have more ATP, your body feels better and works better. As a powerful antioxidant, the effects of CoQ10 therapy may provide significant benefits like supporting anti-aging, anti-inflammation properties, and potentially boosting the immune system.
It’s found in cell membranes, where it helps neutralize free radicals and protect your cells from oxidative damage and premature aging. Oxidative stress and damage may lead to wrinkles and many other conditions.
Get your personalized vitamin recommendations in less than 3 minutes.
Get your personalized vitamin recommendations in less than 3 minutes.
Risk factors and symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency
CoQ10 production in the body begins declining after the age of 20. It drops even more after the age of 40, contributing to fatigue and loss of functioning as you age.
Additionally, intense exercise, stress, statin medication, chronic illness, and poor diet may contribute to low levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 deficiency can affect your heart health and increase the risk for certain conditions. If you struggle with the following symptoms or specific conditions, you may benefit from boosting your CoQ10 levels with a supplement dose:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Poor cognitive function
- Heart disease or coronary artery disease
- Premature signs of aging like fine lines
Health benefits of CoQ10
CoQ10 can help support your overall health. It might help athletes perform better, ease some medicine side effects, and lower high blood pressure.
Always talk to your doctor before trying new supplements. If you feel dizzy, sick, or have other problems after taking it, stop immediately and call your doctor. Let's look at some benefits of CoQ10.
1. Supports energy levels
Optimizing CoQ10 levels may help you combat general fatigue and make you feel more energetic during the day. This is great since many of us have busy lives and can feel worn out. CoQ10 fights things that make you tired, so you can stay energized.
A 2016 study on people diagnosed with chronic fatigue found that 150 milligrams/mg of CoQ10 daily improved energy levels and several other symptoms after 3 months.
VitaRx Tip
Finding the right daily dose can help support exercise performance and overall health.
2. Supports heart health
CoQ10 is one of the most powerful nutrients for supporting your cardiovascular system. The heart is a muscle that needs a consistent supply of energy to pump blood, oxygen, and nutrients around your body 24/7!
A 2020 clinical review found people with moderate to severe heart failure taking 450 milligrams/mg of CoQ10 daily over the long term is safe and might help in a reduction in the following:
- Adverse cardiac events (e.g., heart attacks, hypertension, blood pressure concerns, support for heart failure)
- Mortality from cardiovascular disease
- All-cause mortality
- Hospital stays for heart failure
3. May reduce cholesterol levels
Though more studies are needed, CoQ10 might help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and support overall cholesterol. Some believe it could help with conditions like diabetes, but more research is needed to conclude this fully. If you're taking diabetes medicine or blood thinners, check with your doctor before using CoQ10.
4. May combat or reduce migraines
Migraine headaches impact people worldwide. While clinical trials and clinical studies have yet to confirm this completely, some studies show that CoQ10 formulation might help reduce the frequency of migraines, lead to fewer serious complications, or lead to migraines that are less severe.
5. Promotes exercise performance
CoQ10 may be a natural performance enhancer for athletes and exercise enthusiasts. The nutrient increases energy, boosts stamina, and promotes recovery after intense exercise sessions that could cause muscle weakness.
For example, in 2022, an evidence review showed great potential for CoQ10 to support physical performance by enhancing their maximum power output during exercise.
6. Supports brain health and cognitive function
The brain is a mitochondrial-dense organ that needs lots of energy to work well. Your brain cells, in turn, affect every cell of your body.
Low CoQ10 levels in older people have been linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's. While CoQ10 isn't a cure, it might help protect the brain. Some studies and clinical trials have shown that daily coenzyme Q10 might help slow this progressive deterioration.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Final thoughts
In short, CoQ10 is a game-changer for your health, from boosting energy to supporting your heart and brain. As you age, your natural levels drop, but thankfully, supplements can help bridge the gap.
We're committed to helping you achieve your best health, which is why we at VitaRx offer personalized daily vitamin packs tailored to your unique needs. Check out our range of CoQ10 products and give your body the boost it deserves!
Source
- Ubiquinol-10 supplementation improves autonomic nervous function and cognitive function in chronic fatigue syndrome
- The effect of coenzyme Q10 on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: results from Q-SYMBIO: a randomized double-blind trial
- Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins
- Ubiquinol supplementation enhances peak power production in trained athletes: a double-blind, placebo controlled study
- Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline
Author
Stephanie Wright
Stephanie brings over 13 years of diverse nursing experience to the table, having honed her expertise in critical care, mental health, and utilization management. Her journey as a registered nurse across these various healthcare sectors underscores her adaptability and deep commitment to patient care.
Fact checker
Dr. Jacquie Leone
Dr. Leone holds a BA in Psychology, a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and board certification in holistic nutrition. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Leone has developed and currently teaches science and nutrition courses for a nationally accredited institution. She specializes in chronic illness, gastrointestinal dysregulation, inflammatory conditions, and mental health. Her unique approach combines the wisdom of Eastern medicine with the technology and science of Western medicine, offering an integrative approach heavily focused on functional medicine.
At VitaRx, we're not just passionate about our work — we take immense pride in it. Our dedicated team of writers diligently follows strict editorial standards, ensuring that every piece of content we publish is accurate, current, and highly valuable. We don't just strive for quality; we aim for excellence.
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