CoQ10 – Coenzyme Ubiquinone

…for heart health

Benefits & Features

• Supports the cardiovascular system and heart health*1,2,3 

• Provides antioxidant effects against lipid peroxidation*4,5

• Maintains health of teeth and gums*6

• Functions in energy production at the cellular level*7

• Helps protect DNA from oxidative damage*4,5,8

• Supports normal function of the immune system*9,10

• Contributes to healthy carbohydrate metabolism*11

• Helps protect sperm and supports optimum sperm function*12,13

Facts About CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble compound also known as ubiquinone, which derives its name from the word “ubiquitous” because it is found in all living cells.14  Many varieties of Coenzyme Q are found in nature and numbers are used to distinguish between them. Coenzyme Q10 is a ubiquinone that is found in humans and other mammals.15  Food sources of CoQ10 are primarily animal products, with an average daily intake of 3-5 milligrams in the Western diet.16

The human body can synthesize CoQ10, but only with the help of several essential vitamins.  Therefore poor nutrition, and inadequate vitamin intake, can lead to impaired CoQ10 synthesis and low CoQ10 levels.*4  Other causes of low CoQ10 levels may be poor heart health or poor gum health,17,18 drug interactions,19 heavy exercise,20 and extreme tissue needs.*4 Additionally, CoQ10 levels in the body naturally decline with age,21 and are often low in people experiencing poor health.*22,23

Coenzyme Q10 is available in both a dry, powdered form and in an oil-based suspension.  Most,44,45 though not all,5 studies indicate that oil-based CoQ10 provides enhanced intestinal absorption and bioavailability.*

BENEFITS

CoQ10 plays an essential role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides the body with energy.*7  Because all cellular activity requires an ample supply of ATP, CoQ10 is especially important to those cells that are the most metabolically active, such as those in the heart, muscle,  gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tissues, and the immune system.*3,9,14

 CoQ10 supports the cardiovascular system and promotes heart health.* Its beneficial antioxidant effects inhibit lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.*4,5  Oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a contributing factor for poor heart health. CoQ10 also provides oxidative protection to the proteins and DNA of the energy-producing mitochondria that are active in the heart and other tissues.*8

Human studies indicate that supplementing with 90 mg/day or more of CoQ10 produces a stronger heart muscle (a positive inotropic action),*24,6 and 100-120 mg/day protects the heart from the effects of decreased blood supply.*25,26  Studies also suggest that 30 mg of CoQ10 per day helps maintain the heart’s natural rhythm,*27  as well as to help maintain healthy blood pressure.*2

CoQ10 contributes to healthy carbohydrate metabolism probably due to its role in the electron transport chain.*7 This has also been shown to be an important factor in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.*28 

Strenuous physical activity lowers plasma levels of CoQ10,*20 therefore CoQ10 supplementation can help recover normal energy production in overworked muscles.*29,30  Some measurements of exercise physiology in both athletes and non-athletes can be improved by taking 60-100 mg/day of CoQ10 supplements, according to some,31,32,33,34 though not all, 35 studies.* However, highly-trained endurance athletes do not appear to consistently benefit from CoQ10 supplementation.*36,37,38

Human sperm fluid (semen) is rich in CoQ10, which appears to provide crucial antioxidant protection,12 and plays a role in optimum sperm function.*13 Preliminary research suggests that CoQ10 supplementation can increase sperm count and motility39 and supports optimum male fertility.*40

People with poor gum health have been found to have low levels of coenzyme Q.*18,41 Controlled research has determined that supplementation with 60-100 mg/day of CoQ10 helps maintain healthy gums and provides protection against damage to gums.*4,42,43

Nature’s Life® pure CoQ10 is from OptiPure® brand, a high quality import containing NO milk products, wheat, corn, soy or eggs.  CoQ10 supplements are available in water-based capsules and tablets or oil-based softgel caps.  Because CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient, absorption is best when taken with food that contains fat, especially when ingesting the water-based forms.

Coenzyme Q10 is usually well-tolerated and no serious adverse effects have been reported in up to six years of continuous supplementation with 100 mg/day.*46  Individuals using CoQ10 in large doses (100 mg/day or more) for heart health should consult their health care practitioner before stopping or lowering the dose.47  Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been investigated.7  Some prescription drugs, specifically including some used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and to treat depression, may inhibit the body’s synthesis of CoQ10.*  In most cases, adequate CoQ10 levels can be maintained by taking supplemental CoQ10.*3  

References

1. Folkers K, et al.  Evidence for a deficiency of coenzyme Q in human heart disease.  Int J Vitamin Nutr Res 1970;40:380-90.

2. Digiesi V, Cantini F, Bisi G, et al.  Mechanism of action of coenzyme Q10 in essential hypertension.  Curr Ther Res 1992;51:668-72.

3. Gaby AR.  The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: part II. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and infertility. Alt Med Rev 1996;1:168-75 [review].

4. Thomas SR, Neuzil J, Stocker R. Inhibition of LDL oxidation by ubiquinol-10. A protective mechanism for coenzyme Q in atherogenesis? Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S85-103 [review].

5.  Kaikkonen J, Nyyssonen K, Porkkala-Sarataho E, et al. Effect of oral coenzyme Q10 on the oxidation resistance of human VLDL + LDL fraction: absorption and antioxidative properties of oil and granule-based preparations. Free Radic Biol Med 1997;22:1195-1202.

6. Wilkinson EG, Folkers K, Hansen I, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. VI. Adjunctive treatment of periodontal disease with coenzyme Q10. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1976;14:715-719.

7. Folkers K. Basic chemical research on coenzyme Q10 and integrated clinical research on therapy of diseases. In: Lenaz G, ed. Coenzyme Q, Chap XXII. John Wiley & Sons, 1985.

8. Forsmark-Andree P, Ernster L. Evidence for a protective effect of endogenous ubiquinol against oxidative damage to mitochondrial protein and DNA during lipid peroxidation. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:s73-81.

9. Folkers K, Wolaniuk A. Research on coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine and in immunomodulation. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1985;11(8):539-45 [review].

10. Folkers K, Shizukuishi S, Takemura K, et al. Increase in levels of IgG in serum of patients treated with coenzyme Q10. Res Comm Pathol Pharmacol 1982;38:335-38.

11. Shigeta Y, Izumi K Abe H. Effect of coenzyme Q7 treatment on blood sugar and ketone bodies of diabetics. J. Vitamonol 1966;12:293-98.

12. Alleva R, Scaramucci A, Mantero F, et al.  The protective role of ubiquinol-10 against formation of lipid hydroperoxides in human seminal fluid. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S221-8.

13. Mancini A, Conte G, Milardi D, et al. Relationship between sperm cell ubiquinone and seminal parameters in subjects with and without varicocele. Andrologia 1998 Feb-Mar;30(1):1-4.

14. Gaby AR. The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: part I. Alt Med Rev 1996;1:11-17.

15. Ensminger AH, Ensminger ME, Konlande JE, et al. Foods & Nutrition Encyclopedia, Vol.1. Clovis, California: Pegus Press, 1983:441-2.

16. Weber C, Bysted A, Holmer G. Coenzyme Q10 in the diet—daily intake and relative bioavailability. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S251-4.

17. Folkers K. Heart Failure is a dominant deficiency of coenzyme Q10 and challenges for future clinical research on CoQ10. Clin Investig 1993;71(8 Suppl):S51-4 [review].

18. Hansen IL, Iwamoto Y, Kishi T, et al. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine. IX. Gingival and leucocytic deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 in patients with periodontal disease. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1976;14:729-38.

19. Mortensen SA, Leth A, Agner E, Rohde M. Dose-related decrease of serum coenzyme Q10 during treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18(suppl):S137-4

20. Kaikkonen J, Nyyssonen K, Tuomainen TP, et al. Determinants of plasma coenzyme Q10 in humans. FEBS Lett 1999;443:163-6 [review].

21. Ernster L, Forsmark-Andree P. Ubiquinol: an endogenous antioxidant in aerobic organisms. Clin Investig 1993;71(8 Suppl):S60-5 [review].

22. Folkers K, Osterborg A, Nylander M, et al. Activities of vitamin Q10 in animal models and a serious deficiency in patients with cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997;234:296-9.

23. Folkers K, Langsjoen P, Nara Y, et al. Biochemical deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 in HIV-infection and exploratory treatment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1988;153:888-96.

24. Soja AM, Mortensen SA. Treatment of congestive heart failure with coenzyme Q10 illuminated by meta-analyses of clinical trials. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S159-68 [review].

25. Singh RB, Wander GS, Rastogi A, et al. Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998 Sep;12(4):347-53.

26. Kuklinski B, Weissenbacher E, Fahnrich A. Coenzyme Q10 and antioxidants in acute myocardial infarction. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:s143-7.

27. Fujioka T, Sakamoto Y, Mimura G. Clinical study of cardiac arrhythmias using a 24-hour continuous electrocardiographic recorder (5th report)—antiarrhythmic action of coenzyme Q10 in diabetics. Tohoku J Exp Med 1983;141(suppl):453–63.

28. Shigeta Y, Izumi K, Abe H. Effect of coenzyme Q7 treatment on blood sugar and ketone bodies of diabetics. J Vitaminology 1966;12:293–98.

29. Chan A, Reichmann H, Kogel A, et al. Metabolic changes in patients with mitochondrial myopathies and effects of coenzyme Q10 therapy. J Neurol 1998;245:681-5.

30. Mizuno M, Quistorff B, Theorell H, et al. Effects of oral supplementation of coenzyme Q10 on 31P-NMR detected skeletal muscle energy metabolism in middle-aged post-polio subjects and normal volunteers. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S291-8.

31. Bucci L. Nutrients as ergogenic aids for sports and exercise. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1993:54-7 [review].

32. Zuliani U, Bonetti A, Campana M, et al. The influence of ubiquinone (Co Q10) on the metabolic response to work. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1989 Mar;29(1):57-62 [review].

33. Vanfraecchem JHP, Folkers K. Coenzyme Q10 and physical performance. In Folkers K, Yamamura Y, eds. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Vol. 3. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1981:235-241.

34. Bucci LR.  Nutritional ergogenic aids.  In:  Wolinsky I, Hickson JF, eds.  Nutrition in exercise and sport, 2nd ed.  Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1994:295-346 [review].

35. Kelly GS.  Sport nutrition:  a review of selected nutritional supplements for endurance athletes. Alt Med Rev 1997;2:282-95[review].

36. Laaksonen R, Fogelholm M, Himberg JJ, et al. Ubiquinone supplementation and exercise capacity in trained young and older men. Eur J Appl Physiol 1995;72(1-2):95-100.

37. Ylikoski T, Piirainen J, Hanninen O, et al. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the exercise performance of cross-country skiers. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S283-90.

38. Snider IP, Bazzarre TL, Murdoch SD, et al. Effects of coenzyme athletic performance system as an ergogenic aid on endurance performance to exhaustion. Int J Sport Nutr 1992 Sep;2(3):272-86.

39. Tanimura J. Studies on arginine in human semen. 3. The influences of several drugs on male infertility. Bull Osaka Med Sch 1967 Oct;13(2):90-100.

40. Lewin A, Lavon H. The effect of coenzyme Q10 on sperm motility and function. Mol Aspects Med 1997;18 Suppl:S213-9.

41. Nakamura R, Littarru GP, Folkers K, et al. Study of CoQ10-enzymes in gingiva from patients with periodontal disease and evidence for a deficiency of coenzyme Q10. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1974;71:1456-60.

42. Matsumura T, Saji S, Nakamura R, et al. Evidence for enhanced treatment of periodontal disease by therapy with coenzyme Q. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1973;43:537-48.

43. Shizukuishi S, Hanioka T, Tsunemitsu A, et al. Clinical effect of coenzyme Q10 on periodontal disease; evaluation of oxygen utilization in gingiva by tissue reflectance spectrophotometry. In Folkers K, Yamamura Y, eds. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Vol. 5. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1986:359.

44. Chopra RK, Goldman R, Sinatra ST, Bhagavan HN. Relative bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 formulations in human subjects. Internat J Vit Nutr Res 1998;68:109–13.

45. Weiss M, Mortensen SA, Rassig MR, et al. Bioavailability of four oral coenzyme Q10 formulations in healthy volunteers. Molec Aspects Med 1994;15:273–80.

46. Overvad OK, Diamant B, Holm L, et al.  Efficacy and safety of dietary supplementation containing Q10.  Ugeskr Laeger 1997; 159:7309-15 [review][in Danish].

47. Mortensen SA, Vadhanavikit S, Baandrup U, et al. Long-term coenzyme Q10 therapy: a major advance in the management of resistant myocardial failure. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1985;11(8):581-93.