1. What is Coenzyme q10?

Coenzyme Q10  (also known as  Co Q-10), is a compound that helps create energy in your cells. The human body produces CoQ10 naturally, but production tends to decrease with age. Fortunately, we can actively supplement CoQ10 through supplements or food.

Certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and cancer are strongly associated with low CoQ10. Some causes of Co Q-10  deficiency include:

Nutritional deficiencies, for example vitamin B6 deficiency.

Genetic defects occur during the synthesis or use of  Co Q-10.

Increased demand of tissues as a result of certain mitochondrial diseases.

Oxidative stress due to the aging process.

Side effects of therapy statin therapy.

2. What does Coenzyme q10 do?

Research has shown that CoQ10 plays several important roles in the human body, for example:

Generates Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and participates in energy transfer in cells.

Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

The highest concentrations of  Coenzyme q10  are found in the organs with the greatest energy needs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys).

2.1. Treatment of heart failure

Heart failure usually results from other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to increased oxidative damage and phlebitis, an inflammation of the arteries, making it impossible for the heart to regularly contract, relax, or pump blood around the body.

However, many studies have shown that "Co Q-10" can reduce oxidative damage and improve cardiovascular function, thereby supporting the treatment of heart failure.

2.2. Fertility Support

Over time, female fertility is gradually reduced due to the decline in the number and quality of eggs. Co Q-10  is also involved and plays an important role in this process. As you age, CoQ10 production slows down making the body less effective at protecting eggs from oxidation. At this point, supplementation with CoQ10 will be very helpful and may even reverse age-related decline in egg quality and quantity.

Likewise, male sperm is also susceptible to the effects of oxidation, which can lead to reduced sperm count, poor sperm quality, and infertility. Several studies have concluded that supplementing with Co Q-10 can improve sperm quality, activity and concentration by increasing antioxidant capacity.

Coenzyme q10 in cosmetics keeps skin youthful

2.3. Keep your skin young

Skin is the largest organ in the body and is constantly exposed to harmful agents that cause skin aging. These agents can be internal (cell damage, hormone imbalance) or external (environmental agents such as UV rays, sunlight, etc.). Harmful factors can lead to reduced skin moisture levels, thinning of skin layers, and reduced resistance to environmental aggressors.

Applying Co Q-10 directly to the skin can reduce damage from internal and external aggressors by increasing energy production in skin cells, promoting antioxidant protection.

In fact, Co Q-10, if applied directly to the skin, reduces oxidative damage caused by UV rays and reduces the depth of wrinkles. That's why we see  Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics so popular.

In addition, people with low CoQ-10  seem to be more likely to get skin cancer.

2.4. Reduce headaches

When mitochondria have abnormal problems, it can lead to increased calcium absorption by cells, excessive production of free radicals, and decreased antioxidant capacity. This can lead to low energy brain cells and migraines. Because CoQ10 lives primarily in the mitochondria of cells, it has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help reduce inflammation in migraines.

2.5. Increase exercise performance

Oxidative stress can affect muscle function and exercise performance. Similarly, poor mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, making it harder for muscles to contract effectively and prolong exercise. Co Q-10 could help with exercise efficiency by reducing oxidative stress in cells and improving mitochondrial functions.

In fact, one study tried to evaluate the effects of  Co Q-10  on physical performance. Those who supplemented with 1,200 mg of CoQ10 daily for 60 days showed strong reductions in oxidative stress. Furthermore, supplementing with CoQ10 can help increase strength during exercise and reduce fatigue, thereby improving exercise performance.

2.6.Support for the treatment of diabetes

Oxidative stress can cause cellular damage, leading to metabolic diseases like diabetes. If there is a problem with the mitochondria, it can also lead to insulin resistance. Co Q-10 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.

CoQ10 supplementation can also help increase blood CoQ10 levels by up to 3 times in people with diabetes, or in normal people with low CoQ10 levels.

In addition, a study showed that people with type 2 diabetes  supplemented with CoQ10 for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and  hemoglobin A1C  within 2-3 months. Finally, Co Q-10 can help prevent diabetes by stimulating fat breakdown and reducing the accumulation of fat cells that lead to obesity or type 2 diabetes.

2.7. Help prevent cancer

Oxidation is what causes cell damage and affects their inherent functions. If your body can't fight oxidation effectively, the structure of your cells is at risk of damage, which can increase your risk of cancer.

However, many studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote cellular energy production, promote immune system health and even reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

CoQ10 protects cells from oxidative stress and promotes cellular energy production

2.8. Good for the brain

Mitochondria are the main energy-generating parts of brain cells, and mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. The overall dysfunction of the mitochondria can cause the death of brain cells and diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, the brain has a high content of  fatty acids  and a high demand for oxygen, so it is very vulnerable to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage increases the production of harmful compounds that affect memory, cognition, and physical functions. However Co Q-10 can reduce these harmful compounds, slow the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

2.9. Protect the lungs

Of all the organs, the lungs are the most exposed to oxygen making them very vulnerable to oxidative damage. Increased oxidative damage in the lungs, poor antioxidant capacity of the body, including low CoQ10 levels, can lead to lung diseases such as: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One study demonstrated that supplementing with Co Q-10 reduced inflammation in people with asthma, as well as the need for steroid drug treatment in these conditions.

Co Q-10 is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble compound with many health benefits. The production of  Co Q-10  decreases with age so adults of all ages benefit from it. Whether you consume a lot of foods high in CoQ10 or take supplements, CoQ10 can benefit your health.