What is CoQ10 and what is it good for?
Posted by Victor Kiprop on
CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like compound also known as ubiquinone. CoQ10 plays an important role in the body’s energy production and is an essential component of the mitochondria, the microscopic organelles found in most of our cells that are vital for cellular respiration and energy production.*
It’s not an understatement to say that CoQ10 is absolutely essential for life. It helps to metabolize fats and carbohydrates, and maintains cell membrane stability.* It’s also involved in the production of several key enzymes that are used to create adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, a key energy storage molecule.*
CoQ10 is also an effective free radical scavenger that may beneficially affect the aging process.* As we age, our body’s production of CoQ10 declines gradually. Because it’s so important to energy production, and therefore life, researchers believe that this decline may be a factor in the effects of aging on the human body.*
The highest levels of CoQ10 are found in tissues in the body that work the hardest, such as the heart and liver.* Studies have shown that supplementation increases CoQ10 levels and can help to maintain healthy heart function.* CoQ10 is not only an effective free radical scavenger, but supports cardiovascular health as well.*
How and when should I take CoQ10?
As always, follow the suggested usage on the product label. CoQ10 works better if taken with fats and/or oils. Many CoQ10 supplements contain oils in the base and are sold as liquid-filled softgel capsules, but all forms of CoQ10 will work better if taken with a meal containing fats, or with other healthy supplements providing fat such as fish oil, flax seeds or oil, coconut oil, etc.