Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Intro
Coenzyme Q10 is non-protein chemical that cells use in the process of electron transfer to begin the process of aerobic respiration which generates energy in the form of ATP. ATP refers to a specific type of ‘nucleoside triphosphate’ which are molecules that contain a nucleoside combined with three groups of phosphate. Nucleotides are essentially the “food” that your body needs in order to process and build DNA and other forms of nucleic acids such as RNA. Majority of your body’s energy is comprised using this method.
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy body function. Coenzyme Q10 is present in most eukaryotic cells which contain the genetic code for your body’s various organisms. Eukaryotic cells can reproduce through various ways and serve as the basis upon which our lives are sustained. Being that Coenzyme Q10 is found in major parts of the body such as the heart and liver, it is an extremely powerful antioxidant and also agent in supporting our body’s natural process to operate.
What is Coenzyme Q10’s main purpose?
Coenzyme Q10 has two main purposes. The first major role Coenzyme Q10 plays in your body’s natural process is the aiding of transferring electrons through the support chain that feeds your vital organs. It aids the mitochondria of critical cells in your body in order to produce energy. Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been closely linked to diseases such as heart attacks, Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia and male infertility amongst others. It is common knowledge that some pharmaceutical medications are known to decrease or completely deplete the molecule Coenzyme Q10 in people who are taking them. In these instances, it may be beneficial to seek the help of a medical professional in order to gain advice on whether or not Coenzyme Q10 supplementation would be beneficial for you. Although Coenzyme Q10 is a part of a very critical system that facilitates the energy production flow in your body it is not however necessarily recommended for supplementation unless you experience some of the diseases or conditions mentioned above.
Coenzyme Q10’s Claim
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential molecule to your body, it aids in the energy production for very important organs including your heart. Coenzyme Q10 has been researched and proven to help improve the flow of blood in vessels as well as protect them. Other research points to some very strong indications that Coenzyme Q10 is useful as a supplement in people who suffer from diseases such as migraines, hear attacks, depression, Peyronie’s disease and many others.
Top Recommendations
Jarrow Formulas Ubiquinol QH-Absorb
Jarrow Formulas Ubiquinol QH-Absorb is an active antioxidant form of Co-Q10 that is highly absorbable. It helps increase the flow and amount of blood in its user’s especially the senior population. It contains a highly stabilized form of CoQ10 that helps facilitate absorption and can also feed cells in the intense and other places.
Jarrow Formulas Ubiquinol QH-Absorb can help you with the following symptoms and conditions:
Male infertility
Low blood levels
Depression
Migraines
Parkinson’s Disease
Peyronie’s Disease
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The Research
The research surrounding Coenzyme Q10 is very tricky territory to tread. Many people who either have previously suffered or are currently suffering from diseases such as depression, male infertility, and low energy levels have reported noticeable effects after taking some form of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. Scientists and researches however are still on the fence surrounding its effectiveness as they have come to a general consensus that some of these noticeable effects could be the result of a placebo effect. Considering the still-evolving research surrounding Coenzyme Q!0 it is however undetermined whether or not all of these effects have something to do with the attribution of placebo.
Strong research has been found in more conclusive studies on Coenzyme Q10 as it maintains its natural and proven ability to help with increasing not only the amount of blood in someone who has suffered an illness which causes dramatic drops in levels of Coenzyme Q10 but it also serves to facilitate blood flow regularity and even protects the blood vessels. Male infertility has been another area that Coenzyme Q10 research has been centered around and the findings are quite concrete proving it’s effectiveness to help with increasing reproductive cells in men.
Here are some of the conclusions researches have come to throughout the study of Coenzyme Q10:
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been proven to help with reducing fatigue. Link to Study
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been studied and proven to help patients who suffer from fibromyalgia. Link to Study
Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation has been proven to help increase blood flow in patients suffering from diabetes and many other medical conditions. Link to Study
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been proven to help with symptoms of Peyronie's disease. Link to Study
Coenzyme Q10 has been proven to be beneficial for people who suffer from heart ailments and other diseases that may decrease quality of life. Link to Study
Coenzyme Q10 still has a long way to go in quantitative data received from trials and investigations to determine its effectiveness. Many of the tests performed do shown some very compelling evidence to prove the claim that coenzyme Q10 does in fact help with conditions such as fibromyalgia, heart problems, blood pressure, male infertility and a number of others. The factor still at large is the vast placebo effect seen throughout majority of the trials performed that targeted areas in patients such as inflammation, cholesterol, oxygen levels and others. Research still continues on coenzyme Q10 for its potential beneficial properties for many diseases and ailments plaguing people today. If you are considering coenzyme Q10 as a supplement, then I would advise talking to your doctor in order to correctly diagnose your conditions in order to find out if it would render you any substantial health benefits.
Who is at risk for coenzyme Q10 deficiency?
Most commonly a deficiency in coenzyme Q10 will result from the onset of disease and illness. A deficiency in coenzyme Q10 can be seen with symptoms such as high blood pressure, heart pains and failure, low blood levels, and chest pain. Other common symptoms are the likes of mental stress, muscle and joint pain, and a weak immune system.
Many neurological and chronic pain conditions are associated with low levels of coenzyme Q10. You become more susceptible to airborne illnesses and viruses when you have a deficiency in coenzyme Q10, many people also experience increased chances of getting heart attacks and gaining weight rather rapidly when possessing low levels of coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 plays a major factor in your body’s overall ability to manufacture and produce energy for a number of vital functions that facilitate your everyday life. Low or depleting levels of coenzyme Q10 in your system can lead to a number of symptoms.
If you notice major changes taking place in your body such as low natural defense against diseases and contagions or things such as abnormal heart behavior or decreases in energy levels, you should immediately contact a medical professional in order to receive advice on whether or not these signs could be the result of low levels of coenzyme Q10 in your system.
Recommended Dosage
Coenzyme Q10 has a status quo recommended dosage of 90mg on the low end and 200mg being the highest average recommended dose. Keep in mind that these are in terms of supplementation. If you encounter a medical condition that may require a higher dosage, it should always be administered by a licensed professional. You should supplement the recommended dose amounts with one meal per day.
Possible Side Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation
Potential side effects of coenzyme Q10 include things such as heartburn, hearing loss, gas inflammation, headaches, fungal skin, high cholesterol levels, dizziness, diarrhea, coughing, bronchitis, and back pain. Depending on the cause of your deficiency in coenzyme Q10 the side effects will vary significantly.
Does it actually work?
Coenzyme Q10 has shown notable effects on male infertility, heart disease, and other illnesses. Researchers are still on the lookout for definitive proof that coenzyme Q10 does however effect other vital systems and potentially damaging conditions in the body. Read about its effectiveness more below.
The Consensus
For a general answer, coenzyme Q10 can be very beneficial if you suffer from a number of conditions. Most of the research conducted has shown major upswings in the health of patients who suffer from fibromyalgia, heart diseases, male infertility and other conditions. Being that it is such a vital component in the chemical combination that creates energy and transports blood throughout the body, coenzyme Q10 can be very beneficial if you are suffering from a deficiency. Most commonly you will notice changes in your overall quality of life and health when suffering from a coenzyme Q10 deficiency. It is always best to consult with a doctor to see if coenzyme Q10 supplementation is best for you.
How effective are Coenzyme Q10 supplements?
Coenzyme Q10 supplements are known for providing relief for a variety of conditions and symptoms. The high absorption rate and natural compounds that make up many of the supplements are reason to at least try them if you are experiencing symptoms of a potential deficiency. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is very rarely needed for most healthy adults however. Most commonly you will find the need to supplement with coenzyme Q10 if you are suffering from low energy levels or a group of other degradative health conditions. You should always ask your doctor whether coenzyme Q10 supplementation is right for you.
Should you supplement with Coenzyme Q10?
The short answer is no. Unless you are experiencing a number of symptoms which seem to be affecting your overall productivity from day-to-day or causing you to feel uncomfortable then coenzyme Q10 supplementation is not recommended.
Our Conclusion
Unless you have recently recovered from an injury or illness, coenzyme Q10 supplementation doesn’t have any real effect for athletes. In most cases older adults will need coenzyme Q10 supplementation as a result of blood pressure issues or heart conditions.
Should you supplement long term?
No, if you don’t have a need for coenzyme Q10 supplementation you shouldn’t be taking it at all as your body naturally produces the compound regularly
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for fighters
Healthy athletes and fighters have no real incentive to take coenzyme Q10. As long as you are following a healthy diet and exercise regime, you should be fine.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for Fighters: What to Do
Supplement if: You are recovering from a disease or illness.
Don’t supplement if: You have normal energy levels and are not suffering from any illnesses.
The Final Word
Coenzyme Q10 is largely associated with the elderly population who suffer from a series of heart and immune system relate illnesses. While it does show very effective benefits for increasing blood flow, increasing male fertility, reducing headaches, and helping regulate heart attacks the need for a coenzyme Q10 supplement in healthy fighters is not there. If you are recovering from an illness or notice that your energy levels are low, then contact a medical professional to see if depleting levels of coenzyme Q10 could be the cause. For the regular fighter who trains hard and stays healthy, you shouldn’t see the need for a coenzyme Q10 supplement anytime soon.
Top Recommended Coenzyme Q10 Supplements
#1 Jarrow Formulas Ubiquinol QH-Absorb- Jarrow Formulas Ubiquinol QH-Absorb is an active antioxidant form of coenzyme Q10 this is highly absorbable and effective.
#2 Doctor's Best High Absorption- Doctor's Best High Absorption is gluten free and contains a naturally fermented form of coenzyme Q10. Is it formulated with a black pepper extract for enhanced absorption.
#3 Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10- Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10 absorbs 8x faster than ubiquinone CoQ10 and promotes cellular energy production in the brain and heart. It is also backed by extra mitochondrial support for enhanced effectiveness.
#4 Qunol Ultra CoQ10- Qunol Ultra CoQ10 supports heart and vascular health through an all-natural form of the powerful antioxidant coenzyme Q10. It is 100% natural and 100% soluble which makes it unique from any other coenzyme Q10 supplement available.