Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a very important molecule for the production of energy in cells – it helps mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells, to do their job efficiently, which in turn leads to better cellular health. CoQ10 is also known as a pseudo-vitamin because it does not need to be supplemented (the human body can produce it), but this molecule is as important to the body as vitamins and its intake from dietary supplements can lead to better management and control of many medical conditions. Taking CoQ10 can also improve the cellular energy status of people without health conditions, and this molecule is therefore recommended as one of the main supplements that most people should take. Other names for CoQ10 are Ubiquinol and Ubiquinone, because these are different forms in which this molecule can exist in the body, but both variants can be converted into each other in the body and both can be supplemented from external sources. CoQ10 is also found in a variety of foods—meat (beef, pork, chicken) has the highest concentration; fish, dairy, eggs, and nuts are poorer sources; plants are not a good source of this nutrient. The problem is that the best concentration of CoQ10 is in the heart muscle and liver of animals, and since most people don't consume these animal organs often, taking a supplement is the more practical option.
Several conditions are associated with low CoQ10 levels—fibromyalgia, post-myocardial infarction, depression, Prader-Willi syndrome, male infertility, Peyronie's disease, migraines, and Parkinson's disease; heavy smokers also have low CoQ10 levels. If a person is diagnosed with any of these conditions, then supplementation with CoQ10 is recommended, and this is especially true for people who have had a heart attack or fibromyalgia. Healthy people can also benefit from taking CoQ10, as the molecule can improve blood flow and protect blood vessels from damage caused by oxidized cholesterol molecules, as well as reduce the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Various amounts of supplementation have been tested and doses ranging from 30 mg to 400-500 mg have been shown to be effective in increasing Ubiquinol levels in the blood and tissues. The most commonly recommended dose is around 90-120 mg per day taken with food, which increases absorption and storage of the molecule. It is best to take it with a meal containing fat, as CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient and most supplements use fat-based suspensions to deliver CoQ10. There are also proprietary water-based versions that have shown similar bioavailability, efficacy and safety, so it is a matter of preference which version a person decides to use. Regarding safety, CoQ10 has been shown to have no side effects or negative effects with doses of 900 mg after long-term use and taking the recommended doses should not in any way concern users.
Numerous human studies have tested the effects of CoQ10 supplementation, and they have shown results with important health implications. Taking CoQ10 can reduce levels of oxidative stress in the body, lower blood pressure, improve blood flow (especially in conditions characterized by increased oxidative stress and poor blood flow), improve the condition and function of blood vessels, increase antioxidant enzymes in the body, and improve overall quality of life (especially in sick people). It is also beneficial for people who exercise regularly to take CoQ10 – oxidative stress and fatigue from exercise are reduced when supplementing with this molecule; people with myocardial infarction can improve their exercise capacity; reduced muscle damage due to intense exercise has also been found to be an effect of taking CoQ10; exercising individuals who take the supplement can expect a reduced feeling of exertion during exercise, which means they can better tolerate and adhere to their exercise regimens. A number of medical conditions can be improved by supplementing with CoQ10 – there are strong evidence to suggest that it can reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and tender points on the body) and Peyronie’s disease (a type of erectile dysfunction); there is evidence to suggest that it can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as reduce the symptoms and frequency of migraines and headaches; infertile men can also expect their testosterone levels to increase and their overall sperm quality to improve with CoQ10 supplementation. In general, people with a variety of medical conditions and most healthy individuals can benefit from taking CoQ10, as only positive results without any side effects have been found in human clinical trials.
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber), gelatin
Recommended Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule one to three times daily with food and water.
One dose: 1 capsule
Recommended daily dose: 1 capsule
