A. Antioxidant Functions:

• Coenzyme Q10 plays a major role in preventing oxidation in both the lipids and protects the stability of the cell membrane and, protects DNA from free radical-induced oxidative damage. [3], [10]

• Coenzyme Q10 can also recycle or regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C. [3], [10]

B. Cellular Energy Production:

• The oxidized form of CoQ10, ubiquinone, is required for energy production in the mitochondria of all cells except the red blood cells. Specifically, CoQ10 is required in several steps of the electron transport chain in mitochondrial inner membranes, which is where cellular energy, known as ATP, is produced (Fact: This is the work that earned Peter Mitchell his 1978 Nobel Prize) [3].

C. Cardiovascular Disease:

• Prevents LDL (bad cholesterol) peroxidation [4], [8], [12].

• Attenuates atherosclerotic lesions [4].

• Improves heart function [3].

• A 2-year treatment with CoQ10 (300 mg/day) as adjuvant therapy in a randomized, controlled multicentre trial on 420 patients suffering from heart failure demonstrated a reduction in major cardiovascular events [11].

D. Physical/Exercise Performance:

• The key role of coenzyme Q10 in mitochondrial bioenergetics has been suggested in its use in an attempt to improve aerobic capacity and physical performance [4], [5].

• Increases plasma levels, reduces muscle cell oxidant damage, and increases energy metabolism rebound for future exercise demand [6].

• Lowers serum oxidative stress after exercise and results in increased exercise time to exhaustion [7].

• A study shows that oral administration of coenzyme Q10 improved subjective fatigue sensation and physical performance during fatigue-inducing workload trials and might prevent unfavourable conditions as a result of physical fatigue [1].

References:

1. Mizuno, Kei, et al. "Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue." Nutrition 24.4 (2008): 293-299.

3. Pelton, Ross. "Coenzyme Q10: A Miracle Nutrient Advances in Understanding." Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal 19.2 (2020): 16.

4. Littarru, Gian Paolo, and Peter Lambrechts. "Coenzyme Q 10: multiple benefits in one ingredient." Oléagineux, Corps gras, Lipides 18.2 (2011): 76-82.

5. Gaby, Alan R. "The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: Part I." Alt Med Rev 1.1 (1996): 11-17.

6. Gökbel, Hakk, et al. "The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on performance during repeated bouts of supramaximal exercise in sedentary men." The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 24.1 (2010): 97-102.

7. Misner, Bill. "Ubiquinone Increases Performance of an Elderly Runner: A Case Report." (2011).

8. (Yokoyama et al., 1996) in Kumar, Adarsh, et al. "Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and Meniere-like syndrome." Pharmacology & therapeutics 124.3 (2009): 259-268.

10. (Crane 2001) in Borekova, Martina, et al. "Nourishing and health benefits of coenzyme Q10." Czech journal of food sciences 26.4 (2008): 229.

11. (Mortensen et al., 2014) in Aaseth, Jan, Jan Alexander, and Urban Alehagen. "Coenzyme Q10 supplementation–In ageing and disease." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development 197 (2021): 111521.

12. (Watts et al., 2002) in Littarru, Gian Paolo, and Peter Lambrechts. "Coenzyme Q 10: multiple benefits in one ingredient." Oléagineux, Corps gras, Lipides 18.2 (2011): 76-82.

13. Jack Challem, ‘Coenzyme Q10 – Energy for Life’. The Nutrition Reporter.