What is ubiquinone (coQ10)?

What is coQ10 and what it does for you?

Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10) is a fat-soluble compound that occurs naturally in all parts of the human body and is essential for the production of energy in cells. CoQ10 plays an important role in the mitochondria of cells, where it is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body’s primary source of energy. It is particularly important for cardiovascular health, but its role also extends to other vital functions, such as antioxidant protection and slowing the aging process of cells.

However, the body’s production of coQ10 decreases with age, and its levels may be low in certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and neurodegenerative disorders. Humans obtain small amounts of ubiquinone from food (organs, meat, fish, peanuts), but the body produces most of the ubiquinone it needs itself.

Benefits of Coenzyme Q10

Energy Production Support
The main role of Coenzyme Q10 in the body is to participate in the production of ATP in the mitochondria of cells. ATP is the source of energy for cells, and its deficiency can lead to fatigue and reduced performance. Therefore, Q10 can be especially useful for athletes and people who experience fatigue or energy-demanding situations.

Cardiovascular health support
Several studies have shown that coQ10 can support heart health, especially in cases of high blood pressure and heart failure. CoQ10 can improve heart muscle function and reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing energy production and reducing oxidative stress.

Antioxidant effect
CoQ10 also acts as a strong antioxidant, protecting cells from damage by free radicals. This can help reduce oxidative stress, which is the cause of many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Slowing down aging
The antioxidant and cellular energy-supporting properties of coenzyme Q10 also make it an important substance in slowing down the aging process. Studies have shown that coQ10 can improve skin elasticity, reduce the depth of wrinkles and promote overall skin health.

Dosage and timing

The dosage of Coenzyme Q10 can vary from individual to individual and its use depends on the intended use. In general, recommended doses range from 30 to 200 mg per day. The recommended dosage is 30 to 200 mg daily for general health maintenance.

The optimal dosage time may vary from person to person, but due to the fat solubility of coQ10, it has been shown to be better absorbed when taken in the morning or with a meal, especially a fatty meal can support its absorption.

Who should take it (and who should not)?

Taking ubiquinone supplements is not known to be a health hazard. Indications of possible harm have only been obtained from antioxidants, such as ubiquinone, used during breast cancer treatments. In addition to ubiquinone, vitamins E, C and A, as well as selenium and flavonoids, may potentially have a weakening effect on the effectiveness of breast cancer treatments. 

The effects of ubiquinone on prolonging life have been studied extensively, but sufficiently strong research evidence has not been obtained. The most recent research topic has been the effect of ubiquinone in the treatment of migraine. Preliminary evidence of the benefits of ubiquinone in reducing migraine attacks has been obtained. However, there has only been a limited amount of research. Due to its safety, ubiquinone supplements can be tried on their own as part of migraine treatment. 

In Japan, ubiquinone is used to treat cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. Due to its safety, ubiquinone can be used, for example, to support cholesterol medication. However, it is highly advisable for those taking blood thinners to confirm the recommendation for ubiquinone use with their doctor. 

Ubiquinone supplements are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Ubiquinone is a useful supplement for many people, especially those who want to optimize their energy production, improve physical performance, protect their cells from oxidation, and support heart, brain, and skin health. Its use may be especially beneficial as we age, experience stressful life situations, or are exposed to high levels of physical exertion.

You can find AMONAS's natural 200mg ubiquinone supplement from here.

An interesting publication about ubiquinone dosing can be found here.