Coenzyme Q10 (or ubiquinone) is an important ratelimiting
nutrient that is a cofactor in the
mitochondrial electron transport chain, the
biochemical pathway in cellular respiration from
which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and metabolic
energy is derived. Since nearly all cellular activities
are dependent upon energy, coenzyme Q10 is
essential for the health of all human tissues and
organs.
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally-occurring antioxidant
nutrient which retards free radical formation in
biological systems. Coenzyme Q10 resembles
vitamin E and vitamin K in chemical structure.
Biochemically, it functions much like vitamin E in
that it participates in antioxidant and free radical
reactions. Healthy humans who consume a wellbalanced
diet have the ability to synthesize coenzyme
Q10. Unhealthy individuals and those on an
inadequate diet may not synthesize coenzyme Q10 in
sufficient quantity. According to Dr. Karl Folkers
and other experts, humans can biosynthesize
coenzyme Q10 from tyrosine or phenylalanine and
mevalonic acid, which are small molecules abundant
in the body. This is a complex biochemical process
that requires 15 separate steps and many enzymes,
coenzymes, vitamins and minerals. Only by such a
process can the respiratory chain receive proper
levels of coenzyme Q10.
Thus, the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 in the
human body requires a good diet -one that is high in
vitamins, minerals, and other nutrient factors. It has
been shown by the NHANES studies that many
Americans do not have an adequate diet. Rather,
their intake of most water soluble vitamins, vitamin
A and some minerals and trace elements is
insufficient. Many of these nutrients are essential for
the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10. In addition, it has
been shown that in disease states, nutrients from food
sources may not necessarily be absorbed or available.
According to some experts, coenzyme Q10 should be
considered an essential nutrient, as it is well
established that coenzyme Q10 is essential for the
health of every cell in the human body.
Numerous studies indicate coenzyme Q10 also plays
an important role in the maintenance of the entire
cardiovascular system. Supplementation with
coenzyme Q10 in patients has shown to be useful for
the maintenance of healthy blood pressure.
Coenzyme Q10 is also important for the maintenance
of blood vessels and heart muscle function. In
addition, people taking statin drugs can develop
deficiencies in coenzyme Q10 and may require
supplementation. |
