Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is so named because it is found so ubiquitously in all cells. It is a co-factor to enzymes within the electron transport chain of the cell’s respiratory system. Concentrated in the membranes of mitochondria of all cells, adequate amounts of CoQ10 are essential to optimum energy delivery.
As well as this function, in its reduced form, CoQ10 is an excellent free radical scavenger in lipophilic systems. In this way, it works synergistically with vitamin E in preventing peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in membranes and in lipoproteins such as LDL and HDL. Indeed, CoQ10 is a more voracious scavenger of both aqueous and lipophilic free radicals in the LDL peptide and is the first line of defense in preventing ‘oxidation’ of LDL proteins. As ‘oxidized’ LDL continues to be the prime candidate for causing artherosclerosis and hence heart disease, the use of CoQ10 to prevent both of these conditions is both advisable and scientifically sound. In effect, CoQ10 is the first line of defense before vitamin E against production of oxidized LDL.
It should therefore be seen as a first choice antioxidant for individuals suffering from, or at increased risk of developing heart disease and artherosclerosis. As an effective therapy for heart disease, CoQ10 can be taken alongside conventional medicine including statin drugs, which have the effect of lowering cellular CoQ10 concentrations.
2001 Treatment update 13(2): 4
There is also considerable building evidence that supplementation with CoQ10 is beneficial in supporting optimum brain function, especially in the elderly, by maintaining energy production in the brain cells, which declines with age.
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