Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) also known as Ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring substance and an essential component of the mitochondria; which is the energy producing unit within all our cells. It is found in every cell, tissue, and organ in the body, being more concentrated in organs that require the most energy like the heart, liver, muscles and kidneys. It is a fat soluble nutrient produced naturally in our bodies.
Small amounts can be found in some foods such as olive oil, nuts, fish and meat but the average daily intake of CoQ10 is only 3 to 6mg. As a fat soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 is associated with the protection of fats in the body, eg, fatty tissues of the brain and nervous system, cell membranes and cholesterol. CoQ10 has shown to suppress gum inflammation for those with periodontal disease. CoQ10 may be of benefit for male fertility as in sperm cells the energy for movement and all other energy-dependent processes in the sperm cell depend on the availability of coenzyme Q10.
Ubiquinone is immediately converted in the body into ubiquinol in the cells of a healthy young person with at least 80 per cent of CoQ10 in the blood in the form of ubiquinol. However CoQ10 levels in the body begin to decrease from about the age of 30, and the body’s ability to make the conversion from ubiquinone to ubiquinol becomes less efficient with age.
Statins, which are frequently prescribed to lower cholesterol, work by preventing the body from making cholesterol in the first place, however statins also prevent the body from making coenzyme Q10, so for many statin users supplementing with CoQ10 can reduce side effects in people sensitive to statins.
Coenzyme Q10 is available in both the ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms in doses up to 200mg.
For further information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Irishtown, Athlone, on 090 6487993.
