Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone Q10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and plays a key role as a cofactor in cellular energy production. Inadequate supply leads to impaired mitochondrial energy production and reduced antioxidant capacity. A deficiency in coenzyme Q10 of more than 25% can already result in structural damage to the mitochondria and impair the transfer and generation of energy within the cells.
Free Radical Scavenger and Membrane Protection
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects lipids, proteins and DNA from damage caused by free radicals and regenerates other important antioxidants such as vitamins E and C. The resulting membrane protection also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the inner mitochondrial membranes and mitochondrial DNA. This is especially relevant for nerve conduction and substance transport across the cell membrane.
Clinical Significance
Coenzyme Q10 is found ubiquitously in all cells of the body. Unlike vitamins, it can be synthesised in small amounts by the body but must also be obtained through the diet. As we age, the body’s ability to produce Q10 decreases steadily. For example, a 40-year-old shows significantly lower Q10 concentrations, especially in the heart muscle and kidneys, compared to a 20-year-old.
Causes of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
- Dietary factors: restrictive diets, malnutrition, low-fat diets
- Impaired absorption: lipid metabolism disorders, gastrointestinal issues, bile dysfunction
- Reduced endogenous synthesis: protein deficiency, vitamin B and E deficiencies, selenium deficiency, medication (e.g. beta blockers, statins, L-Dopa), phenylketonuria, liver disease, genetic mutations
- Increased demand: heart failure, physical exercise, stress oxidative stress (e.g. from smoking)
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation
A large number of scientific studies address the therapeutic value of supplementation. Findings suggest that especially in people aged 50 and above, the optimisation of Q10 levels correlates with improved health status.
Effects of Coenzyme Q10
- Antioxidant
- Neuroprotective
- Cardioprotective
- Immune-modulating
- Blood pressure-stabilising
Additional Benefits
- Improves vitality and stamina
- Supports weight reduction
- Therapeutic effects in periodontal conditions
The body’s synthesis of cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 share common precursors. Therefore, when cholesterol synthesis is inhibited – for example by statins – Q10 levels also drop. Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia almost always results in a Q10 deficiency.
Diagnostics
Since Q10 levels are highly dependent on cholesterol levels, the determination of Q10 in whole blood has been expanded to include a cholesterol-corrected Q10 calculation, based on various studies. Measuring cholesterol-corrected Q10 helps prevent misinterpretation. Q10 is thus expressed relative to plasma cholesterol. From a preventive medicine perspective, the cholesterol-corrected Q10 value should not fall below 0.200 μmol/mmol cholesterol.
