For the first time, the enzyme coenzyme - an element of youth and health, was isolated from human tissues in 1957, then it was given the name ubiquinone - "ubiquitous quinone".

It really is everywhere - without it, the processes of cellular respiration, energy exchange would not occur either in animals or in humans. And it is the decrease in the production of this enzyme that provokes the aging of the whole organism - withering of the skin, sagging muscles, dryness and brittle hair. The solution to the problem is an additional intake of ubiquinone.

Miracle Enzyme Coenzyme Q10

The Nobel Prize for the synthesis of a special enzyme coenzyme Q10, as well as the study of its role in the metabolic processes of human cells, was awarded to Peter Mitchell.

This substance, which contains vitamins and dissolves only in a fatty environment, is also called ubiquinone. Takes part in oxygen exchange, cellular respiration, electron transfer. The maximum concentration of coenzyme Q10 is in the human liver and heart.

Chemically, coenzyme Q10 is close to vitamins K and E. Scientists believe that this enzyme is responsible for the aging of the body. The principle is as follows: a decrease in the concentration of coenzyme with age leads to a deterioration in the functionality of the heart, muscles, and internal organs. Accordingly, less oxygen and nutrients enter the cells of all organs. Ubiquinone deficiency slows down all processes: metabolic, oxidative, excretory.

Beauticians have long called Coenzyme Q10 the “beauty enzyme.” Its deficiency immediately affects the skin: it fades, loses moisture, wrinkles, dryness, itching appear. To maintain the proper level of the enzyme in the body, it is recommended:

• eating foods rich in coenzyme ku 10: this includes peanuts, sesame, beef, trout, fish, broccoli, eggs, citrus fruits;
• taking drugs containing the required dose of the enzyme.

Up to 25 years in the absence of a number of diseases (atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease), coenzyme 10 is within the normal range. In the period from 25 to 40 years, its content in the body decreases by 25%. Normally, the body independently synthesizes about 300 mg of the enzyme daily. With age, the deficit must be filled with synthetic analogues of ubiquinone, which are now available under many brand names.

How is the coenzyme used?

Today, coenzyme Q10 is included in:

• complex vitamin preparations;
• cosmetic products of the "anti-age" series: creams, serums, tonics, shampoos, masks;
• monocomponent dietary supplements.

For medical purposes, coenzyme ku 10 is used to strengthen the heart muscle, restore liver cells. It is cardiology that is the leader in prescribing therapeutic doses of the enzyme for the treatment of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, myocardial dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Ubiquinone is also used in pediatrics. In complex therapy, the enzyme ku 10 is prescribed to children with heart rhythm and conduction disorders.

Some scientists believe that the benefits of coenzyme ku 10 are great for frequently ill children. By improving the processes of energy metabolism in such a group of patients, it is possible to achieve resistance to viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.

Use in cosmetology also has a logical explanation: acting in subcutaneous tissue when used externally, cream, ointment, enzyme ku 10 activates metabolic processes, rejuvenates and acts as a powerful antioxidant.

But there are other opinions of scientists regarding the role of coenzyme ku 10 in the fight against skin aging. The potential harm of the enzyme when it is artificially supplied from the outside (with creams and vitamin preparations) makes the skin "lazy": it ceases to independently produce a substance. But this harm is conditional, since it has not been confirmed by scientific research.

Enzyme properties, benefits and harms

Coenzyme Q10 has shown itself best in two areas: the fight against signs of aging and as a support of cardio-vascular system. The main properties of ubiquinone:

• activates energy production at the cellular level;
• improves immunity;
• helps in the process of combating extra pounds - enhances the breakdown of fats, better removes excess fluid;
• slows down the aging of the whole organism;
• beneficial effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• works as a powerful antioxidant;
• accelerates tissue regeneration;
• increases the production of elastin and collagen by the skin (the benefits of the element in the fight against wrinkles have long been studied);
• removes free radicals.

The benefits of Coenzyme Q10 are scientifically proven and undeniable. Preparations in the form of capsules are prescribed to slow down aging, during active physical exertion, in the process of losing weight, as well as for the treatment and prevention of cardiac and vascular diseases, allergies, hypertension.

Ubiquinone improves regenerative and respiratory functions, regulates blood sugar levels (and this is a benefit in diabetes), restores liver cells.

Harm from taking coenzyme ku 10 can occur if you use the drug during pregnancy, lactation, and a tendency to allergic reactions.

It is forbidden to take capsules with alcohol - the harm to the liver in this case will be very high. Coenzyme Q10 is taken in courses for one month or more, it tends to accumulate in the blood, tissues and act for a long time.

Medicines with coenzyme

Preparations with coenzyme ku 10 are available in the form of drops, capsules in a water-soluble shell (Omeganol Coenzyme Q10, Time Expert) and liquid. These funds are registered as dietary supplements - dietary supplements. The drug of which company is better depends on the purpose of the reception and, of course, the cost.

Name	The action of the coenzyme	Method of administration (instruction for use)	Price
Coenzyme Q10 forte	Instructions for use contain the following data: the drug increases the effectiveness of weight loss, is used in rehabilitation periods after injuries and operations, is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.	The benefits of dietary supplements appear after 30 days of taking 1-2 capsules per day. The course can be repeated after 14 days.	The cost of Coenzyme Q10 Forte in drops is from 165 rubles per 50 ml, capsules - from 300 rubles for 30 pieces.
Omeganol Coenzyme Q10	It is indicated for diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity, muscular dystrophy, ischemic heart disease, in the recovery period after a heart attack, stroke.	Instructions for use: 1 capsule three times a day for 20 days. Repeated receptions - 3-4 times a year. Omeganol Coenzyme Q10 is contraindicated in children under 14 years of age.	The price of Omeganol Coenzyme Q10 is from 500 rubles for 120 capsules.
"Time Expert" Coenzyme Q10 forte with vitamin E	The drug of the Russian company "Evalar" is designed to reduce the manifestations of aging of the body, improve heart function, stress resistance, to give skin firmness and elasticity, improve the structure of hair and epidermis. The benefits of taking pills for physical and mental overload have been proven.	Instructions for use: people over 14 years of age take 1 tablet per day with meals. The duration of the course is 1 month, the repetition of the course is not earlier than in 10 days.	Price - from 220 rubles for 20 tablets (520 mg).
Solgar Coenzyme Q10	The fight against age-related changes: wrinkles, dry skin, deterioration of the heart, brain, Pronounced benefits in the treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes.	The instruction contains information about taking the drug: 1 capsule per day with meals. Not recommended for children under 14 years of age.	Price - from 1200 rubles for 30 capsules of 30 mg.
Doppelgerz active in capsules with coenzyme Q10	It is indicated for physical exertion, immunodeficiency, blocks the aging process, is used as an additive in sports nutrition.	Take 1 capsule daily with food for 30 days.	Price - from 500 rubles for 30 capsules.

It is difficult to say which drug is better with coenzyme Q10. Reviews about these dietary supplements are contradictory, since the coenzyme does not act instantly - it must be taken for a long time, doing 2-3 courses per year. It is almost impossible to harm health with prolonged use, contraindications are minimal.

Cosmetics "anti-age"

Cosmetics with coenzyme ku 10 in the form of creams, lotions, tonics are more popular today than ever. Such products can slow down the aging process of the skin, smooth out wrinkles, remove dryness and revitalize the skin / hair.

Ubiquinone - an element of non-protein nature - when applied externally, it combines with the proteins of human tissues and participates in the production of energy necessary for cellular respiration and regeneration.

The harm from cosmetics with coenzyme Q10 is minimal, the only contraindication is pregnancy / lactation and individual intolerance. But the benefits of ubiquinone as part of a skin or hair product are obvious - you will slow down fading, restore youth and beauty.

Name	The action of the coenzyme	Manufacturer	Price
Night cream with coenzyme Q10	Contains fruit stem cells, restores facial skin at the cellular level, increases the level of elastin, collagen, enhances cellular tissue respiration. Protects from aggressive ultraviolet rays that damage the skin.	Andalou Naturals, Lviv	2500 rubles
Cell Repair Cream Concentrate Aloe Vera + Q10 "Coenzyme Q10"	Rejuvenating serum brightens, protects, prevents the appearance of wrinkles, deeply nourishes and moisturizes the skin of the face.	Unique Q10 (Germany)	4490 rubles
Face mask with coenzyme Q10	The tool rejuvenates the skin, “pushes out” even deep wrinkles, thanks to its special delicate texture it is very economically consumed.	RIOR, Czech Republic	1550 rubles
Oxygen complex with coenzyme Q10	Professional therapeutic day cream is designed to moisturize the skin and fight wrinkles, including facial wrinkles, scars, age spots and other imperfections of the epidermis.	Dr. Spiller, Germany	6900 rubles
Bioplates N-active with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E	Plates for applying to the face and activating the gel with warm water.	Medical Collagen 3D	700 rubles
Shampoo-restoration with coenzyme Q10 Schauma	Shampoo for cleansing, smoothing the hair structure and rejuvenation.	Schwarzkopf, Germany	110 rubles for 250 ml.
Brich hair mask	Mask for brittle, lifeless and dry hair. Gives volume, shine, strength, makes curls obedient, prevents color from washing out after coloring.	BRich (Russia)	180 rubles

For a complex effect on the skin, it is better to use a line of products from one manufacturer - this way you will complement the action of the shampoo with a hair mask, and the cream with a face mask.

Coenzyme Q10 is considered a natural antioxidant found in all cells in the human body. With age, this substance is produced in smaller quantities, which increases the likelihood of many disorders, aging occurs. Why do you need coenzyme q10?

Deficiency of the component leads to endocrine and hormonal diseases, muscular dystrophy, periodontal disease, and problems with the cardiovascular system.

It is a source of energy for the whole organism, without which the vital activity of organs is impossible. At the same time, there is a norm of its consumption, the excess of which can lead to side effects. Read more about the benefits and harms of coenzyme Q10 below.

Composition and principle of action

Coenzyme Q10 will prolong youth

The properties of coenzyme q10 make it an indispensable component for the human body. Today, there are many drugs based on it, but they cannot be called medicines. They belong to a number of nutritional supplements that have a positive effect on the body and help in the fight against certain diseases and conditions, but are not intended for treatment.

Coenzyme q10 is also called ubiquinone, which is an endocrine compound produced in the liver of an animal organism. It is a catalyst that promotes the formation of the ATP molecule responsible for energy production. Of particular importance is the concentration of the substance in the cells of the heart, where the frequency of strokes exceeds 100,000 daily.

You may be interested to know what propolis tincture on alcohol helps with? The composition of propolis includes a huge amount of organic substances, including flavonoids, polyphenols, alcohols, fatty acids, essential amino acids, as well as vitamins and trace elements. All information about healing tincture you will find

Properties of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme ku 10 - what is it for? Its value for the body exceeds all expectations. Up to 25 years, he independently produces a component in sufficient quantities, however, over the years, this ability decreases, which may require additional intake of the substance in the form of a drug. First of all, it is necessary to combat the signs of aging, to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Benefit

Speaking in detail about what coenzyme q10 is useful for, the following should be noted:

• Energy production, carried out at the cellular level, to support the work of the whole organism;
• Improving metabolism and blood composition;
• Anti-aging, slowing down the process;
• Improving the work of the heart and cardiovascular system;
• Normalization of the nervous system;
• Help in the treatment of diabetes;
• Acceleration of tissue regeneration;
• Improvement of reproductive function;
• Increased physical activity during sports training;
• Beneficial effect on brain activity.

You can learn more about the benefits of Coenzyme Q10 from the video:

The benefits of coenzyme q10 for the heart are highlighted, since it improves the functioning of the heart muscles, prevents atherosclerosis, heart failure, and lowers cholesterol levels. Its benefits for the skin are to increase elasticity, firmness, get rid of fine wrinkles, and protect against ultraviolet rays.

The anti-aging effect and increased metabolism contribute to the use of coenzyme q10 for weight loss. Metabolic processes are carried out under its influence faster, which provokes a decrease in body fat and weight loss. In addition, with a sharp weight loss, the component helps to preserve the structure of the skin and prevent the appearance of stretch marks by increasing its elasticity. The benefits of coenzyme q10 are especially observed for women, for whom the concentration of the substance is needed in a larger amount compared to men.

Vitamin B5 also has a positive effect on the body.

Harm

Multiple tests indicate the safety of coenzyme q10 even when used above the established norms. At the same time, only people with individual intolerance, who show allergy symptoms, can feel the negative impact. Including, side effects from coenzyme q10 are observed only in 1% of patients. They feel headache, abdominal pain, nausea, insomnia, itching or rash appears.

The interaction of a substance with other drugs also rarely causes a negative effect. However, before use, it is recommended to consult a doctor. It is known that they can inhibit coenzyme q10, which is why the deficiency of the component leads to migraine or myalgia. During this period, an increased dosage of the substance is required. Also, depending on the form of release, coenzyme q10 affects other components in the body. In its fat-soluble form, it activates vitamin E, and in its water-soluble form, it enhances the action of vitamin C. The use of antibiotics and coenzyme q10 at the same time does not cause any harm.

Application features

Coenzyme q10 must be taken correctly for maximum effectiveness. This will provide an improvement in the condition, slowing down the aging process and filling with energy for a long time. So how do you take coenzyme ku 10? For better absorption of the substance, this should be done with meals. The course of treatment usually lasts two months, if necessary, can be increased.

The norm of coenzyme q10 per day is 60-90 mg, divided into 2-3 doses. This dosage is more suitable for preventive purposes. The daily dose of coenzyme q10 for women who want to lose weight is usually 100 mg, and after 1-3 months it is reduced to 30 mg as a preventive dosage. For the treatment of various ailments, 200-300 mg are often prescribed, depending on the disease. With a strong deficiency of the substance, the dose can be increased to 400 mg.

What foods contain coenzyme q10? The list is quite wide, however, in case of a severe shortage, their use will not be able to replenish the required amount of the enzyme. In this case, it should be taken with fats for better absorption. You can find out where this substance is contained in the following list:

• Eggs and chicken provided grain feeding;
• Beef on a natural pasture;
• Sardines, rainbow trout, herring;
• Oranges, strawberries;
• Bran, whole grain bread.

Bran is one of the most useful products for digestive system person. What are they, what are bran, how to use them correctly - read

Indications

Indications for the use of coenzyme ku 10 are as follows:

• chronic fatigue;
• diabetes;
• hypertension;
• Parkinson's disease;
• bleeding gums;
• immunodeficiency;
• anemia;
• apathy towards the environment;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• Alzheimer's disease;
• accelerated aging of the body;
• oncological diseases;
• muscular dystrophy;
• strong physical activity.

In addition to the prevention and treatment of ailments, coenzyme q10 is often used in cosmetology. This is due to the strong antioxidant effect of the substance. In addition, with its help, the skin is saturated with oxygen, which means it acquires tone and elasticity. Thanks to the filling of the skin with energy, the regeneration process is launched, and it is renewed and rejuvenated. Therefore, coenzyme q10 in cosmetics is a component of many anti-aging creams and masks.

Anti-aging cream with coenzyme Q10 can be prepared independently, how to do it - see the video:

Contraindications

Coenzyme q10 refers to safe substances, overdose of which has not been recorded. The ban on its reception exists only with individual intolerance to the component. It is prescribed with caution in the following cases:

• Children under 14 due to the lack of studies on the effect on the children's body;
• Nursing mothers and pregnant women for the same reasons;
• When using drugs to improve heart function;
• Simultaneously with physical activity after immediately after taking the substance.

Summing up

Coenzyme q10 is vital for every person, as it energizes the body, slows down the aging process, and has a positive effect on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

The substance is produced by the body in smaller quantities over the years, so its shortage requires additional medication.

Side effects occur extremely rarely in the form of headache, insomnia, itching, rash, abdominal pain. As an analogue, it is possible to use, the effect of which on the body is similar to a coenzyme.

Similar content

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that is involved in energy production and is also an antioxidant. It helps with cardiovascular disease because it improves energy production in the tissues of the heart muscle, prevents the formation of blood clots and provides protection against damaging free radicals. Also, this remedy is taken for rejuvenation, increased energy.

Coenzyme Q10 - effective remedy from hypertension, heart problems, chronic fatigue

Coenzyme Q10 is also called ubiquinone, which translates as "ubiquitous". It was named so because this substance is present in every cell. Ubiquinone is produced in the human body, but with age, its production decreases even in healthy people. Perhaps this is one of the causes of aging. Learn how to treat hypertension, heart failure and chronic fatigue with this remedy. Read about the beauty industry's CoQ10 skin creams.

Instructions for use

pharmachologic effect	Cardiotonic preparation of non-glycoside structure. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural substance, a vitamin-like coenzyme. Participates in the reaction of oxidative phosphorylation in the respiratory chain of mitochondria of cells. It has a clinically significant antioxidant effect. Reduces the area of ​​myocardial damage in conditions of ischemia and reperfusion. Prevents QT interval prolongation, improves exercise tolerance.
Indications for use	complex therapy of coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, arterial hypertension; prevention and replenishment of deficiency of coenzyme Q10 in the body; improvement of adaptation to increased physical activity in athletes.
Dosage	About dosages of coenzyme Q10 for treatment various diseases read in detail. General recommendation- Take this supplement at 2 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day. With cardiovascular diseases, you can take more - 4-6 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day. Divide the daily dose into 2-3 doses. It is advisable to take the capsules after meals.
Side effects	Most people tolerate Coenzyme Q-10 well. Rare side effects are upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Also possible allergic reaction- rash on the skin. If side effects occur, divide the total daily dose into 2-3 doses.
Contraindications	severe arterial hypotension (BP less than 90/60 mm Hg); acute glomerulonephritis; peptic ulcer and duodenum in the acute phase; hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	Cases are described when women took coenzyme Q10 from the 20th week of pregnancy until childbirth, without harm to the fetus. However, there is insufficient data on treatment with this agent during breastfeeding. Therefore, it is not recommended to prescribe during pregnancy and lactation.
drug interaction	Potentiates (enhances) pharmacological effects cardiotonic and antianginal drugs. Taking this drug along with antihypertensive pills may cause arterial pressure drop too much. If the patient is taking warfarin to thin the blood, then coenzyme Q10 may reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of blood clots.
Release form	Capsules, chewable tablets, drops
Terms and conditions of storage	The drug should be stored out of the reach of children, dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Expiration date - as indicated on the package.
Compound	The active substance is coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone, ubiquinone). Excipients - vegetable oil, soy lecithin, gelatin, glycerin and others.

What are the benefits of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 was discovered in the 1970s and has been widely used in the West since the 1990s. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, well-known in the USA, often repeats that without coenzyme Q10 it is generally impossible to do cardiology. This doctor became famous for combining the methods of official and alternative medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to this approach, his patients live longer and feel better.

Heart failure	It is assumed that one of the causes of heart failure is a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 in the body. Not surprisingly, this supplement is good for patients. It improves exercise tolerance, reduces swelling in the legs and lungs. Breathing becomes easier. Take dietary supplements in high doses in addition to standard treatment, but not in place of it.
Hypertension	Taking coenzyme Q10 slightly lowers blood pressure. The effect does not appear immediately, but after 4-12 weeks. All this time you need to patiently take the supplement, do not quit. It improves the effectiveness of standard antihypertensive medications that a doctor prescribes. Read also the article "".
Prevention of a recurrent heart attack	After a heart attack, it is advisable to start taking coenzyme Q10 no later than 3 days later. This will reduce the chance of a second heart attack and sudden death. Chest pain will decrease, recovery will go faster. Read also the article "". All the actions described in it must be performed in addition to the treatment that the doctor will prescribe, and not instead of it.
Neutralizing the side effects of statins	Statins are medicines that lower bad cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, they often cause side effects - fatigue, memory problems. The reason for the deterioration in the well-being of patients is that statins lower the level of coenzyme Q10 in the blood. Read on for details on how to reduce the side effects of these medications, or even eliminate them altogether.
Heart surgery	If a bypass or heart transplant is planned, it is advisable for the patient to start taking coenzyme Q10 in advance. This improves the prognosis, reduces the risk of arrhythmia during the recovery period after surgery. Discuss with your doctor, do not take it on your own! Coenzyme Q10 can be started and fish oil will likely need to be discontinued to reduce the risk of bleeding.
gum disease	If you're worried about red, inflamed, bleeding gums, consider taking CoQ10 in addition to your standard treatment. Perhaps this will speed up recovery, restoration of affected tissues. The effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of gum disease has not been officially proven. Larger studies are needed on this issue.

Dozens of articles have been published in English-language medical journals on the therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10. In Russian-speaking countries, doctors are just beginning to learn about this remedy. It is still rare for a cardiologist or therapist to prescribe coenzyme Q10 to any of the patients. This supplement is taken mainly by people interested in alternative medicine. The site is working so that as many residents of the CIS countries as possible learn about it.

• – with hawthorn extract
• Doctors' Best Japanese Coenzyme Q10 Prepackaged - Best value for money
• – Japanese product, best quality

How to order Coenzyme Q10 from the USA

Cardiovascular diseases

Coenzyme Q10 is useful to take in the following diseases and clinical situations:

• angina;
• coronary atherosclerosis;
• heart failure;
• cardiomyopathy;
• heart attack prevention;
• recovery after a heart attack;
• recovery after coronary surgery or heart transplantation.

Read more about the treatment of cardiovascular diseases:

In 2013, the results of a large study of the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in congestive heart failure were presented. This study, called Q-SYMBIO, began back in 2003. It involved 420 patients from 8 countries. All these people suffered from heart failure III-IV functional class.

202 patients received coenzyme Q10 100 mg 3 times a day in addition to standard treatment. Another 212 people made up the control group. They took placebo capsules that looked exactly like the real supplement. In both groups, patients had the same average age (62 years) and other significant parameters. Thus, the study was double-blind, placebo-controlled - according to the most stringent rules. Each patient was followed up for 2 years. Below are the results.

However, this study is criticized by opponents because it was sponsored by interested organizations:

• Kaneka is the largest Japanese manufacturer of coenzyme Q10;
• Pharma Nord is a European company that packs coenzyme Q10 into capsules and sells it to end consumers;
• International Coenzyme Q10 Association.

However, the opponents could not challenge the results, no matter how hard they tried. The results of the Q-SYMBIO study were officially published in the December 2014 issue of the American College of Cardiology's Journal of Heart Failure (JACC Heart Failure). The authors concluded that long-term therapy with coenzyme Q10 in patients suffering from chronic heart failure is safe and, most importantly, effective.

Coenzyme Q10 for heart failure: proven effective

The data above apply only to patients with heart failure. However, there is already enough evidence on the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 also in other cardiovascular diseases. Leading physicians have been prescribing it to their patients since the 1990s.

arterial hypertension

Coenzyme Q10 moderately lowers blood pressure, complements medications prescribed by a doctor. About 20 trials have been conducted on the effectiveness of this supplement for hypertension. Unfortunately, too few patients participated in all studies. According to various sources, Q10 lowers blood pressure by 4-17 mm Hg. Art. This supplement is effective for 55-65% of patients suffering from hypertension.

Increased blood pressure puts an excessive strain on the heart muscle, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, as well as kidney failure and vision problems. Pay attention to the treatment of hypertension. Coenzyme Q10 is not the primary remedy for this condition, but it can still be helpful. It even helps elderly people suffering from isolated systolic hypertension, for whom it is especially difficult for doctors to find effective drugs.

Plants that help with hypertension:

Neutralizing the side effects of statins

Statins are medications that millions of people take to lower their cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, these drugs not only lower cholesterol, but also deplete the body of coenzyme Q10. This explains most of the side effects that statins cause. People taking these pills often complain of weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and memory impairment.

Several studies have been conducted to find out how the use of statins is associated with the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in the blood and tissues. The results were contradictory. However, millions of people in the West take CoQ10 supplements to counteract the side effects of statins. And it doesn't seem like they're doing it for nothing.

Statins are sold for $29 billion a year worldwide, of which $10 billion is in the US. This is a significant amount, and almost all of it is net income. Pharmaceutical companies generously share the money received with regulatory authorities and opinion leaders among doctors. Therefore, officially the frequency of side effects of statins is considered to be many times lower than it actually is.

The above does not mean that you need to stop taking statins. In patients at high cardiovascular risk, these drugs reduce the risk of a first and second heart attack by 35-45%. Thus, they prolong life for several years. No other medicines and supplements can give the same good result. However, it will be prudent to take CoQ10 200 mg per day to neutralize the side effects.

Read more about cholesterol medications:

Diabetes

Sick diabetes experiencing increased oxidative stress, they often have disrupted energy production in cells. Therefore, it was speculated that Coenzyme Q10 could help them significantly. However, studies have found that this remedy does not improve blood sugar control in any way and does not reduce the need for insulin.

Conducted clinical trials involving patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For both of these categories of patients, the result was negative. Fasting and post-meal blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, "bad" and "good" cholesterol did not improve. However, people with diabetes can take coenzyme Q10 to treat cardiovascular disease, in addition to standard care.

Read also:

Chronic fatigue, rejuvenation

It is assumed that one of the causes of aging is damage to cellular structures by free radicals. These are destructive molecules. They are harmful if antioxidants do not have time to neutralize them. Free radicals are by-products of energy production reactions (ATP synthesis) in cellular mitochondria. If there are not enough antioxidants, then free radicals destroy mitochondria over time, and cells become less of these "factories" that provide energy.

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the synthesis of ATP and at the same time is an antioxidant. The level of this substance in tissues decreases with age even in healthy people, and even more so in patients. Scientists have long been interested in whether taking coenzyme Q10 can slow down aging. Studies in rats and mice have yielded conflicting results. Clinical trials in humans have not yet been carried out. However, hundreds of thousands of people in Western countries take supplements containing Q10 for rejuvenation. This remedy gives vigor to people in middle and old age. But whether it increases life expectancy is not yet known.

Skin creams containing Coenzyme Q10 are advertised at every turn. However, it is reasonable to be skeptical about them. They certainly cannot rejuvenate a 50-year-old woman enough to make her look like a 30-year-old. Cosmetic products that give such a magical effect do not yet exist.

Theoretically, Q10 is an effective anti-aging agent. The content of this substance in skin cells decreases with age. In older people, it is often below normal. In conditions of deficiency of coenzyme Q10, the production of collagen, elastin and other important substances decreases. Unprotected skin is damaged by free radicals. Q10 can stimulate the restoration of the skin. It is a small molecule that easily penetrates into skin cells.

Cosmetic companies are trying to bring new products to the market all the time. Thanks to this, many skin creams containing coenzyme Q10 have appeared in stores. However, there is no exact information on how effective they are. Probably, advertising greatly exaggerates their capabilities.

Samples of skin cream containing coenzyme Q10

In 1999, an article was published in a serious magazine confirming that applying CoQ10 to the skin helps to smooth out crow's feet - wrinkles around the eyes. However, it is not known whether popular creams contain enough of this substance to achieve a real effect.

In 2004, another article was published - nutritional supplements containing coenzyme Q10 at a dosage of 60 mg per day improve skin condition as well as cosmetics. The area of ​​the skin around the eyes affected by wrinkles decreased on average by 33%, the volume of wrinkles - by 38%, and the depth - by 7%. The effect became noticeable after 2 weeks of taking capsules with coenzyme Q10. However, only 8 female volunteers participated in the study. The small number of participants makes the result not convincing for specialists.

Women know thousands of cosmetics, which at first promised a lot in theory, but later turned out to be not very effective in practice. Coenzyme Q10 probably falls into this category. However, for your health, vitality and longevity, taking it can be really beneficial. Try also to improve the condition of the skin and nails.

Which coenzyme Q10 is better

There are dozens of supplements and medicines on the market that use coenzyme Q10 as the active ingredient. Most consumers want to choose best option for price and quality. There are also people who tend to accept the most the best remedy despite its high price. The information below will help you make your choice.

Need to figure it out:

• what is the difference between ubiquinone and ubiquinol;
• the problem of absorption of coenzyme Q10 and how to solve it.

Ubiquinone (also called ubidecarenone) is a form of CoQ10 found in most supplements, as well as Kudesan tablets and drops. In the human body, it turns into an active form - ubiquinol, which has therapeutic effect. Why not use ubiquinol in medicines and supplements right away? Because it is chemically unstable. However, the problem of ubiquinol stabilization was solved in 2007. Since then, there have been supplements containing this remedy.

• Healthy Origins Ubiquinol - 60 x 100mg Capsules
• Doctor's Best Japanese Ubiquinol - 90 Capsules 50 mg
• Ubiquinol by Jarrow Formulas - 60 capsules of 100 mg, manufactured by Kaneka, Japan

How to order ubiquinol from the USA on iHerb - or . Instruction in Russian.

Manufacturers claim that ubiquinol is absorbed better than the usual good old coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), and provides a more stable concentration of the active substance in the blood. Ubiquinol is especially recommended for people over 40 years of age. It is assumed that with age, the conversion of ubiquinone to ubiquinol worsens in the body. However, this is a controversial claim. Most manufacturers continue to produce supplements that contain ubiquinone as the active ingredient. Moreover, consumers are very satisfied with these tools.

Supplements containing ubiquinol are 1.5-4 times more expensive than those containing ubiquinone as the active ingredient. How much better they help - there is no generally accepted opinion about this. ConsumerLab.Com is an independent testing organization for nutritional supplements. It takes money not from manufacturers, but from consumers for access to the results of its tests. Experts working in this organization believe that the miraculous possibilities of ubiquinol compared to ubiquinone are greatly exaggerated.

It is possible that the dosages of CoQ10 can be reduced slightly if you switch from ubiquinone to ubiquinol, and the effect will continue. But such an advantage does not play a role due to the difference in the price of additives. It is important that the problem of absorption (assimilation) remains for ubiquinol, as well as for ubiquinone.

The coenzyme Q10 molecule has a large diameter and is therefore difficult to be absorbed into gastrointestinal tract. If the active substance is not absorbed, but is immediately excreted through the intestines, then there will be no sense in taking the supplement. Manufacturers are trying to increase absorption and solve this problem in different ways. As a rule, coenzyme Q10 capsules are dissolved in olive, soy or safflower oil for better absorption. And Doctor's Best uses a proprietary black pepper extract.

What solution to the problem of absorption of coenzyme Q10 is optimal - there is no exact data. Otherwise, most supplement manufacturers would use it instead of inventing their own. You need to look at consumer reviews. Good supplements containing coenzyme Q10 make a person more alert. This effect is felt after 4-8 weeks of use or earlier. Some consumers in their reviews confirm it, while others write that there is no sense. Based on the ratio of positive and negative reviews, one can draw reliable conclusions about the quality of the additive.

The healing and rejuvenating effect of coenzyme Q10 will be if it is taken at a dosage of at least 2 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day. In severe heart failure - you can and should take more. In clinical studies, patients were given 600-3000 mg of this drug per day, and there were no harmful side effects.

In Russian-speaking countries, the medicine Kudesan is popular, the active ingredient of which is coenzyme Q10. However, all Kudesan tablets and drops contain negligible doses of ubiquinone. If you want to take the recommended daily dose for your body weight, then a bottle of drops or a pack of Kudesan tablets will only last a few days.

Dosages - details

It should be taken after meals with water. It is desirable that the food contains fats, even if the packaging of CoQ10 says that it is water-soluble.

If your daily dose exceeds 100 mg, divide it into 2-3 doses.

conclusions

By reading this article, you have learned everything you need to know about Coenzyme Q10. Young healthy people hardly make sense to take it. However, with age, the level of this substance in tissues decreases, but the need for it does not. official clinical research there was no effect of coenzyme Q10 on life expectancy. However, hundreds of thousands of people in middle and old age take it for vigor and rejuvenation. As a rule, they are satisfied with the results.

Coenzyme Q10 is an indispensable remedy for cardiovascular diseases. Take it in addition to any medication your doctor prescribes. Also follow the steps described in the article "". If a doctor claims that coenzyme Q10 is useless, then he does not follow professional news, he is stuck in the 1990s. Decide for yourself whether to use his advice, or look for another specialist.

To neutralize the side effects of statins, you need to take coenzyme Q10 at a dosage of at least 200 mg per day. To improve heart function, it is advisable to take ubiquinone or ubiquinol along with L-carnitine. These supplements complement each other.

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The author of the material is Danaya Yakovlevna Samoletova, endocrinologist and therapist, candidate medical sciences. She has over 10 years of experience working with patients. Find out how to get an appointment with her (Ufa city, Russian Federation) or get advice via the Internet. Do not take strong medications on your own. This is dangerous! Do not try to replace the treatment prescribed by your doctor with dietary supplements.

1. Catherine

   I am 67 years old, height 164 cm, weight 86 kg. I have been taking since May 2015, with short interruptions, to improve the energy processes in the body, 30-33 mg of coenzyme Q10 doppelhertz active. I suffer from hypertension - pressure 180/100. I knock it down mainly with enalapril 5-10 mg, I do not take it regularly, in terms of blood pressure, rarely with nifidipine, when blood pressure is above 170-180 mm Hg. Art. I am an ex-medical operating room nurse. In our city, medicine is at the level of stupid paramedics. Therefore, you have to treat yourself.
   I quickly get tired, I feel weakness, absent-mindedness, often a headache, forgetfulness. Along with coenzyme Q10, I drink fish oil, alternating with linseed oil in capsules, as well as Ginkgo Biloba, Lecithin, Magnelis B6. But I don't see any improvement.

2. Valentina Manzhosova

   I will be 80 years old in three days. I am taking Betaloc Zok and Atakand prescribed by the cardiologist. The pressure is 115-130 / 60-70, but the pulse is often 80-90. Bought Coenzyme Q10 forte 100mg with Vitamin C from Pharma Nord and Ginkgo Biloba with Vitamin D. Can I take it all together? Sincerely, Valentina.

3. Paul

   There is another category of people who need coenzyme Q10 - these are athletes who endure heavy physical exertion, in which Q10 quickly burns out. They also have powerful oxidative stress, which this substance fights.

4. Valera

   Good afternoon!
   I am 30 years old, height 192 cm, weight 119 kg, I am actively involved in sports - 3-5 workouts of various formats per week, mainly volleyball. At the same time, I understand that 19 kg is superfluous, I plan to treat food, and also try to take a course of L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10. Tell me, please, will there be an effect and what dosage to use for the optimal effect?
   Thank you.

5. Valentine

   My mother Maria Fedorovna (76 years old, weight 78 kg) has the following diseases - angina pectoris, heart failure, hypertension. Takes concor, cardiomagnyl, riboxin, aspirin cardio, captopril for high blood pressure and coenzyme Q10 1 capsule per day, produced by Nutrilite. The question is - how to combine drugs correctly and how long to take coenzyme Q10? Feeling better, of course, but I can not say for a long time. The quality of the product is quite satisfactory, the price is high.

6. Galina Ozdoba

(Eng. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound, a coenzyme present in almost all living cells. Its other name is ubiquinone, which means "omnipresent" in Latin. Opening coenzyme Q10 happened in America in 1955, and after 10 years this substance was successfully used in medical practice. Study work coenzyme Q10 has been going on for many decades. During clinical trials mass was found useful properties of this compound, and one of the scientific works on the justification of its therapeutic action was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Coenzyme Q10: composition

Chemical composition coenzyme Q10 in many respects similar to and, therefore it is referred to as vitamin-like substances. This coenzyme is a benzoquinone containing a quinoid group (denoted Q) and 10 isoprenyl groups (hence the number 10).

Externally coenzyme Q10 It looks like a yellow-orange crystalline powder, tasteless and odorless. This substance is highly soluble in diethyl ether, slightly soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in water.

In the body, the coenzyme is synthesized from three amino acids -, and. The key role in ensuring the normal course of this process is played by B vitamins, and a number of trace elements, including.

Coenzyme Q10: in products

Despite the fact that a certain amount coenzyme Q10 synthesized in the body, a significant part of it a person receives with food.

Natural sources of CoQ10 include the following food categories:

• meat and offal - beef, pork, lamb;
• fish - salmon, trout, salmon, sardine, herring;
• dairy products and eggs - butter, milk, cheese, egg yolk;
• nuts - pistachios, sesame, peanuts;
• vegetable oil - soybean, rapeseed, olive, corn, sunflower;
• vegetables and fruits - spinach, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, oranges.

Coenzyme Q10: capsules

The most popular dosage form of drugs with coenzyme Q10 are capsules. Their advantage lies in the fact that they are made on an oil basis, therefore coenzyme one of them is much better absorbed.

one). Among the whole variety of capsule products, "Co-Q10 200" (60 capsules) from the company is in special demand. Jarrow Formulas . Each capsule of this preparation contains 200 mg of the active substance obtained by fermentation and having the same trans configuration as coenzyme Q10 synthesized by the human body.

2). No less in demand are Coenzyme Q10, Enhanced Absorption capsules (60 gel capsules), which are produced by natural factors for this drug is completely natural. Each capsule contains 100 mg of the active ingredient diluted in rice bran oil for better absorption in the intestinal tract.

Coenzyme Q10: tablets

3). Among the tablets with coenzyme Q10 you can select tablets "Smart Q10 CoQ10, Maple Nut Flavored" (30 chewable tablets) from the manufacturer Enzymatic Therapy . This dietary supplement is specifically designed to support heart health. At the same time, the purity, safety and efficacy of the drug are laboratory-proven.

Coenzyme Q10: liquid

four). Some manufacturers produce coenzyme Q10 and in liquid form. Thanks to the latest developments, such drugs have high bioavailability. An example of such funds is "Liquid CoQ10, 4 fl oz" (118 ml) from the company Now Foods . Apart from the coenzyme Q10, it contains a whole range of natural active substances, including:

• vitamin E
• extract.

All of these components contribute to increased cellular energy and maintain the health of the cardiovascular system.

Cream with Coenzyme Q10

5). Among anti-aging cosmetics with coenzyme Q10 the most popular among women are multicomponent creams, for example, "Super goji anti-aging smoothing cream with peptides" (50 ml) from the company Andalou Naturals . This cosmetic product is designed to meet the needs of dry to very dry skin. It contains a huge amount of useful substances that slow down the aging process:

• coenzyme Q10;
• fruit stem cells;
• vitamins C and E;
• bioactive complex of 8 berries;
• plant extracts (, hibiscus, cucumber, white tea);
• glycopeptides;
• vegetable oils( , sunflower oil, );
• hyaluronic acid.

It is clinically proven that these ingredients accelerate the production and elastin processes in the deep layers of the epidermis, due to which the skin is renewed, the complexion improves, and wrinkles are smoothed. At the same time, this cream does not contain sulfates and parabens, it does not violate the acid level of the skin surface and is absolutely hypoallergenic.

Best Coenzyme Q10

6). A range of additives coenzyme q10 today is very wide, however, according to buyers, the best drug in terms of price-quality ratio is "CoQ10, Naturally Fermented" (120 gel capsules) from the manufacturer California Gold Nutrition obtained using a natural fermentation process. Each capsule contains 100 mg coenzyme Q10. Unlike most analogues, safflower oil is used as a base oil, which is very rich in essential for maintaining the heart, blood vessels and nervous system.

Coenzyme Q10: Solgar

7). The oldest manufacturer of dietary supplements is an American company Solgar produces a modern coenzyme Q10 premium "Nutri-Nano Co Q10 Alpha Lipoic Acid, Platinum Edition" (60 capsules). The formula of this drug combines the benefits of two components at once: coenzyme Q10 and . The uniqueness of the drug lies in the use of the latest nanotechnological developments that provide the fastest and most effective absorption of active substances.

Coenzyme Q10: in the pharmacy

Medicines and cosmetics coenzyme Q10 can be found in any pharmacy, their range and price range is quite wide. But, unfortunately, not all of these drugs are able to fully satisfy the body's needs for this coenzyme, so the choice should be approached very carefully. It is no secret that even in a pharmacy, the probability of acquiring a fake is quite high, and the effectiveness of many pharmaceutical products raises doubts due to the fact that the concentration coenzyme Q10 in them is minimal. It is better to give preference to those supplements whose effectiveness is clinically proven, and the quality of the components is confirmed by certificates. You can buy these drugs on the website at the link below.

Coenzyme Q10: analogues

is a unique connection. Its value lies in the fact that it is impossible to completely replace it with other substances in the body. However, there are analogues that are very similar to coenzyme Q10 action.

eight). One such substance is a compound isolated from the skin of red grapes. As well as coenzyme Q10 it contributes to maintaining the health of the heart muscle and helps the body resist age-related changes. Among the supplements based on restveratrol, one can single out Natural resveratrol capsules from the company Now Foods . This drug is recommended as a support for the cardiovascular system, as well as a remedy that slows down the aging process of the skin.

9). Another analogue coenzyme Q10- or, more simply, an extract of the bark of the French maritime pine. As well as coenzyme Q10, he is natural antioxidant. As a source of this substance, you can use Pycnogenol capsules (60 pcs.) Produced by an American company Healthy Origins . This dietary supplement is positioned as one of the best defenders of body cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Coenzyme Q10: instruction

Before taking any dietary supplement, including coenzyme Q10 you need to read the instructions. Even the same dosage forms of the drug can differ significantly in the quantitative content of active substances, therefore, the dosage in each case may be different.

Coenzyme Q10: how to take

undoubtedly benefits the body, but only if taken correctly. According to experts, in order to maintain energy reserves in the body and slow down the natural processes of its aging, it is enough for a healthy person to receive about 100 mg coenzyme Q10 per day. With age or in the presence of various diseases, this need may increase to 300 mg or more. The standard limit in the treatment of pathologies is 500 mg per day. For a more accurate dosage, you can use the formula according to which the effective daily dose coenzyme Q10 should be at least 2 mg per 1 kg of body weight.

Because the coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble compound, for best absorption it is recommended to take it with fatty foods, such as sunflower, olive or. mixes well with other biologically active additives, especially with, and other vitamin-like substances. Usually, coenzyme Q10 It is recommended to take courses for at least 2 months.

Coenzyme Q10: contraindications

Generally coenzyme Q10 well tolerated by the body, however, there are a number of contraindications to its use. These include:

• pregnancy;
• breastfeeding period;
• hypersensitivity to coenzyme Q10 or other components of the drug;
• children under 12 years of age;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
• bradycardia;
• acute glomerulonephritis.

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance produced by the body. It helps mitochondria in energy production. It is similar to other pseudo-vitamins in that it is very important for survival but does not need to be taken as a supplement. Low levels of CoQ10 are associated with the development of serious diseases, including fibromyalgia and post-infarction syndrome. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency also causes depression, Prader-Willi syndrome, male infertility, Peyronie's disease, migraines, and parkinsonism. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is recommended for individuals suffering from the above diseases, especially people who have had a heart attack or suffer from fibromyalgia. Coenzyme Q10 also improves blood flow and strengthens blood vessels. This mechanism involves the storage of nitric oxide according to the principle characteristic of grape seed extract, pycnogenol and. Coenzyme Q10 also minimizes damage blood vessels from oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduces the formation of plaque in the arteries. It is known that some drugs reduce the level of coenzyme Q10 in the body (for example,). A supplement prescribed by a doctor may reduce this effect. However, there is no evidence that CoQ10 prolongs life or can stimulate fat loss or muscle growth.

In its form, it is a pseudo-vitamin. Combines well with other mitochondrial bioenergetic factors (creatine, and thioctic acid, which has been partly proven in the laboratory).

Coenzyme Q 10 instruction

The standard dosage of coenzyme Q10 is 50-200 mg. Coenzyme Q10 supplements can be oxidized or reduced forms of ubiquinone or ubiquinol. Both forms improve the circulation of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is usually taken once a day with meals. Higher doses of the drug are not much more effective than lower doses.

The substance is also known as coenzyme Q10, ubiquinone, ubiquinol, 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone. The drug should be distinguished from idebenone (synthetic derivative).

Coenzyme Q10 is not a stimulant. Oil-based supplements containing Q10 should be taken with meals.

In combination with other additives, it acts as a drug for the heart and blood vessels.

Origin and composition

Origin

Coenzyme Q10 is a pseudo-vitamin (sometimes erroneously referred to as vitamin Q) of great importance for cellular metabolism. It is located in the electron transport chain of mitochondria and promotes the production of ATP (it is a source of cellular energy and the end product of fatty acids and glucose, necessary for energy). Coenzyme Q10 gets its name from its ubiquitous or ubiquitous nature, but is nevertheless distinguished in name from its reduced (ubiquinol) or oxidized (ubiquinone) form, which, depending on the oxidative state cells are interchangeable substances. Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that is produced in the body to ensure the proper functioning of mitochondria and is also part of the human diet.

Where is coenzyme Q10 found

Meat from terrestrial animals is the best natural source of CoQ10 for the human diet. In the first place in terms of substance content are cardiac tissues, the second is the liver, followed by skeletal muscles.

Meat (fish and seafood):

The meat of aquatic animals is also rich in coenzyme Q10. Similarly, a high concentration of the substance is characteristic of cardiac tissue (comparable to the concentration of coenzyme in the cardiac tissue of terrestrial animals), but its amount in fish fillets is relatively lower than in the flesh of terrestrial animals.

Dairy products and eggs:

Dairy products and eggs contain adequate amounts of coenzyme Q10, but meat products contain much more.

In general, nuts and legumes contain moderate amounts of the coenzyme (highest concentration in peanuts (26.7 mg/kg) and sesame (17.6–23.0 mg/kg)), as do the oils derived from them (highest concentration in filtered olive oil extra class (114 - 160 mg / kg), corn oil (13 - 139 mg / kg) and soybean oil (53.8 - 279 mg / kg). Vegetables contain significantly less coenzyme; the best sources are parsley (7.5-26.4 mg/kg), soybeans (6.8-19.0 mg/kg), perilla leaves (2.1-10.2 mg/kg) and broccoli (5. 9 – 8.6 mg/kg). Cereals in terms of the content of coenzyme are to some extent comparable with vegetables (the concentration is much lower than in meat), although most often coenzyme Q10 is practically not found in them. Coenzyme Q10 is partly (by 14 - 32%) destroyed during frying, however, cooking products practically does not affect its level. He resists the impact high temperatures better than other ingredients found in foods, such as vitamin E or sulforafrane, which are quickly destroyed when food is cooked. Nuts and oils are the best plant-based sources of CoQ10, although even when consumed in large amounts, they only deliver a moderate amount to the body, making them an impractical source. Vegetables, like grains, are low in CoQ10. Coenzyme 10 can be obtained from biological tissue products, although such mass production is too expensive, as well as in the laboratory using bacteria or total synthesis. Microbiological fermentation is preferred because it dissolves substances to a lesser extent and is cheaper at higher production volumes. The soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens is commonly used because of its good synthesis rate. Coenzyme Q10 can be obtained from living tissues (and is expensive), although it is more commonly synthesized by bacteria, so coenzyme supplements are usually vegan (this matters for vegans, since most dietary sources of coenzymes are animal).

Coenzyme Q10: composition and properties

Coenzyme ku-10 belongs to a class of substances characterized by the benzoquinone ring structure at the end of the isoprenoid side chain. The length of the side chain determines the name of the coenzyme. The tail of the coenzyme Q10 chain contains 10 isoprenyl groups. In its reduced form (ubiquinol) it can directly neutralize some free radicals (antioxidant effect) by converting to its oxidized form (ubiquinone), and this same mechanism is used to donate electrons down the electron transport chain to create ATP. Despite its existence in an oxidized form, ubiquinone is an antioxidant.

Biosynthesis and regulation

Coenzyme Q10 primarily exists and is synthesized in the body for inclusion in the respiratory electron transport chain (RTC), one of the final steps in cellular energy production. This occurs during the transfer of CPE segments, during which electrons and protons are transferred head-to-tail to the benzoquinone head, and the isoprene tail transfers the head from one segment to another. As a component of the cell membrane (lipid bilayer), CoQ10 is lipophilic, or fat-soluble, so it should be consumed as part of dietary fat or when transporting a lipophilic substance. Coenzyme Q10 is produced internally from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, formed from as an intermediary, which combines with polyprenyl pyrophosphate (formed from farnesyl pyrophosphate by the mevalonate pathway) by the enzyme 4-hydroxybenzoic acid polyprenyl transferase, converting to a 4-hydroxypolyprenyl benzoic acid molecule, which is then converted to coenzyme Q10. Synthesis is impaired in part by statins, as HMG-CoA inhibition reduces the pool of free farnesyl pyrophosphate, and the rate of synthesis of coenzyme Q10 is somewhat dependent on the pool of farnesyl pyrophosphate (it has been found that increasing this pool through inhibition of alternative pathways accelerates the synthesis of coenzyme Q10). The total reserves of coenzyme Q10 in the body of a healthy adult are about 2 g, i.e. it is necessary to replace 500 mg of coenzyme per day (through internal synthesis and dietary intake combined) approximately every four days. It is assumed that the daily external intake of the drug (with food) is 30-100 mg for healthy people, but can increase to 60-1200 mg in certain medical conditions, such as statin use. However, when assessing the average food intake, it turns out that the average intake of the substance is usually 3-6 mg per day (in Europe and Asia), since the consumption of heart and liver food, the best sources of coenzyme, is not widespread. In at least one study where rats took CoQ10 orally, it was found that after 4 days of using this drug, its internal production did not change.

Distribution in tissues and cells

In general, the tissues of the body with increased metabolism (heart, brain, kidneys, liver, skeletal muscle) have a higher content of coenzyme Q10 compared to other parts of the body, and they also usually experience the beneficial effects of the use of the drug. About 14.5% of coenzyme Q10 is found in the cytosol or its organelles, while 41% is found in mitochondria, 37.5% (a fairly large percentage) is in the cell nucleus, and the remaining 7% is in the supernatant, mainly on the inner mitochondrial membrane. It turned out that the level of coenzyme Q10 is almost not related to the fat content in the cell (in contrast, for example, to the level of vitamin E). Part of CoQ10 is found in specific organelles, including lysosomes (120 pmol/mg), Golgi apparatus (92 pmol/mg), peroxysomes (13 pmol/mg), as well as in the free state in the cytosol (11 pmol/mg) or in plasma membrane (27 pmol/mg). These data were obtained from studies in rats, which contain more coenzyme Q9 than Q10, so these data may be different for humans. Coenzyme Q10 in cells is found predominantly, although not exclusively, in mitochondria. Part of coenzyme Q10 is found in the cytoplasm and nucleus.

Coenzyme Q 10 deficiency

The term "deficiency of coenzyme Q10" is not entirely correct. This refers to a condition in which the content of coenzyme Q10 in the blood serum and / or at the cellular level is greatly reduced in comparison with the norm of a healthy person.

In heavy smokers, there may be a lack of coenzyme Q10. During circulation, 95% of CoQ10 is in the reduced form (ubiquinol).

Pharmacology

Gastrointestinal tract

After oral ingestion, CoQ10 in the supplement passes through the stomach almost unchanged, while CoQ10 obtained from food has increased bioavailability due to denaturation of the dietary protein containing the coenzyme. Just like other lipophilic nutrients, coenzyme Q10 enters lymphatic system in parallel with the absorption of fat contained in chylomicrons. No specific transport of coenzyme Q10 has been found in the intestines of humans or rats. Under laboratory conditions, during or shortly before incorporation into chylomicrons, coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) in human cells is reduced to its antioxidant substrate, ubiquinol.

Serum

When taken orally, coenzyme Q10 enters the blood serum rather quickly. When taking a single dose of the drug, its half-life is 5.80-8.10 hours, Cmax 1.16-1.47 µmol / l, and the area under the curve is 44.94-64.01 µmol / h / l (single dose amounted to 180 mg of liquid). Long-term oil-based supplementation has been found to increase baseline levels of 1.1 µmol/L in healthy adults by 0.524 µmol/L (100 mg supplement), 0.530 µmol/L (300 mg, but within one week ), 1.008 µmol/L (120 mg), 1.200 µmol/L (90 mg), 1.214 µmol/L (90 mg) and 1.900 µmol/L (90 mg) regardless of the period of use, which ranged from 2 weeks to 9 months. Supplements in powder form increase serum levels of the substance in a similar manner by 0.568 µmol/L (100 mg), 1.124 µmol/L (100 mg, sustained release), 1.309 µmol/L (120 mg), and 1.810 µmol/L ( 90 mg). At the same time, in the course of one study on soluble coenzyme Q10, an increase in the level of the substance in the blood serum to 3.255 μmol / l (at 120 mg) was detected. In turn, experience with the emulsion for one week showed no significant improvement compared to standard oil-based supplements (0.500 µmol/l after the emulsion and 0.530 µmol/l after the oil supplement, the dose in both cases was 300 mg). This soluble version of CoQ10, known as PureSorb-Q40, is a water-soluble version of CoQ10. The particle size of the drug in water is about 0.19 microns. This formulation has also been shown to have increased bioavailability compared to oil-based supplements and has the same safety profile as other forms of coenzyme Q10 (2000mg/kg daily in rats and 2250mg in humans caused no side effects). With oral use of coenzyme Q10, its level in the blood serum increases, and with its daily use, the concentration of the drug increases by 50-150% (90-120 mg). It is not known what serum levels of the drug are established with this supplement, and although there is not much difference between taking the supplement in powder form and in oil form (recommended to be taken with food), there is some evidence that the soluble version of the drug increases its level. in blood serum to a greater extent. In the blood serum, coenzyme Q10 exists as part of the chylomicrons from which it is extracted (partially exhibits antioxidant properties during transport), and after deposition in the liver, it is transported by low or high density lipoproteins. The vast majority of CoQ10 (96%) at this stage is the reduced form of ubiquinol.

Distribution and concentration in tissues

Coenzyme Q10 enters the blood serum when taken orally orally rather quickly (although data may be different when taking single doses) and after long-term supplementation (14 weeks) it can be found in skeletal muscle, brain, kidneys and heart. Generally highest concentration coenzyme Q10 is observed in the heart, then in the liver and kidneys (63.6 and 77 nmol / g, respectively); lower content of the substance is observed in the intestine (13.3 nmol/g), lungs (9.2 nmol/g) and brain (15.5 nmol/g). The concentration in tissues (not counting the liver and spleen) increases more with multiple than with a single dose of the drug, and with a single dose, the content of the substance rises slightly.

Excretion and purification

When examining red blood cells, CoQ10 levels are seen to return to baseline after 12 weeks of supplementation.

Coenzyme Q 10 Research

Mechanism of action

In a study of calorie-restricted mice (one of the most reliable ways to prolong life), an increase in the level of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 in skeletal muscle and a decrease in the level of Q9 (without an effect on Q10) in cardiac tissue were found, compared with mice with a normal diet. An increase in skeletal muscle levels has been found in other studies, as has an increase in Q9/Q10 levels in the kidneys, although conflicting results have been reported in cardiac and liver studies. In one study that mentioned that statins can increase the lifespan of Drosophila, it was noted that this effect occurred regardless of the level of ubiquinone. Coenzyme Q10 levels are altered in calorie-restricted mice, but this may be a biomarker for another substance that promotes longevity.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 on life expectancy

In nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans), eliminating all forms of coenzyme Q10 from the diet increased lifespan by 59%. Ablation of biosynthesis to reduce the level of the substance in the body increases lifespan in a similar way as clk-1 mutants that are not able to synthesize Q9. The study on this elimination of the drug from the diet is quite controversial, since, according to other data, life expectancy was increased due to changes in bacterial metabolism, and not due to the elimination of coenzyme Q10 from the diet. Mice supplemented at 93 or 371 mg/kg (for a 70 kg human, 507 and 2023 mg, respectively) from 3.5 months of age until death did not significantly affect their lifespan or any antioxidant enzymes (, catalase and superoxide dismutase). The same results were observed at lower dosages in rats and mice. Currently, there is not enough evidence that CoQ10 increases lifespan, but some evidence suggests that its complete elimination from the diet increases lifespan (information is controversial and has not yet been tested in mammals).

Impact on the body

Neurology

Distribution

Prior to supplementation, coenzyme Q10 is present in the form of ubiquinol in all brain regions studied, predominantly in the cerebral cortex, equally in the hippocampus and striatum, and also (to a lesser extent) in the middle and diencephalon, cerebellum and brain stem. Ubiquinone is found in the brain at approximately the same concentration, although the smallest amount is found in the striatum and midbrain, and its cortex contains the same amount as in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Oral ingestion of 200mg/kg coenzyme Q10 in young rats for 2 months increases the content of coenzyme Q10 in the brain by about 30% (age 1 year), as in two-year-old rats. It also increases coenzyme Q9 and vitamin E. In another study, where mice were given 0.72 mg/g or 2.81 mg/g of the drug throughout their lives, a 22% increase in the substance was noted in the cerebral cortex without significant changes in other parts of the brain (hippocampus, striatum, midbrain, diencephalon, cerebellum or brain stem). Animals supplemented with coenzyme Q10 for a long time show an increase in the level of this substance in the brain (human studies have not yet been conducted due to the difficulty of determining the level of coenzyme Q10 in the body of a living person), but to a lesser extent than in other organs and blood serum.

Cognitive abilities

In one study where young mice (up to 21 months of age) were given low and high doses of CoQ10 throughout their lives (0.72 mg/g and 2.81 mg/g, respectively), it was noted that high levels of CoQ10 in body contributes to the improvement of physical activity in old age, regardless of the regulation of motor skills, the indicators of which were similar in both groups. However, at the same time, the subjects' spatial memory and sensory sensitivity deteriorated. The total dosage of the drug was about 106 mg/kg and 352 mg/kg, respectively, and the equivalent doses for a 70 kg person would be 8.5 mg/kg and 28 mg/kg, respectively (or 580 mg and 1909 mg daily) in accordance with the standard conversion factors. These doses are similar to those mentioned in another study where CoQ10 was consumed throughout life and there was no change in body levels of antioxidant enzymes or longevity (excluding cognitive ability). The same doses were mentioned in another study in which the cognitive abilities of older mice improved, but the duration of treatment with coenzyme Q10 was 12 weeks and started at an older age. There is insufficient data to evaluate the effects of lifelong CoQ10 supplementation in animals, however standard or slightly higher doses of CoQ10 appear to have little effect, although higher doses have been shown to impair cognition during adulthood and improve cognitive performance at onset. use of the drug in adulthood.

Parkinson's disease

A study in which rats were fed a diet supplemented with coenzyme Q10 (1% of the total diet) before being injected with MPTP (a toxin symptomatic Parkinson's disease) showed that after 2 weeks of drug use, dopaminergic function was partially preserved, and dopamine losses were reduced by 26% (control toxin reduced dopamine levels by 56%). Thus, this drug turned out to be somewhat more effective than creatine, although this effect is only additional.

Huntington's disease

Administration of 200mg/kg coenzyme Q10 to rats for 2 weeks prior to injection of 3-nitropropionic acid (a neurotoxin that causes toxicity characteristic of Huntington's disease) almost completely eliminated comorbid lesions (from 19 mm3 to 1 mm3) compared with the control group. On the other hand, another study noted a protective effect of supplementation at 1% of rat food, as the size of the lesions decreased by 62% compared to the control group using creatine, whose effect was only slightly weaker - the size of the lesions decreased by 53%. . 3NP is a mitochondrial toxin and CoQ10 is known to be protective at the level of mitochondrial changes. The same properties can have levocarnitine and creatine. In addition, coenzyme Q10 and creatine have additional neuroprotective effects. Coenzyme Q10 has a neuroprotective effect against 3-nitropropionic acid toxin, an animal model of Huntington's disease. This protective effect can be compared to that of creatine.

Depression

Depression is a condition directly related to increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, and people with refractory depression have decreased serum coenzyme Q10 levels. In one study where rats with constant stress administered coenzyme Q10 (25-150 mg/kg) for 3 weeks, an antidepressant effect was observed at a dosage of 100 mg/kg with a 50% chance of normalization motor activity and improvement in swim time in the forced swim test compared to the control group in normal condition. These effects are thought to be mediated by a decrease in serum corticosterone and hippocampal oxidative stress. In senile bipolar psychosis, coenzyme Q10 supplementation appears to reduce symptoms of depression (400mg daily for 2 weeks, then increased to 800mg and 1200mg daily). It is possible that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may reduce depression. Depressed people have reduced levels of coenzyme Q10, and some preliminary evidence suggests that this drug has therapeutic effect. However, these data are not yet accurate. In addition, the dosage of the drug used is extremely high.

Migraine

Daily supplementation of 150mg of CoQ10 was partially proven in an open-label study in people with recurrent headaches, which was replicated with placebo. During the study, symptoms improved significantly (61.3% reported that pain was halved and migraine duration was reduced from 7.34 to 2.95 days). At the same time, in a blind experiment, when using 300 mg of the drug, 47.6% of the subjects reduced pain by half (in the group who used placebo - in 14.4%) for more than 4 months. In a study evaluating the effect of 100 mg CoQ10 on children and adolescents (6-17 years old) with frequent (14.3 times a month) and severe (6.3-6.4 on a 10-point scale) headaches for 7 months, it was noted that during the first 4 weeks of the study, the coenzyme Q10 group had fewer headaches than the placebo group, but towards the end of the study, there was no longer a difference between the groups. The drug had no effect on the frequency of migraine. The drug can relieve migraine and headache more effectively than placebo, which was revealed twice during a blind experiment (in the first experiment, the frequency of migraine was studied, in the second - headache).

The cardiovascular system

Heart tissue (myocardium)

The concentration of coenzyme Q10 in human heart tissue is about 132 nanomoles / l (61% of coenzyme Q10 is in the reduced form of ubiquinone), as in many other animals - in heart tissue the highest content of coenzyme Q10, therefore, eating animal heart tissue in food provides maximum of this substance. Most interesting is the confirmation that CoQ10 supplementation is able to increase the coenzyme content in cardiac tissue and mitochondria (data obtained by surgical biopsy of human heart tissue). And with pathological changes in the heart tissue, the level of coenzyme Q10 in the heart drops rapidly (in diseases of class III and IV more than classes I and II, according to the New York Heart Association classification of heart failure), but it can be normalized with the addition of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is found in heart tissue, and like many animals, this organ has the highest amount of coenzyme Q10 in the human body. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been confirmed to reach cardiac tissue when taken orally. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may reduce the damage done to the heart by anti-cancer drugs known as anthracyclines (doxorubicin and daunorubicin). Coenzyme Q10 does not affect the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in breast cancer cells and its pharmacokinetic properties. Interestingly, this protective effect can extend to other organs, such as the kidneys, and increase the lifetime of cells in general. It should be noted that this cannot be the result of a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 (this can only indicate an accelerated circulation of the coenzyme and an increase in its cellular level). Coenzyme Q10 may be effective in the treatment of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, and this may be of interest for chemotherapy, as coenzyme Q10 does not interfere with the destruction of cancer cells by doxorubicin. However, more human studies are needed to confirm this. Coenzyme Q10 is known to be an independent risk factor in the progression of coronary heart disease (to a lesser extent in those ethnic groups where the risk of cardiovascular disease is generally higher), and due to its action at the level of cardiac tissue and the ability to reduce myocardial remodeling after injury in rats, the additive can be considered a protective drug. With short-term use (28 days) of CoQ10 in people with acute myocardial infarction, there was an improvement in left ventricular function and partial elimination of angina and arrhythmias compared with placebo. With long-term use of coenzyme Q10 (120 mg) in people with myocardial infarction, the percentage of cardiac events decreased (25.3% of subjects experienced cardiac events) compared with the placebo group (vitamin B complex), where cardiac events were observed in 45% of subjects. In the study of congestive heart failure, no effect on left ventricular function was detected, as well as on the development of diabetes. Coenzyme Q10 100mg for 4 months in people with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy did not cause any changes in blood counts or heart function compared to placebo. In one study that noted an improvement in heart function during exercise, people with congestive heart failure did not change their resting left ventricular ejection fraction. The drug may be useful when used after a myocardial infarction, but is most likely not useful for other heart conditions, as it has not been proven effective in the treatment of congestive heart failure and diabetic cardiomyopathy. One study examined the role of CoQ10 in isolated diastolic heart failure, a secondary symptom of cardiac hypertrophy, and found that daily intake of 200mg CoQ10 reduced left ventricular thickness and function, as well as overall health. May be useful in cardiac enlargement, but data are scarce.

Blood pressure

It is believed that CoQ10 physically, along with its antioxidant effect, may lower blood pressure. When using 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 for one month, the activation of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is mainly located in the endothelium, was noted, and its level is reduced in people with ischemic disease hearts. As you know, SOD promotes the activity of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The mechanisms described above are also believed to underlie the improvement in endothelial function and blood flow seen in type 2 diabetes with or without statin treatment, as well as in patients with coronary artery disease and healthy obese individuals. This positive effect on blood flow was also found in the meta-analysis of this topic: flow-mediated vasodilation reached its statistical significance without a significant effect on arterial dilation by nitrates. Coenzyme Q10 can increase blood flow in people who have blood flow obstruction for whatever reason, as a secondary action as an antioxidant, so it is believed to support the action of nitric oxide in the endothelium. A meta-analysis of studies on the effect of coenzyme Q10 on blood pressure (double-blind trials lasting more than 3 weeks) showed that during three trials in hypertensive patients there was a slight decrease in blood pressure (systolic - 11 mm Hg, diastolic - 7 mm), but the results obtained may be unreliable. According to other meta-analysis indications (October 2009), in another study in people with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, 12 weeks of daily intake of 100 mg of CoQ10 did not change 24-hour blood pressure, but there was a decrease in diastolic pressure during the day and in general. Coenzyme Q10 is included in Orthosiphon along with policosanol, red yeast extract, berberine and folic acid. The drug reduces the daily pressure in hypertensive patients under outpatient supervision.

Lipoproteins

In people who have had a myocardial infarction, consuming 120 mg of CoQ10 for a year increased HDL by 12% compared to the control group who consumed a vitamin B complex. In studies evaluating the interaction of CoQ10 and HDL, it is noted that when comparing the use of a statin (atorvastatin) with a combination preparation of a contrast agent and coenzyme Q10 (100 mg) after 12 weeks compared with an isolated statin, coenzyme Q10 increased the content of high-density lipoprotein by 11.1%. Oral coenzyme Q10 does not affect low-density lipoprotein or total cholesterol reduction with statin use. Coenzyme Q10 may slightly increase high molecular weight cholesterol, but there is little evidence to support this. It is also known that coenzyme Q10 is part of lipoproteins and protects the oxidized form of lipoprotein better than vitamin E at its biological concentration. In this regard, coenzyme Q10 is considered a biomarker for endothelial oxidative stress and possible atherosclerosis. The drug can reduce the rate of oxidation of low density lipoproteins (in this case, low density lipoproteins are converted into atherogenic oxidized low density lipoproteins), which is a secondary effect in relation to the direct utilization of free radicals. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to suppress the inflammatory effects of oxidized low molecular weight cholesterol and reduce subsequent endothelial damage caused by oxidized low-density lipoprotein at an effective dose of 4.2 microns (130 μg/mL for 24 hours). The mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of increased NF-kB activation (pro-inflammatory effect) secondary to the increase in reactive oxygen species that occurs when endothelial cells are exposed to oxidized low-density lipoproteins, caused by any maintenance of nitric oxide function (at high concentrations). it can suppress the action of the factor NF-kB). Incubation with nitric oxide inhibitors may partially block the protective effect of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 may have a direct inhibitory effect on NF-kB independent of nitric oxide (changes in the JAK/STAT signaling system), and this may be because nitric oxide inhibitors do not completely eliminate the protective effect of coenzyme. If low molecular weight cholesterol is already oxidized, it is possible that coenzyme Q10 may protect the endothelium from damage caused by low molecular weight cholesterol. Daily supplementation of 60 or 150 mg coenzyme Q10 for 12 weeks in people with coronary heart disease significantly increased circulating coenzyme Q10 serum concentrations and the expression of several antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and the level of malondialdehyde (a biomarker lipid peroxidation) decreased. Also, with the use of 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 in people with coronary heart disease, an increase in the level of superoxide dismutase was found, and the antioxidant capacity of the blood plasma as a whole increased by 120 mg per day.

Involved in glucose metabolism

Insulin

In a small study in healthy people, 200mg of CoQ10 in the form of ubiquinol for 12 weeks was found to increase the proinsulin/insulin ratio and increase mealtime secretions. This is hypothesized to be a secondary effect of improved pancreatic beta cell function (another study hypothesized that CoQ10 promotes ATP accumulation in pancreatic beta cells).

Diabetes

Two studies note that taking 200 mg of CoQ10 for 12 weeks reduces the concentration of circulating glycohemoglobin. Also in these studies, as well as in two others, it is reported that the addition of coenzyme Q10 does not affect the circulation of glucose or (two main biomarkers of diabetes). Overall, the lack of an effect of CoQ10 on lowering blood glucose levels means that this supplement cannot be recommended for the prevention of diabetes. Glycohemoglobin is a biomarker of oxidative stress in diabetes associated with the pathological exacerbation of diabetes leading to atherosclerosis through low-density lipoprotein oxidation and inflammation, and the production of increased glycosylation end products. In animal studies, Coenzyme Q10 has been found to reduce pathological development or manifestations of diabetic kidney failure, heart and blood vessel disease, and neuropathy. Coenzyme Q10 has some protective effect in the treatment of diabetes through glycohemoglobin (although clinically insignificant improvement) and does not affect glucose or blood levels. Although it is technically protective, the degree of protection is not great, so it is possible that CoQ10 is not effective in diabetes.

Physical performance and skeletal muscle

Pharmacology and tissue deposition

It is known that coenzyme Q10 penetrates the muscles of skeletal tissues with long-term (but not short-term) intake during meals. This is true of all animal species and explains why their meat (tissue capable of contracting) is the second-best source of dietary coenzyme Q10, second only to heart tissue. The average concentration of coenzyme Q10 in skeletal muscle can vary between 140-580 pmol/mg (140-580 nanomoles/g). The mean value is 241 nmol/g, which has also been reported in other studies, although a lower concentration (46 nmol/g) was mentioned in one case. The level of the substance in skeletal muscle coincides with its level in immunocytes (mononuclear cells), but not with the level in serum. Coenzyme Q10 in skeletal muscle cells is approximately 65% ​​ubiquinone. Muscle coenzyme Q10 concentration is positively correlated with muscle oxidative capacity during a simulated marathon (not correlated with lactate dehydrogenase), as well as with aerobic exercise performance. Coenzyme Q10 is present in the skeletal muscle tissues of all animals, including humans, where it performs its standard functions of promoting mitochondrial function and participating in redox reactions.

Mechanism of action

Since coenzyme Q10 is part of the mitochondrial membrane, incubation of 100 µmol/l coenzyme Q10 (and 250 µmol/l thioctic acid) in muscle cells increases the activity of the PGC-1α protein by up to 70% compared to the control group, and also increases the activity of PPARγ receptors by 50% - less than the active control of rosiglizaton (1 μmol / l) and the increase in the level of antioxidant enzymes (gamma-glutamylcysteine ​​synthetase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, nuclear transcription factor Nrf2). The PGC-1α protein is a mitochondrial biogenesis factor that is associated with type 1 (oxidative) muscle fibers due to the production of more mitochondria, and oversynthesis of the PGC-1α protein in mammals reduces muscle fatigue. It is known that the content of PGC-1α protein decreases with age and increases during exercise and thus deserves special attention in relation to the deterioration of muscle performance during aging.

Composition of muscle fibers

In some species of living beings, it was found that muscle fibers with increased oxidative capacity (compared to glycolytic) have a relatively high concentration of coenzyme Q10. When children with CoQ10 deficiency are compared with those who are normal, it appears that deficiency is associated with an increased (5.5-fold) content of type 2c muscle fibers, and this may be a useful biomarker of mitochondrial disorders associated with CoQ10 levels. .

energy release

With the use of 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 for 6 weeks in adult athletes, in parallel taking statin drugs, increased leg strength, which was revealed with leg extension. When young athletes took a single dose of CoQ10 (200mg) pre-workout or supplemented for 2 weeks (the exercise performed was 50 isokinetic calf extensions), there was no apparent effect on muscle strength and muscle fatigue. Coenzyme Q10 increases energy output in adult athletes on statin therapy, but has no effect on younger athletes.

cardio training

Coenzyme Q10 does not have a positive effect on cardio training (cycling sprint or test for maximum oxygen consumption) when 90 mg of coenzyme is consumed by trained men for 8 weeks, and when 300 mg is consumed by athletes for 4 weeks and 150 mg is consumed by healthy people who are sedentary lifestyle, for 4 weeks with or without vitamin E. Some studies report the positive effects of 100 mg of the drug consumed for 8 weeks in healthy trained men. They completed the Wingate anaerobic test and the improvement in their physical activity was independent of the reduction in fatigue (fatigue was reduced with both CoQ10 and placebo, although CoQ10 only increased energy output). In another Wingate test, 200mg CoQ10 versus placebo did not show any benefit. However, the absence of the effect of the drug on cardio training is associated with an increase in the antioxidant capacity of the blood and a reduction in lipid peroxidation. Although coenzyme Q10, consumed by mice, can compensate for the loss of the ability to tolerate physical activity induced by statins, the use of 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 by adult athletes taking statins in parallel for 6 weeks had no effect on anaerobic cardio training, although increased energy production was noted. In prolonged training (3.5 hours), when fatigue is reduced, 300 mg of CoQ10 allowed energy to be maintained in the last few minutes of the test compared to placebo, without affecting overall performance. Despite the reduction in oxidative activity as a result of training, there is no definitive evidence that CoQ10 supplementation has a positive effect on cardio training, in which fatigue is not a factor. It is possible that the supplement may provide some benefit during long workouts, when performance begins to decline due to fatigue.

Fatigue from physical exertion

Exactly how CoQ10 reduces fatigue is not known, although it has been suggested that CoQ10 may reduce skeletal muscle cell membrane damage by preventing increases in serum creatine kinase and glutamate oxalacetate transaminase (biomarkers of muscle damage). Despite the presence of protective effects, this study did not reveal any antioxidant effects, which may be due to membrane stabilization (this phenomenon was discussed earlier). In people taking 300 mg of CoQ10 orally daily, there was a decrease in creatine kinase levels and a decrease in muscle damage. Another possible explanation is the increased fat oxidation observed during submaximal exercise with CoQ10 supplementation in healthy individuals, which is a secondary effect of autonomic nervous system activation. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to strengthen the structure of skeletal muscle cells by stabilizing the membrane and thus reduce the secretion of muscle metabolic by-products that cause muscle fatigue. It may also increase exercise-induced fat oxidation. Animal studies support the hypothesis that CoQ10 supplementation prolongs the time to full fatigue when taken before exercise and in addition to mitochondrial biogenesis, it has a long-term effect. This trial was done on rats consuming 5mg/kg CoQ10, but other mitochondrial-friendly supplements such as levocarnitine, thioctic acid, and creatine were used during the study. The use of CoQ10 (100 or 300 mg) for 8 days by untrained people before a 3.5-hour cycling race (at the marks of 30 and 210 m, the athletes required a maximum acceleration of 10 seconds) led to a decrease in fatigue (at a dosage of 300 mg; 100 mg not gave the desired effect) compared with placebo and allowed to maintain physical activity without affecting the average energy output. Another study noted that 100 mg of the drug was more effective than placebo when exposed to sedentary people who were forced to exercise, but in another study using a high intensity protocol (repeated intervals in the Wingate test), there was no significant reduction in fatigue It was. Daily intake of 1200 mg of CoQ10 in people with mitochondrial cytopathy resulted in similar but less significant improvements during a cycling race; other measured parameters, such as grip strength, were not affected. The drug may reduce fatigue during prolonged exercise depending on the dosage, but is unlikely to be effective for short and intense workouts.

Participation in oxidative processes

Mechanism of action

The reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is called ubiquinol. This form of CoQ10 supplement retains most of its antioxidant properties. Ubiquinone and ubiquinol form a redox pair of molecules. This property is critical for coenzyme Q10 within the electron transport chain, where it transfers electrons from complex I and II to complex III. Also, coenzyme Q10 can protect lipid peroxidation from inhibition of lipid peroxide radicals and convert vitamin E (α-tocopherol) from a radical state back to an antioxidant state. Coenzyme Q10 has also been noted to reduce protein carbonylation (direct inhibition of protein oxidation) but not to the conversion of nitric oxide to peroxynitrate. Due to its antioxidant potential, ubiquinone may protect DNA from over-oxidation from hydrogen peroxide and act as a potential anti-carcinogenic drug (at least this has been observed in human lymphocytes). Coenzyme Q10, acting as a redox couple, can act as a donated antioxidant molecule and scavenge free radicals directly. It is effective against hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation, but is ineffective against peroxynitrate formation. Coenzyme Q10 has been found to stimulate the activity of the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2 (a nuclear protein that regulates the antioxidant response and activates antioxidant enzymes) when taken orally at a dose of 10-30mg/kg. At the same time, a single dose of the drug stimulated the expression of the Nrf2 factor in the liver of mice depending on the dosage (40% and 60%, respectively) and increased the expression of glutamate cysteine ​​ligase, glutathione S-transferase, and quinone oxidoreductase. This increase in Nrf2 factor in skeletal muscle cells was noted in a study in which coenzyme Q10 was used together with thioctic acid (therefore, the data may be controversial, since Nrf2 factor could be activated by thioctic acid). It is possible that CoQ10 supplementation may also affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes, providing an indirect antioxidant effect, but this issue is not as well understood as redox reactions.

Impact on appearance

Leather

In skin aging, the oxidation process may be secondary to disturbances in mitochondrial respiration (another source of oxidation may be ultraviolet radiation) and is known to affect other factors in the cell such as proteins (transporters and enzymes), DNA and RNA, as well as for possible changes in their functions. The epidermis contains 10 times more coenzyme Q10 than the dermis (the outer and inner layers of the skin, respectively), so coenzyme Q10 can act as a protection against external and internal factors, since ultraviolet radiation affects the epidermis to a greater extent. As a mitochondrial factor and antioxidant complex, coenzyme Q10 is thought to also protect the skin and may be associated with the aging process as its concentration in the skin decreases with age and also with excessive UV exposure. And people with certain diseases (Parkinson's and Huntington's) have reduced mitochondrial complex IV activity despite having normal levels of CoQ10, although people with fibromyalgia have lower levels of CoQ10. Also, aging skin (obtained by biopsy from older people) contains elevated glucose levels (this occurs with increased glucose intake and significantly increased lactate production, regardless of changes in the glucose transporter protein GLUT1) without significant changes in the distribution or composition of mitochondria, and it is more susceptible to oxidative damage from ultraviolet radiation. This conversion of energy metabolism to glycolytic (and not lipolytic) is associated with aging, and the normalization of these processes is the basis of the protective action of CoQ10. Aging skin exhibits abnormal mitochondrial function and elevated levels of oxidants, and CoQ10 levels are known to drop with age (regardless of UV exposure) as well as excessive UV exposure, which stimulates oxidative stress. This decrease in CoQ10 is associated with less mitochondrial membrane potential and a switch from lipolysis to glycolysis to maintain metabolism. In vitro, CoQ10 improves skin elasticity by increasing elastin expression and collagen accumulation, reduces wrinkle formation by protecting the skin from UV radiation, and triggers the depigmentation process (tyrosinase inhibition). The greatest effect was noted in cells from which coenzyme Q10 was previously purposefully removed. Application of a cream containing 0.01% coenzyme Q10 twice a day for a week, by both young and old people, improves the potential of the mitochondrial membrane and maintains this potential under ultraviolet radiation better than the unexposed skin of young people in the control group . Some studies have used a combination therapy that also included vitamin E, retinyl palmitate (a biologically hyperactive form of vitamin A), grape seed extract (oil), and linseed oil, resulting in older people's skin being protected from UV radiation and wrinkling. they have reduced. It has a protective effect on skin cells (i.e. outside the human body) when applied topically. After 3 weeks of coenzyme Q10 supplementation in mice (100mg/kg) after skin lesions, myeloperoxidase suppression and an increase in the level of collagen-like polymers were observed, compared with the control group, which led to accelerated wound healing.

Other medical uses

fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia have low levels of coenzyme Q10 in immunocytes (blood mononuclear cells) and skin cells, although their serum coenzyme Q10 levels are almost doubled. A low concentration of CoQ10 in immunocytes correlates with CoQ10 in saliva cells and is associated with increased oxidation in cells with low CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 is believed to be important for fibromyalgia syndrome, since the concentration of coenzyme Q10 is directly related to its level in skeletal muscle in healthy people (the level in blood serum does not play such a role). With fibromyalgia, there is a change in the distribution of coenzyme Q10: it becomes less in the cells and more in the blood serum (perhaps this is a sign of a violation of the transport of substances). A number of studies noted an improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with 300 mg of CoQ10, followed by the first experimental study in which people with fibromyalgia consumed 100 mg of CoQ10 (ubiquinone) daily three times a day (total daily dose was 300 mg) for 3 months. They showed an increase in the concentration of coenzyme Q10 in blood mononuclear cells up to the level observed in patients in the control group, as well as a decrease in headaches. After that, a proper blind experiment was performed, during which the use of 300 mg of coenzyme Q10 for 40 days led to a decrease in fatigue and a decrease in soreness and stiffness of the joints, as well as improved mitochondrial biogenesis and the activity of 5 "AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Also, in addition to reducing fatigue, cholesterol leveling has been noted.Coenzyme Q10 supplementation at 300mg may be effective in relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia.The evidence for this is strong and the dosage used is adequate.However, these are only preliminary results.

Prader-Willi syndrome

In those with Prader-Willi syndrome (beginning with hypotension and developmental delay in infants, followed by increased appetite, obesity, cognitive impairment, and multiple endocrine gland diseases), serum levels of coenzyme Q10 do not decrease per se (usually decreased levels of coenzyme Serum Q10 is associated with obesity, which is common in many people with this syndrome.) A similar absence of CoQ10 deficiency has been reported in various studies, although no association between body weight and serum CoQ10 levels has been found. Despite this, at least one study mentions that the use of CoQ10 supplementation at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg per day in infants with delayed development due to Prader-Willi syndrome was as effective in the development of psychocognitive abilities as active intake (6 mg/kg once a week). However, it was not as effective in stimulating growth. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been noted to help children with Prader-Willi syndrome with cognitive development over time as it inhibits the progression of the disease. Despite this, CoQ10 deficiency is not observed in Prader-Willi syndrome. It is not known whether the drug is effective for adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.

chronic fatigue syndrome

Coenzyme Q10 is recommended as a supplement for chronic fatigue syndrome or non-specific fatigue in one study where 69% of subjects suffering from chronic fatigue of unknown etiology reported that the supplement helped them. This is confirmed by the fact that those with chronic fatigue resulting from depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome, have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 than those who do not suffer from fatigue. The level of coenzyme Q10 in the blood serum of these people is associated with the level of NAD(P). It should be noted that some fibromyalgia studies report less fatigue as a result of taking a CoQ10 supplement, but these results may not be applicable to people who do not have fibromyalgia. Moreover, in one study in obese people (chronic fatigue syndrome was not a requirement for participation in the study), when using 200 mg of CoQ10 for 12 weeks, there was no effect on the level of fatigue. Data to assess the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on symptoms of chronic or non-specific fatigue are not yet available.

Male sexual health

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in seminal fluid. With asthenozoospermia and varicocele, changes in the content of coenzyme Q10 in semen are observed. It is possible that coenzyme Q10 is part of the sperm composition due to its antioxidant effect and the prevention of DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa, which can accompany infertility and occur as a result of oxidative stress, and also because it is a bioenergetic drug, maintaining most of the mitochondria in spermatozoa and compensating energy consumption to ensure their mobility. Evidence of this is the increased level of coenzyme Q10 in biosynthetic enzymes compared to many other organs, which was revealed when tested on rats. Oxidative damage to spermatozoa occurs as a result of the formation of leukocytes in the semen (in this case, those suffering from oligospermia are more susceptible to this process, as well as damage from reactive oxygen species, compared to healthy subjects in the control group). The level of coenzyme Q10 in semen correlates with sperm count (R=0.504) and sperm motility (R=0.261), and was also correlated twice with the total antioxidant capacity of sperm. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation was found to increase coenzyme Q10 semen levels in infertile men by 202% (from baseline 42.0+/-5 to 127.1+/-1.9 ng/ml after 6 months of 200mg daily ). This result was also obtained during a double-blind experiment. Coenzyme Q10 is important for sperm and probably maintains oxidative stability in it. Oral ingestion of CoQ10 by infertile men increases the concentration of CoQ10 in semen. The level of coenzyme Q10 contained in the semen is increased in men with varicocele compared with normal fertile men, as well as infertile men without varicocele, which may be due to incomplete absorption of coenzyme Q10. Varicocele occurs in 19-41% of infertile men. Spermatozoa in semen taken from oligoastenozoospermic men become more motile when incubated with CoQ10, and oral ingestion of 200mg CoQ10 for 6 months increases sperm motility in infertile men (without affecting morphology or concentration). Motility scores return to normal after 6 months of stopping the supplement, and this has been shown in other studies, although only one study reported an increase in sperm density. Studies that measure fertility rate have noted improvement in men with oligoasthenozoospermia after taking 60 mg of CoQ10 for 103 days (in vitro fertilization), and in one experimental study, increased fertility (in 3 of 22 couples) led to pregnancy. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in men with low sperm motility (more often than those with low sperm count or morphology) has been shown to improve sperm motility. Preliminary evidence suggests that a secondary effect of its use is to increase fertility, but more research is needed to confirm this. One study assessing the effect of CoQ10 on Peyronie's disease (local fibrosis of the penis extending to the albuginea of ​​the corpus cavernosum leading to penile curvature and sexual dysfunction; the prevalence of the disease in men is 3-9%) noted that after supplementation of 300 mg daily of coenzyme Q10 for 24 weeks reduced disease progression to 13.6% compared to placebo (56.1%). This study assessed treatment efficacy based on erectile ability and the IIEF-5 Erectile Dysfunction Severity Scale, considering a 20% increase in pain or a 5° penile curvature as disease progression. There is preliminary evidence that coenzyme Q10 helps in the treatment of Peyronie's disease and pathological curvature of the penis. This study was carried out at an early stage of the disease (calcification is not so pronounced), and at the moment there is no confirmation of the effectiveness of the drug in the late stage of the disease.

Nutrient Interactions

Carnitine

There is a reasonable explanation for why complex therapy in the treatment of mitochondrial pathology is more effective than the use of individual substances that affect mitochondrial structure (coenzyme Q10), enzymatic function (), antioxidant properties (coenzyme Q10, thioctic acid, vitamin E) and alternative energy pathways (creatine). is | |amino acid]], present in mitochondria at the rate-limiting step of fatty acid oxidation, and technically (with respect to mitochondrial function, not dietary supplement) they are generally synergistic mediators of mitochondrial function. In one study on dialysis and statin therapy, people were given coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily), carnitine (1000 mg intravenously three times a week), or a combination of both, and in a normal lipid profile, there was no difference between complex therapy or either of the two monotherapies. .

Creatine

Creatine is a performance enhancing supplement by increasing the intracellular space of creatine and creatine phosphoric acid, exchanging phosphate groups with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to replenish cellular concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main intracellular energy source. Creatine itself has a positive effect on mitochondrial function (similar in action to coenzyme Q10) and has a neuroprotective effect (tested in models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases). Combination therapy with coenzyme Q10 (1% of food) and creatine (2% of food) has an additional protective effect in an animal model of Parkinson's disease (MPTP toxicity) and Huntington's disease (3-nitropropionic acid toxicity). Thanks to it, the size of damage is reduced by 17% (3NP), and the loss of dopamine, characteristic of MPTP, is reduced from 56% to 13%.

Thioctic acid

Thioctic acid is a mitochondrial factor and a fatty acid that works together with coenzyme Q10 in vitro to stimulate mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in addition to activating PGC1 protein and nuclear factor NRF1, two factors that co-activate TFAM to then trigger mitochondrial biogenesis . Also, this combination was effective in inducing ornithine decarboxylase 1, an enzyme that regulates the rate of polyamine synthesis during physical activity. These substances are gene protective.

Statins

A statin is a term used to describe the mechanisms of inhibition of the HMG-CoA enzyme, a rate-regulating enzyme in the mevalonate pathway where 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A is converted to mevalonic acid. Inhibition of this enzyme is associated with less production of mevalonic acid and therefore a decrease in cholesterol (which is produced during the events following the production of mevalonic acid). Statins are considered pharmaceuticals, but are also found in some supplements, such as pu-erh tea and red yeast rice, which contains a substance known as lovastatin. It is known that the use of statins (long-term, not short-term) causes a decrease in the level of coenzyme Q10 in the blood serum (since the synthesis of coenzyme Q10 also follows the HMG-CoA enzyme). This reduction in coenzyme levels acts as an independent predictor of statin-induced CVD risk, is also associated with the onset of depression, and may cause statin-induced myopathy (via an intermediary known as geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate). Long-term statin use causes a decrease in circulating CoQ10 levels, and this sub-normal decrease in CoQ10 can lead to many of the adverse effects associated with statin treatment. The use of coenzyme Q10 during treatment with statins can eliminate some disorders of the cardiovascular system and compensate for the deficiency of this substance. One study mentioned the transition from a 42% decrease in CoQ10 levels to a 127% increase in relation to normal after taking 100 mg of the drug. In general, the use of CoQ10 along with statins prevents myopathy caused by statins. Daily ingestion of at least 90-100 mg of the drug along with statins significantly reduces the risk of pathologies characteristic of statin treatment. Also, coenzyme Q10 in combination with statins has the additional property of increasing the level of high density lipoproteins. The drug may have other positive properties in complex therapy.

Grapefruit

Since the outflow of coenzyme Q10 from intestinal cells is carried out under the action of P-glycoprotein, and grapefruit juice inhibits this transporter, the combination of these drugs was tested in the laboratory. Grapefruit juice appeared to improve CoQ10 uptake by 150% compared to controls, along with reduced drug efflux (1% grapefruit juice as a mediator per 10 microns CoQ10), and this was more effective than the reference drug ( rhodamine 123). Grapefruit juice or other potent P-glycoprotein inhibitors may improve the bioavailability of CoQ10.

Pycnogenol

Pycnogenol is a well-known supplement derived from pine bark extract, in which the main bioactive substance is procyanidins (similar structures are found in grape seed extract). Combined use of pycnogenol and coenzyme Q10 improves left ventricular ejection fraction by 22% and lowers blood pressure in people with heart failure. Both drugs have a cardioprotective effect in people with cardiovascular disease. However, there is no apparent synergism between the two drugs.

Safety and toxicity

General information

In general, CoQ10 is very well tolerated at doses not exceeding 500 mg, the standard upper limit recommended in the treatment of disease. Despite this, when using a daily dose of the drug up to 3000 mg, no side effects were noted, with the exception of gastrointestinal (digestive) disorders, and daily use of 900 mg of the drug for a long time (4 weeks) did not lead to any clinically significant side effects. Animal studies have suggested that an excessive dosage of coenzyme Q10 (about 350 mg per 1 kg of body weight) leads to an acceleration of the aging process, but not to death, while a dosage of 100 mg per 1 kg of body weight does not lead to this effect. generally. Assuming a human to mouse body surface area ratio of 12.3, for humans these doses would be 1700 and 500 mg (total) per day. This mechanism is not fully understood, but is probably associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics and contradicts the data of earlier studies of the same group. The addition of coenzyme Q10 has no identified toxic effects, and the drug is completely safe. Some non-fatal and long-term side effects may occur with a significant overdose of CoQ10, but these have not been identified in human studies.

Availability

List of used literature:

Folkers K. Relevance of the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q10 and of the four bases of DNA as a rationale for the molecular causes of cancer and a therapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (1996)

The Quality Control Assessment of Commercially Available Coenzyme Q10-Containing Dietary and Health Supplements in Japan

Pravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J. Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. (2010)

Kamei M, et al. The distribution and content of ubiquinone in foods. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. (1986)

Comparison of in-line connected diode array and electrochemical detectors in the high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of coenzymes Q9 and Q10 in food materials