All You Need To Know About CoQ10
What is Coenzyme Q10
Ubiquinone, Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a nutrient found in most animals and bacteria. It has gained a lot of notoriety because it is a critical part of creating energy (ATP). Over 200 million people are at risk for CoQ10 deficiency because of statin drug use. Most statin drugs actually decrease CoQ10 levels in users’ bloodstream. Low CoQ10 leads to:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Achy muscles or joints
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Damage to your kidneys
- Damage to your liver
- Bad problems with your muscles
- Type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar
If we added up all the CoQ10 found in your body, the highest levels would be found in your heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It is known as a “coenzyme” because it assists other enzymes to start processes within your body. It is an antioxidant that helps recycle other antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants are vitally important in combating the free radicals that we are exposed to each day: just think about the number of chemicals in your food packaging, laundry detergent, personal care products, fragrances, and car exhaust. Not to mention polluted water supply and air quality. Each one of those substances acts as a free radical in your body which accelerates aging and disease states.
Benefits of CoQ10
Just like omega 3 fish oils, CoQ10 is used in every single cell of your body. CoQ10 is made inside your cells in your mitochondria. Small amounts of CoQ10 are found in various animal foods and your body makes its own CoQ10. However, the production of CoQ10 starts to decrease around age 40.
CoQ10 supplements are recommended for heart health and users’ of statin drugs. CoQ10 has also been studied and recommended for those with:
Recently, CoQ10 has been studied in connection with Covid-19. According to the CDC ,the main symptom of Long Covid is “tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life.” There must a biological cause for this fatigue and CoQ10 deficiency is likely an issue or contributing factor.
Here are few studies:
- Using CoQ10 to treat Covid-19
- Treating Covid-10 with CoQ10
- Post-covid patients who low CoQ10
- Use of CoQ10 in Long Term Covid-19
FAQS
What foods have CoQ10?
Some of the best food sources for CoQ10 include:
- Grass-fed beef
- Herring
- Free-range chicken
- Rainbow trout
- Sesame seeds
- Pistachio nuts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Cage-free eggs
- Sardines
- Mackerel
What are the side effects of CoQ10?
CoQ10 may interact with blood thinners such as injectable insulin so check with your doctor before starting a supplement. There are no interactions between CoQ10 supplements and statin drugs. Informed medical practitioners will recommend a CoQ10 supplement along with a statin drug prescription.
What are the 2 forms of CoQ10?
I answered this question in my other blog about CoQ10 so read more over there.
What dose of CoQ10 should I take?
Although you can get small amounts of CoQ10 in food, the most efficient way to increase your CoQ10 levels is through supplements. Doses used in medical studies range from 50mg to 1200mg. Higher doses are usually indicated for neurological and brain disorders, while 100-200 mg is recommended for heart health and statin users.
What is the best-absorbed form of CoQ10?
Check my other blog for the info about how to get the best absorption of your CoQ10. Because CoQ10 is fat soluble, I recommend taking it with a meal. If you are taking more than 100mg, split up your dose throughout the day.
All of the Xymogen CoQ10 formulas are free from wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.
If you would like help choosing a CoQ10 formula for your health needs, please schedule a consultation with Carly Neubert, BA, NC.