Every cell in our body contains coenzyme Q10. It just wouldn’t be possible to live without him. It acts as a spark plug in the engine. It ignites energy, which then takes us where we need to go. Enough of Q10 also means enough of our life energy.
How do I know I’m missing Q10? And what are the solutions?
- Are you over 30?
- Do you have heart problems?
- Do take high pressure medicines?
- Do you have high cholesterol?
- Do you smoke or are you struggling with the consequences of smoking?
If you have answered these questions with YES several times, it might be worth taking a look on your health condition, diet and overall energy.
What exactly is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q is a natural substance that the human body can make on its own, but it also gets it from food. Most coenzyme is found in high-energy organs, especially in the brain, heart, liver, kidneys and muscles. The letter Q in the abbreviation Q10 denotes the quinone functional group and the number 10 is the number of isoprenyl subunits. This long-unknown compound was further investigated by the English scientist Peter Michell, who won the 1978 Nobel Prize for his discoveries. He found that coenzyme is directly involved in energy production in the cellular power plant, mitochondria.
In addition, Coenzyme Q10:
- helps protect cells from oxidative stress
- prevents inflammation and formation of certain chronic diseases
- reduces the level of free radicals in the body
- contributes to heart health and reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease
- regulates blood sugar levels
We take coenzyme Q10 from food to some extent. High concentrations are found in the meat of fatty fish (herring, sardines, trout, mackerel) and in the intestines in general (heart, liver, kidneys). As for plants, potatoes, leafy vegetables (spinach, cauliflower, broccoli), some nuts and seeds (pistachios, sesame seeds) or oranges and strawberries are considered good sources.
How does vitamin Q10 work?
Due to its positive effects, coenzyme is often nicknamed as “vitamin Q”. However, Q10 is not a true vitamin, as the human body cannot produce vitamins itself. Nevertheless, it has equally beneficial effects. Let’s see where Q10 helps:
Energizes and protects against aging
Without coenzyme Q10, we would feel really tired. It vitalizes our cells and supplies us with energy. It participates in processes that allow the conversion of nutrients received from the food into energy for cell function. If there are many free radicals and few other antioxidants in the body, Q10 is also involved in this role. This protects the cells from (oxidative) damage and premature aging. Due to the fact that the production of coenzyme Q10 in the body decreases with age, it is appropriate to supplement it especially by people older than 50 years.
Professionals should pay great attention too (but they probably already know this) and recreational athletes: a lack of coenzyme reduces the physical performance and increases muscle exhaustion. Scientists have looked at this closely. In August 2010, they published the results of a study in which patients received 1.2 g of coenzyme Q10 daily for 60 days. At the end of the test period, participants showed lower oxidative stress [1].
Furthermore, improved physical performance and lower tiredness was greatly visible when supplementing with coenzyme q10 while doing exercise. [2] [3] [4]
Improves lung function
One study of the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 showed that coenzyme supplementation reduces the incidence of inflammation in individuals with asthma. 41 people with mild to moderate asthma were tested for 32 weeks. The researchers concluded that the supply of antioxidant Q10 significantly reduced the need for corticosteroids, leading to fewer side effects on the patient’s body and lower oxidative stress. [5]
To give the whole picture, it should be added that low Q10 levels may also contribute to other lung diseases (e.g. bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). [6]
Currently, coenzyme Q10 can be used as a suitable agent for the regeneration of lung tissue after covid-19 disease.
Takes care of heart health
Problems with proper heart function are often associated with low levels of coenzyme Q10. [7] Its deficiency can manifest itself in mitochondrial exhaustion and lead in the worst case to heart failure. [8]
Like other organs, the heart is threatened by oxidative stress, which coenzyme can fight against. The positive effects of Q10 are also demonstrated by scientists:
A study published in 2014 summarizes the conclusions from the treatment of 641 patients. They were given Q10 or placebo for one year. At the end of the study period, patients in the coenzyme Q10 group had less severe complications and heart failure. [9]
Another study reported 420 patients with chronic heart failure. They were given coenzyme Q10 for two years and their problems diminished and their risk of death decreased. [10]
Protects brain cells and gets rid of migraines
Brain cells also need reliable protection against oxidative damage. Here, too, Q10 can help, which reduces the effect of harmful compounds that can lead to the development of brain diseases (eg. Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease). Researchers have found that coenzyme deficiency can trigger migraines. One of the larger studies showed that 1.550 people who had reduced Q10 levels experienced less (headaches) and less frequent headaches after coenzyme supplementation. [11]
Promotes fertility
The above-mentioned antioxidant effects of Q10 can help improve sperm quality [12] as well as the number and quality of eggs in women. [13] Lower production of Q10 with advancing age naturally leads to lower protection of female eggs and sperm from oxidative damage. [14]
A study (completed in 2009) analyzing the effect of coenzyme on men affected by infertility was. A total of 212 subjects took 0.3 g of Q10 daily for 26 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in sperm density and motility. [15]
Final words
You may have already felt that Q10 is just an anti-aging miracle, perhaps we have helped you identify other positive aspects of this elixir of life. Try it and see!
Coenzyme Q10 from Harmony is Life®
The name Q10 from Harmony is Life® offers a unique composition of three antioxidants – coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid and oleuropein. This mixture is enclosed in a cellulose capsule produced by a molecular encapsulation process. A vegan capsule is also available. The reason is that the capsule is transported through the digestive tract until the final destination where it should be dissolved. The coating is then broken down by enzymes and the antioxidants and active substances are gradually released into the body. Only in this way can we benefit most from them.
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SOURCES:
[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19644406/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18272335/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18318910/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16873952/
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21080098/
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24389208/
[8] https://www.fbscience.com/Landmark
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8241697/
[10] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25282031/
[11] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17355497/
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
[13] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/