Uses and Benefits of CoQ10
Co-enzyme Q10 — or CoQ10 for short, is a vitamin-like substance that’s naturally found within the human body. More specifically, it’s found within the mitochondria — a cell’s energy production centre. Known as a key anti-aging supplement, CoQ10 can also enhance brain performance and overall health.
Based on its role in the electron transport chain, CoQ10 influences cellular respiration, leading to the production of ATP. In fact, it’s believed that up to 95 percent of human body energy is generated this way. Although there’s no denying its connection to ATP, CoQ10 is now a popular anti-aging supplement that has been shown to promote positive brain health.
What Is CoQ10?
Discovered in 1957, CoQ10 was found in the mitochondria located in beef hearts. As you can imagine, within the human body, it’s most prevalent within our organs — leading to high energy requirements within the liver and heart. Since its discovery, plenty of research has been conducted, leading to a range of known beneficial properties.
One of those key properties is CoQ10’s antioxidant effects, which help battle free radicals. You may have heard of free radicals in terms of cancer development, but these oxidized cell particles cause a range of issues, often leading to cell death. Free radicals also play a major role in terms of the aging process.
Antioxidants are what fight free radicals, helping to neutralize them before they cause damage. In some cases, powerful antioxidants have even been shown to reverse preexisting damage. When taking CoQ10, users are able to get rid of harmful toxins and chemicals, reducing physical and mental stress.
As a supplement, CoQ10 offers a strong defense system for your tissues, organs, and cells. Based on these key benefits, it can be stacked with other highly potent antioxidants that also offer longevity effects. From anti-aging benefits to improved heart health, CoQ10 will encourage a longer, healthier lifespan.
Why Should I Take CoQ10?
The benefits associated with CoQ10 are vast. It has been used for diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue, immune stimulation, and much more. It is able to promote so many positive benefits based on its mechanism of action. In terms of mental and cognitive health, CoQ10 is the perfect addition to your current supplement routine.
It’s been found that individuals who have higher levels of this key nutrient, showcase greater mental acuity, higher energy levels, and greater performance levels. On the opposite end of the spectrum, those who have low levels, often experience brain fog, slow mental processing, and overall cognitive decline.
Within one UCSD study, it was found that adequate CoQ10 levels can lead to an impressive 44 percent decrease in the rate that your brain deteriorates during the aging process. This is critical because in many cases, once damage occurs, it’s much harder to reverse. When you take nutrients like CoQ10, however, you can help prevent this damage before it impacts your health.
One of the main reasons to take preventative measures is to ensure positive brain health later on in life. Don’t wait until symptoms surface in order to take action. Once you develop dementia, for instance, there is no cure. Preventative measures are the best possible form of treatment — no matter what the condition.
In addition to brain benefits, CoQ10 has been widely researched based on its positive effects on heart health. Within one study, published in the European Journal of Heart Failure, it was found that after ten years of research, CoQ10 significantly improved the survival rate of heart failure patients.
When taking 100 mg of CoQ10, three times daily, patients are significantly less likely to die from heart failure. In fact, it’s been found that these individuals are less than half as likely to die from any cause at all. After just three months of supplementation, researchers began to notice reduced levels of key markers which lead to heart failure.
From reducing blood pressure to high cholesterol levels, CoQ10 can help address a wide range of potential health issues, all while promoting positive well-being. One study in particular was highly impressive, helping veterans suffering from a range of chronic health conditions.
Study Finds — CoQ10 Improves Chronic Health Issues In Veterans
It’s been reported that approximately one-third of the 700,000 American troops who fought in the Persian Gulf War, developed chronic health complications. From skin problems to muscle pain, cognitive decline to digestive issues, these problems were apparent decades after they were exposed to conflict.
Within a study, published in Neural Computation, researchers found that supplementing with CoQ10 resulted in significant improvements. Gulf War Illness is much different from post traumatic stress disorder, in that it’s not just psychological mechanisms, but physical as well. Soldiers were exposed to a range of chemical gases and nerve agents.
When exposed to these harmful substances, damage occurs within the mitochondria, reducing a cell’s ability to produce energy. As mentioned, CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which is naturally made by the body in order to support key cell functions. To test the effects of this supplement, veterans were given either 100 mg or a placebo for three and a half months.
What they found, was that 80 percent of those who received the CoQ10 supplement experienced key improvements in terms of physical functioning. Symptoms such as recall problems, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, and irritability all improved. This could potentially mean that key chronic symptoms can be reversed using CoQ10.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Since CoQ10 is naturally produced in the body, it is known to be safe and well-tolerated among most adults. In some cases, users experience insomnia and an upset stomach — and some researchers believe that long-term use may increase specific liver enzymes. So, always follow the recommended dosage.
Overall, it’s important to discuss any supplementation changes with your doctor. If you’re currently taking any medication, it’s especially important that you address your concerns, as potential drug interactions may occur. For the majority of users, however, as long as you stay within the recommended dosage, your risk of complications is low.