Product Information

(CO-Q10) The most important nutrient to supplement with from the age of 30 not just for the Heart, but for the Brain, which is the organ most likely to suffer from a deficit of Co-Q10. Co-Q10 possesses Life Extension potential and retards various aspects of the Aging process (including Aging Process within the Brain). Very important for the Cardiovascular System / Heart, a large proportion (approximately 62%) of Cardiovascular Disease patients are found to be deficient in Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a component of almost every Cell of the body: Important for maintaining the Immune System and Coenzyme Q10 can double the body's level of pretective Antibodies. Coenzyme Q10 increases the body's resistance to Viruses, alleviates Diabetes Mellitus. People afflicted with Obesity are often deficient in Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is a type of (fat-soluble) Coenzyme Q (Quinone) - the most important Q Coenzyme for humans. It is similar in molecular structure to Idebenone, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.

Topic Contents

Health Benefits of Coenzyme Q10
Substances Enhanced by Coenzyme Q10
Substances that Enhance the Function of Coenzyme Q10
Other Factors that Enhance the Function of Coenzyme Q10

Toxic Substances Counteracted by Coenzyme Q10
Dietary Sources of Coenzyme Q10
Substances that Interfere with Coenzyme Q10
Foods that Interfere with Coenzyme Q10
Other Factors that Interfere with Coenzyme Q10

Potentially Toxic Effects of Coenzyme Q10
Forms of Coenzyme Q10
Dosage Recommendations
Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10
Biochemical Testing of Coenzyme Q10 Status
Commercial Availability of Coenzyme Q10
Chemical Data

These Substances Enhance the Function of Coenzyme Q10

Amino Acids

Carnitine enhances the function of Coenzyme Q10.
Methionine activates Coenzyme Q10.
Tyrosine is required for the endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzymes

NADH increases the effectiveness of supplemental Coenzyme Q10.

Enzymes

HMG-CoA Reductase is an essential catalyst for the endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10.

Lipids

Cardiolipin facilitates the transportation of Coenzyme Q10 into the Mitochondria of Cells.

Minerals

Selenium enhances the body's production of Coenzyme Q10.

Quinones

Healthy humans can convert Coenzymes Q1 - Q9 into Coenzyme Q10 (e.g. 2 x CoQ1 + 4 x CoQ7 = 3 x CoQ10).

Vitamins

Biotin is synergistic with Coenzyme Q10.
Folic Acid is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
Lipoic Acid regenerates Coenzyme Q10.

Vitamin B2 is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
The Niacinamide form of Vitamin B3 is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
Vitamin B5 is synergistic with Coenzyme Q10 and is involved in the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
Vitamin B6 is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.
Vitamin C is an essential cofactor for the endogenous synthesis of Coenzyme Q10.


Other Factors that Enhance the Function of Coenzyme Q10

Metabolism

Intense Exercise increases the concentration of endogenous Coenzyme Q10 within the Heart and Muscles - i.e. it improves the transport of CoQ10 from the serum to the Heart and Muscles.


Coenzyme Q10 Reduces the Toxicity of these Substances

Aldehydes

Coenzyme Q10 may lower Malondialdehyde levels.

Amino Acids

Coenzyme Q10 may counteract the toxicity of Glutamic Acid.

Carbohydrates

Coenzyme Q10 may counteract the toxic effects of Lipopolysaccharides (it counteracts Endotoxemia).

Enzymes

Coenzyme Q10 (applied topically) may inhibit the activity of Collagenase in the Fibroblasts of the Dermis of the Skin.

Immune System Chemicals (Cytokines)

Coenzyme Q10 may retard the ability of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) to inhibit the maturation of Oligodendroglia.

Neurotoxins

Coenzyme Q10 may inhibit the ability of many Neurotoxins to destroy Neurons in the Brain:
- Coenzyme Q10 may inhibit the ability of MPP+ to damage Neurons.
- Coenzyme Q10 (especially when administered concurrently with NADH) may prevent the depletion of Dopamine caused by the Neurotoxin, MPTP.

Organic Acids

Coenzyme Q10 may protect against the toxic effects of Malonic Acid.

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Coenzyme Q10 may prevent the damage to Liver Cells caused by Mitomycin C.
Phenothiazines inhibit various endogenous Enzymes that are dependent upon Coenzyme Q10 (this inhibition may be reversed with the concurrent use of supplemental Coenzyme Q10).
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit various endogenous Enzymes that are dependent upon Coenzyme Q10 (this inhibition may be reversed with the concurrent use of supplemental Coenzyme Q10).

These Substances Interfere with Coenzyme Q10

Microorganisms

Candida albicans proliferation in the Duodenum and Jejunum consumes available Coenzyme Q10 (including supplemental Coenzyme Q10 administered orally) and can thus lead to a Coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Beta-Blockers interfere with the production and function of Coenzyme Q10 - it is recommended that persons using Beta-Blockers use Coenzyme Q10 in conjunction with Beta-Blockers.
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors interfere with the body's endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10 (by inhibiting the HMG-CoA Reductase enzyme that is an essential catalyst for the endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10):

- It is recommended that persons using HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors supplement
- With 100 mg of Coenzyme Q10 per day in order to counteract the suppression of endogenous CoQ10 production caused by HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

Phenothiazines inhibit various endogenous Enzymes that are dependent upon Coenzyme Q10 (this inhibition can be reversed with the concurrent use of supplemental Coenzyme Q10).

Thiazides cause the depletion of Coenzyme Q10.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) inhibit various endogenous Enzymes that are dependent upon Coenzyme Q10 (this inhibition can be reversed with the concurrent use of supplemental Coenzyme Q10).

These Foods may Interfere with Coenzyme Q10

Yeasts
Red Yeast Rice may interfere with the body's endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10 (due to the Mevinolin content of Red Yeast Rice inhibiting the HMG-CoA Reductase enzyme that is an essential catalyst for the endogenous production of Coenzyme Q10):

- It is recommended that persons using Red Yeast Rice supplement with 100 mg of
- Coenzyme Q10 per day in order to counteract the suppression of endogenous
- CoQ10 production caused by the Mevinolin content of Red Yeast Rice.


Other Factors that may Interfere with Coenzyme Q10

Aging Process

The body's ability to absorb Coenzyme Q10 declines in tandem with the Aging Process, the body's ability to convert Coenzymes Q1 - Q9 into Coenzyme Q10 deteriorates in tandem with the Aging Process and the body’s ability to produce endogenous Coenzyme Q10 from its nutritional precursors declines in tandem with the Aging Process.

- Endogenous Coenzyme Q10 synthesis begin to decline after the age of 20.
- Brain levels of Coenzyme Q10 decline markedly after the age of 50.
- Elderly people have only 50% of the levels of Coenzyme Q10 as those of young people.

Electro-magnetic Radiation

Coenzyme Q10 is easily destroyed by Light.

Exercise

Endurance Exercise may lower the body’s plasma Coenzyme Q10 levels.

Food Processing Techniques

The Heat generated from Cooking at temperatures above 50º C destroys Coenzyme Q10.

Possible Toxic Effects of Coenzyme Q10

Free Radicals

Coenzyme Q10 may increase the production of Hydroxyl Free Radicals (especially during periods of Hypoxia).
Coenzyme Q10 may increase the production of Superoxide Free Radicals (especially during periods of Hypoxia).

Forms of Coenzyme Q10

After absorption into the body, Coenzyme Q10 converts to its reduced form - Ubiquinol-10.

Dosage Recommendations

Human Body Content

The total human body content of Coenzyme Q10 has been estimated to be 500 - 1,500 mg:

- At the age of 21, the average person has 1,400 mg of Coenzyme Q10 circulating within their body.

Much of the body's Coenzyme Q10 requirements are met from its endogenous manufacture of Coenzyme Q10 (it is mainly produced within the Liver):
- However, plasma Coenzyme Q10 levels drop by 50% within one week of commencing a diet that contains zero Coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can occur as a result of:

- Insufficient dietary intake of Coenzyme Q10.
- Impaired synthesis of endogenous Coenzyme Q10.
- Excessive utilization of Coenzyme Q10 by bodily systems
- A combination of all three of the above factors.

Average Human Requirement

The average human requirement for Coenzyme Q10 to prevent deficiency is 5 mg per day.

General Therapeutic Dosage

The usual therapeutic dosage for otherwise healthy people is 50 - 150 mg of Coenzyme Q10 per day, or more precisely, 2 mg of CoQ10 per kg of body weight:

- Clinical studies have concluded that daily doses of at least 30 mg per day are required to significantly raise blood CoQ10 levels and dosages of 30 mg per day or greater are normally administered in two or three divided doses.
- Younger people or people with no obvious CoQ10 deficiency may be able to derive its benefits by using 10 - 30 mg of supplemental CoQ10 per day in one non-divided dose per day.

Cardiovascular System

The therapeutic dosage of Coenzyme Q10 that may treat severe Cardiovascular Diseases (such as Congestive Heart Failure) is 300 - 400 mg per day.
The therapeutic dosage of Coenzyme Q10 that may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients is 300 - 400 mg per day.

Immune System

The therapeutic dosage of Coenzyme Q10 that may retard the further progression of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is 200 - 300 mg per day.
The therapeutic dosage of Coenzyme Q10 that may prolong the lifespan of Cancer patients is 300 - 400 mg per day.


Metabolism

The therapeutic dosage of Coenzyme Q10 that inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol is 100 - 200 mg per day.

Maximum Therapeutic Dosage

European physicians often administer up to 600 mg of Coenzyme Q10 each day without any toxicity occurring.

Bioavailability

Oral Bioavailability

Supplemental Coenzyme Q10 is poorly absorbed from the Intestines when it is consumed on an empty stomach - therefore supplemental CoQ10 should be consumed with meals in order to maximize its absorption.
Orally ingested Coenzyme Q10 is distributed around the body via the Lymphatic Vessels. Absorption through the Lymphatic Vessels is significantly enhanced in the presence of dietary Fats. Therefore supplemental Coenzyme Q10 should ideally be consumed with meals that contain dietary Fats.

Scientific methods have indicated that Coenzyme Q10's absorption and assimilation is maximized when supplements are in the form of soft gel capsules.
It appears that after oral supplementation, CoQ10 appears mainly in its reduced, Antioxidant form - Ubiquinol.
When supplemental Coenzyme Q10 is consumed in an oil-based form it is absorbed twice as efficiently as dry, powdered forms of supplemental Coenzyme Q10.

The half-life of Coenzyme Q10 within the body is approximately three days.
Human serum concentrations of Coenzyme Q10 reach a peak at approximately 6 hours after the ingestion of supplements or meals abundant in Coenzyme Q10.

Topical Bioavailability

When applied topically to the Skin, Coenzyme Q10 is well-absorbed into the Epidermis. Lower amounts are also absorbed into the Dermis.