Coenzyme Q10, or Q10 for short, is also known as ubiquinone. It is a fat-soluble compound produced naturally by the body. Its central role in energy metabolism and its antioxidant properties make it an interesting ingredient for modern food supplements.
What Is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is found in almost every cell in the body. It is an important component of the mitochondria, which are often described as the “powerhouses of the cells”. Q10 is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cells’ primary energy carrier.
Particularly high concentrations are found in organs and tissues with high energy requirements, including the heart, liver, kidneys and muscles. The body can produce coenzyme Q10 itself and also obtains smaller amounts from foods such as meat, fish, nuts and certain oils.
In food supplements, Q10 is mainly used as ubiquinone or in its reduced form, ubiquinol. Both forms are naturally involved in energy metabolism.
What Makes Coenzyme Q10 Interesting?
In addition to its role in cellular energy production, coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties. It can protect cell membranes from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
An analysis of several studies found that taking coenzyme Q10 may be associated with a reduction in symptoms of fatigue. Its potential effects on the cardiovascular system are also being investigated. A Cochrane review reported indications of possible benefits for certain outcomes among people with heart failure.
Further areas of research include physical performance and muscle complaints. Possible links with brain function and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are also being investigated.
A Versatile Ingredient
Depending on the desired formulation, coenzyme Q10 can be used in capsules, tablets, powder blends or liquid products. It is suitable for both single-ingredient products and combinations with vitamins, minerals or other antioxidant ingredients.
As Q10 is fat-soluble, the dosage form and composition of the formulation play an important role in its absorption. Other factors to consider during product development include the form used – ubiquinone or ubiquinol – as well as the dosage, purity and stability of the ingredient.
Interactions with blood-pressure-lowering or anticoagulant medicines are possible. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, adolescents, people with pre-existing medical conditions and those who take medication regularly should only use coenzyme Q10 after consulting a healthcare professional.
Sources
German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) (2023): Coenzym Q10: Was ist über gesundheitliche Risiken bekannt - und was nicht?.
Tsai et al. (2022): Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Reducing Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 883251.
Al Saadi et al. (2021): Coenzyme Q10 for Heart Failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2, CD008684.