Coenzyme Q10 is a member of the fat-soluble ubiquinone family of compounds. It is present in every cell in our body and is highly concentrated especially in the cells of the heart as this organ plays the main role in our body’s energy supply process.

CoQ10 is constantly required in our body cells for energy production in mitochondria (cellular power stations). It should be even stated that CoQ10 is essential for transferring energy from food into ATP molecules and therefore its deficiency in our body leads to fatigue and can be extremely dangerous as it gradually leads to heart failure and eventually to a heart attack.

At the same time, CoQ10 functions in human cells as a super antioxidant which neutralises the very harmful effects of free radicals.

Unfortunately, as we age the CoQ10 levels in our body (including the heart) begin to deplete. Also, some drugs such as statins may lead to Q10 deficiency.

Besides, many individuals are often unable to obtain adequate amounts of CoQ10 from food due to unhealthy nutritional habits. But sometimes even if our diet seems to be right the levels of this precious antioxidant may still be too low and as a result, we feel week, tired and run down. Other CoQ10 deficiency symptoms involve especially our heart muscle and can be noticed in the form of chest pain, heart failure, or high blood pressure.

CoQ10 plays an important role in slowing down the ageing process as it reduces cellular damage caused by the lack of oxygen.

Scientific research suggests that apart from being beneficial for those who suffer from heart conditions, and high blood pressure, or low energy CoQ10 may also help strengthen our immune system or slow the progression of Parkinson’s and gum disease (periodontal disease).

Two small studies have provided evidence that coenzyme Q10 may help prevent migraine.
The first study found that among 31 patients who took 150mg of CoQ10 daily for three months, 61% of them reported at least a 50% reduction in the number of days they had migraine attacks. Also, no side effects were noticed among participants.

(Migraine Headache)

Dysfunction with the mitochondria of a person’s brain cells has been linked to migraine formation. Migraine patients have an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants this creates a condition of oxidative stress. This metabolic abnormality in the brains of migraineurs makes them more vulnerable to migraine-related triggers. These metabolic abnormalities are also more severe in more serious migraine variants, like hemiplegic migraine.

Because these metabolic imbalances are found not only during migraine attacks, but also between attacks, supplementation with CoQ10 (which has powerful antioxidant activity) improves this imbalance and increases overall energy production within cells. This helps to overcome any mitochondrial defect and potentially prevent migraines. (see study below)

(Weight Loss)

Also, the same antioxidant may be useful in maintaining proper body weight, as studies have shown that we may start experiencing serious metabolic health problems when CoQ10 deficiency reaches the level of about 25%.

Ova (Egg) Health
For women over the age of 35, ovum (egg) health begins to dramatically decline. Once a woman is over 40 years old, ovum health continues to decline and a quickening pace. Each ova is but a single cell, the health of each ova matters greatly. Within each ova is the blueprint of a future child; DNA is the genetic code inherent to the healthy life of a human being yet to be. Ubiquinol has been shown to inhibit DNA oxidation (damage from free radicals), thus protecting the genetic code.

A study published in Fertility and Sterility showed that supplementation of 600 mg of CoQ10 daily by older women improved both egg quality and fertilization rates. Other studies published in Fertility and Sterility also showed the same improvements in the ova of older mice.

A preliminary study of mice by Dr Robert Casper at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, showed that CoQ10 supplementation on mid-aged female mice resulted in more pregnancies and more babies per litter. “They found that when CoQ10 was given to 52-week-old mice – about mid-age for a mouse – their eggs appeared to rejuvenate. There were significantly more egg follicles in the old mice treated with the CoQ10”.

Sperm Count & Health
Just as each ova contains DNA, so does each sperm; the other vital half to the creation of a child. CoQ10 deficiency may lead to not only damaged DNA within the sperm, but low levels affect the ability of sperm to swim, known as motility. Ubiquinol supplementation has a twofold support system for sperm health, one it is protective and second it supports motility by increasing cellular energy.

CoQ10 is found in the highest concentrations inside the mitochondria of all cells. For sperm, this is located in the midsection, the area where energy production occurs that powers the tail whip. The higher the blood levels of CoQ10, the greater the sperm’s ability to be strong swimmers. A study in 2009 showed that low levels of CoQ10 in the seminal fluid impacts sperm motility, but supplementation with CoQ10 greatly improved and restored sperm motility in men with very low levels of sperm motility.

One study showed that healthy sperm, with normal morphology (shape), incubated with 50 mg of CoQ10 had a significant increase in sperm motility. That same study also showed that 17 patients with low fertilization rates who supplemented with 60 mg of CoQ10 daily for 103 days had a significant improvement in fertilization rates.

Defective sperm function in infertile men is directly associated with increased free radical stress. This is where Ubiquinol supplementation may greatly help to protect sperm health, as well as the health of all the cells that make up the reproductive organs, and the entire body.

The documents shown below provide more information for healthcare professionals.