CoQ10 produces energy in the mitochondria

CoQ10 or Coenzyme Q10 is a substance produced by the body and is required for the basic functioning of cells. Levels of CoQ10 decrease with age and may be decreased by some chronic conditions such as heart disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's Disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV. In addition, CoQ10 levels may be reduced by some prescription drugs such as statin drugs commonly given to reduce cholesterol levels. Use of statin drugs may reduce the natural production of CoQ10 by 50% in a matter of weeks because the function of statin drugs is to inhibit an enzyme which is involved in the synthesis of both cholesterol and CoQ10.

CoQ10 helps produce energy in the mitochondria. It is particularly important in the heart muscle which requires large amounts of CoQ10 to keep beating.

CoQ10 is also an antioxidant which slows the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). It is the oxidation of LDL which can damage the inner linings of the arteries leading to many heart problems. A recent study shows that higher CoQ10 levels correlate with higher survival rates for chronic heart failure patients.


Return to Healthy-Longevity supplements from Coenzyme Q10