What is coenzyme Q10 and where does it occur?
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance similar to vitamin E, which is produced by the body itself, but can also be absorbed through nutrition. When the body ages, it begins to lose its ability to produce enough coenzyme Q10. This leads to a need for supplementation.
Optimum coenzyme Q10 levels are around 1.5 grams per day. Approximately 5 to 10 mg is supplied through nutrition, the rest is produced by the body, up to a certain age. Q10 is present in many foods, but only in low concentrations. The best sources are meat and certain types of fish, such as mackerel or sardines, walnuts, almonds, soybeans and wheat germ.
Why is coenzyme Q10 needed?
Coenzyme Q10 plays a central role in energy production in the respiratory chain, which is an essential factor for performance. It strengthens the immune system, maintains the integrity and stability of cell membranes, and prevents ageing processes particularly with respect to our skin.
Coenzyme Q10 is also essential for the energy metabolism of the heart muscle. In the presence of cardiological issues such as a weakened heart muscle or an oxygen deficiency in the heart, the Q10 levels in the heart are significantly lower. This energy depletion of the tissue can be counteracted by daily substitution with 60 to 500 mg of Q10.
Initial study results indicate that 60-75% of patients treated with coenzyme Q10 experienced a significant improvement in performance. In addition, those with a weak heart saw a significant increase in life expectancy.
Since the body produces less coenzyme Q10 through the aging process, it is recommended to supplement Q10 from age 40 onwards.
Who needs additional coenzyme Q10?
Since the body produces less coenzyme Q10 through the aging process, it is recommended to supplement Q10 from 40 years old onwards. Studies show that older people’s coenzyme Q10 levels are 50 % lower than younger people, so supplementation should be considered.
Competitive athletes, smokers, and people on statins – which is used to treat high cholesterol levels – are advised boost their intake of Q10. In addition, there is an increased need among diabetics, asthmatics, and people suffering from Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, people with burnout, permanent stress, migraine, or tinnitus are also recommended to supplement Q10.
A lack of coenzyme Q10 increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease and tumors. Lower Q10 levels are also frequently observed in cancer patients.
Studies show that tumor patients can benefit from coenzyme Q10 doses during therapy. In a case study, 84 patients with breast cancer and elevated tumor markers received tamoxifen, a drug used in patients with breast cancer and coenzyme Q10, as well as niacin (vitamin B3) and riboflavin (vitamin B2), resulting in a significant decrease in tumor markers.
A 9-year study of 41 end-stage cancer patients also showed that oral treatment with Q10 and a mix of antioxidants improved their chances of survival. 76% of patients lived longer than predicted.
How to detect coenzyme Q10 deficiency?
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can be identified by several symptoms. Muscle weakness and pain, as well as general weakness and fatigue are the first signs of a deficit. Further indications are cramps on the foot surfaces and the inside of the instep.
In order to determine a coenzyme Q10 deficiency with certainty, ask your physician to perform a whole-blood analysis.
