Coenzyme Q10

Other Names:

CoQ10, Ubiquinol, Ubiquinone

What is Coenzyme Q10?

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in almost every cell in your body. Beyond its natural synthesis within the body, CoQ10 can also be obtained through foods including meats such as beef, chicken, liver, kidney and oily fish. Importantly, CoQ10 has two forms of ubiquinol, the reduced active form that the body can use, and ubiquinone, the oxidised form that needs to be converted by the body into ubiquinol. All of the Time Health products containing CoQ10 use the beneficial, already-active ubiquinol form.

Health Benefits:

Contributes to Energy Production

CoQ10 plays a vital role in producing cellular energy, specifically by acting as a carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The important role of CoQ10 in the production of cellular energy is clearly reflected in that organs requiring greater energy concentrations such as the brain, heart, kidneys and liver show higher CoQ10 rates. Without CoQ10, your body would struggle to generate the energy needed for everyday functions.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Action

The antioxidant abilities of CoQ10 are well established, with its redox property making it useful for the neutralisation of reactive oxygen species and therefore helping to prevent oxidative stress. This is key as oxidative stress can be highly detrimental and has been strongly linked to aging and the development of chronic diseases including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Studies also suggest that CoQ10 can have anti-inflammatory effects, for instance one study found that the administration of CoQ10 to elderly subjects resulted in a reduction in inflammatory response markers such as osteopontin and osteoprotegerin.

Could Support Cognitive Function

Recent research has shown that CoQ10 levels are associated the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The potent antioxidant action of CoQ10 helps to prevent neurological oxidative stress which has been strongly linked to cognitive decline, with one study suggesting that oxidative stress is linked to 194 neurological disorders. CoQ10 is highly important to healthy cognitive function and one study found that the level of plasma CoQ10 was significantly associated with cognitive functioning, executive function and levels of neurological oxidative stress.

May Support Cardiovascular Health

CoQ10 may support cardiovascular function through its antioxidant and energy-regulating actions. Studies have evidenced that supplementation with CoQ10 can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure or cardiovascular events such as a stroke or heart attack.

Typical Use:

CoQ10 is typically used in the form of capsule, softgel and tablet supplements and is sometimes combined with other nutrients such as vitamin E or omega fatty acids to provide further health benefits. CoQ10 supplements can use either ubiquinone or ubiquinol for enhanced bioavailability and absorption.