Co Enzyme Q10: The Super Anti-Oxidant That Boosts Energy & Keeps You Young

Coenzymes are substances that facilitate the activities of enzymes. Coenzyme Q10 also known as ubiquinone, vitamin Q10 or simply just Q10, this compound is vital for the body to run efficiently and produce energy. It also has been found to have powerful antioxidant effects, destroying free radicals in the body. It isn’t strictly a vitamin as such, as your body produces its own supply. This is unlike true vitamins which have to be obtained from the diet. As such, it is technically classed as a pseudovitamin.

Energy Boosting

This substance plays a key role in the production of 95% of the body’s energy production at the cellular level by helping the body convert food into energy in the form of ATP. Nearly every cell in the body contains at least some Coenzyme Q10, with mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, containing the most. The heart and liver, due to their high content of mitochondria, contain the most Coenzyme Q10 out of any organs in the body. Coenzyme Q10 may even helps to facilitate weight loss due to its stimulating effects on the body's metabolism.

When CoQ10 levels are low, feelings of tiredness and dullness can set in. Life events such as stress and aging can reduce our body’s natural production of CoQ10.

Health Benefits

In a placebo-controlled study, Coenzyme Q10 supplementation was shown to help people with congestive heart failure. People with congestive heart failure may not see any results for a few months, but should not quit taking it immediately without consulting a doctor. People with angina have been able to exercise for longer periods of time and with more energy when supplementing with Coenzyme Q10. It has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve the pumping function of the heart.

Evidence suggests that Coenzyme Q10 can help in a number of ailments and diseases including: diabetes, angina, give support with chemotherapy, male infertility, mitral valve prolapse, give support with HIV, gingivitis, and congestive heart failure.

Anti-Aging

This nutrient has antioxidant properties which help protect us from aging, so in theory we would benefit from more as we get older. For that reason it is used commonly in cosmetic beauty products such as face creams marketed at reducing the effects of aging and retaining the natural elasticity of the skin.

Sources & Dose

The highest sources of Q10 can be found in meats – cardiac tissue and liver meat is undoubtedly the best source as well as sardines, mackerel, beef and eggs are all good sources. Although we create our own CoQ10 we don’t produce as much of it as we get older though so dietary levels become even more important. People who exercise a lot may also need an extra Q10 boost and therefore supplementation may be the way to go. Evidence shows that doses of 90 and 200mg are best with 90mg being the most cost effective dosing range.

Eat Your Fats

The assimilation of Coenzyme Q10 may be better if taken with a fatty substance such as oil, peanut butter, olive oil, etc. Conclusion: Calling all bodybuilders - for an awesome antioxidant, fat burner, and energy enhancer, try Coenzyme Q10!