Focus on CoQ10

First discovered in 1957 and studied extensively since that time, coenzyme Q10 may help to support healthy ageing, writes Kate Ferguson.

CoQ10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like substance that is found in every cell in the body.

We produce CoQ10 as it is an essential part of the mitochondria, the energy-producing unit of the cells of our body.

Its highest concentration is in cells in the hardest working tissues such as the heart.

Coenzyme Q10’s main roles are in energy production and its ability to act as an antioxidant.

It may assist in:

Name: Coenzyme Q10, ubidecarenone, ubiquinone
Actions: antioxidant, energy production
Conditions used for: heart health and heart muscle function, cholesterol management – prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol

As mentioned earlier, we make coenzyme Q10 in our bodies and it is thought that this accounts for more than half of our total requirements.

The rest comes from our diet. Food sources include meat and fish products, broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, spinach and soy.

As we get older, supplementing with CoQ10 may be recommended as our bodies production of it starts to decline.

To date there has been no recommended daily intake (RDI) established for coenzyme Q10.

For general supplementation to support cellular energy production 75 mg taken once a day is recommended.

To support a healthy heart, take 150-300 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily.