CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and also acts as an antioxidant in cellular membranes and lipoproteins. ^[1] CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, has vital functions in all cells, both mitochondrial and extramitochondrial, and all cells produce CoQ10 by a specialized cytoplasmatic-mitochondrial pathway. ^{[1] [2]}

In addition to its key role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, CoQ10 serves as a lipid-soluble antioxidant and plays an important role in fatty acid, pyrimidine, and lysosomal metabolism, as well as directly mediating the expression of a number of genes, including those involved in inflammation. ^[2] Because of its hydrophobicity and large molecular weight, absorption of dietary CoQ10 is slow and limited, whereas solubilized CoQ10 formulations show enhanced bioavailability. ^[3]

CoQ10 levels fall with aging in humans, but it is unknown whether lower CoQ10 levels play a part in aging and disease or are an inconsequential cellular response to aging. ^[4] CoQ10 deficiency can result from genetic defects in its biosynthesis pathway, from ageing, or as a secondary effect of certain drugs including statins, which inhibit endogenous CoQ10 synthesis. ^[1] In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreased all-cause mortality events, with a relative risk of 0.68 and a 95% confidence interval of 0.49 to 0.94. ^[5] In a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,126 participants, the CoQ10 group showed a statistically significant reduction in fatigue scores compared with placebo. ^[6] CoQ10 has an excellent safety record and treatment does not cause serious adverse effects in humans, though there is a need for further well-designed clinical trials with formulations of proven bioavailability. ^{[3] [1]}

There is evidence for a beneficial effect of CoQ10 in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease and inflammation appear to be alleviated by its antioxidant effect. ^{[3] [1]} Many neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia, muscular, and cardiovascular diseases have been associated with low CoQ10 levels, and oral CoQ10 treatment may provide a significant symptomatic benefit in many of these conditions. ^[7]