What Does Coenzyme Q10 Do? What Are Its Benefits?

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a compound that helps produce energy in cells and is stored in the mitochondria of the cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in the body. It also protects cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses. The body naturally produces CoQ10, but its production in the body tends to decrease with age. In addition, it is possible to take CoQ10 from outside via supplements or foods. (1) Some health-related problems such as heart disease, brain diseases, diabetes and cancer have been linked to low CoQ10 levels. However, it is not yet clear whether low levels of CoQ10 cause these diseases or whether they are the result of them. Some causes of CoQ10 deficiency include:

-Nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B6 deficiency
-Genetic disorders in the synthesis or use of CoQ10
-Increased tissue demands as a result of any disease
-Mitochondrial diseases
-Oxidative stress caused by aging

What Are the Benefits of Coenzyme Q10?

Studies have shown that CoQ10 plays several important roles in the body. One of its main functions is to help generate energy in your cells. Coenzyme Q10 is involved in making adenosine triphosphate (ATP) involved in energy transfer within cells. Another important role is to act as an antioxidant and protect cells against oxidative damage. Excessive free radicals cause oxidative damage that can interfere with normal cell function. This is known to cause many health problems. Considering that ATP is used to perform all functions of the body and oxidative damage is destructive for cells, it is not surprising that some chronic diseases are associated with coenzyme q10 deficiency.

CoQ10 is present in every cell of your body. However, it is also found in the highest concentrations in organs that need the most energy, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver. Coenzyme Q10 benefits are listed below:

1. Coenzyme Q10 May Help Treat Heart Failure

Heart failure is often the result of other heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. These problems can lead to inflammation of the arteries and arteries with increased oxidative damage. Heart failure occurs because of these problems when the heart cannot contract regularly, relax, or pump blood to the body. The bad thing is that some treatments for heart failure can cause undesirable side effects, such as low blood pressure, or further reduce CoQ10 levels in the body. and it has been found to reduce the risk of dying from heart problems. In another study, 641 people were treated with CoQ10 or placebo for a year. At the end of the study, it was observed that people in the CoQ10 group applied to hospitals less and had less complications due to heart failure. As a result, it can be seen that treatments with CoQ10 can help in optimum energy production, reducing oxidative damage and improving heart function. All this can help treat heart failure.

2.Coenzyme Q10 Can Support Reproduction and Fertility

Female fertility decreases with age due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs available. CoQ10 is directly involved in this process. As we age, CoQ10 production slows down and has less effect on the body to protect the egg against oxidative damage. Foods containing coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 supplements, can help with this age-related decline in egg quality and quantity and even reverse the process. Similarly, the male sperm count is sensitive to the effects of oxidative damage. Oxidative damage reduces sperm count and can cause infertility. Coenzyme q10 is a component that has sperm effect. Many studies have concluded that CoQ10 therapy can improve sperm quality, activity and concentration by increasing antioxidant protection.

3.Coenzyme Q10 Can Help Keep Your Skin Young

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is widely exposed to harmful factors that cause aging. These factors can be internal or external. Some damaging internal factors include cellular damage and hormonal imbalances. External factors include environmental conditions such as UV rays. Harmful elements can cause the skin's moisture to decrease and thin layers of the skin. Applying CoQ10 directly to the skin can decrease the damage caused by internal and external factors by increasing energy production and antioxidant protection in skin cells. (1) In fact, CoQ10 applied to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and the depth of wrinkles. Finally, coenzyme q10 is a compound that benefits the skin, and people with low levels of coenzyme q10 are more likely to develop skin cancer.

4.Coenzyme Q10 May Reduce Headache

Abnormal mitochondrial function can lead to increased calcium intake by cells, overproduction of free radicals and reduced antioxidant protection. This can cause low energy in brain cells. CoQ10 has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help reduce inflammation that may occur during migraine, mainly because it lives in the mitochondria of the cells. A study with 42 different people showed that coenzyme q10 vitamin therapy was three times more effective than placebo to reduce migraine. A more comprehensive study concluded that 1,550 people with low CoQ10 levels experienced less headaches after CoQ10 treatment. Moreover, it appears that CoQ10 does not only help treat migraine, but it can also prevent migraine.

5.Coenzyme Q10 Helps Improve Exercise Performance

Oxidative stress affects muscle function and thus exercise performance. Similarly, abnormal mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, making it difficult for muscles to contract effectively and exercise. CoQ10 helps exercise performance by reducing oxidative stress in cells and improving mitochondrial functions. One study investigated the effects of CoQ10 on physical activity. Oxidative stress has been shown to decrease in people taking 1,200 mg of CoQ10 supplements daily for 60 days. What's more, using CoQ10 supplements can help increase strength and reduce fatigue during exercise; both conditions positively affect your performance during exercise.

6.Coenzyme Q10 Helps Prevent Diabetes

Oxidative stress can cause cell damage. This can lead to metabolic disease risks such as diabetes. Abnormal mitochondrial function is also linked to insulin. CoQ10 has been found to increase insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels. Using CoQ10 supplements can help increase the amount of CoQ10 in the blood by up to three times in people with diabetes. In a study, people with type2 diabetes used CoQ10 supplements for 12 weeks. In these individuals, it has been observed that hemoglobin A1C, the average of blood glucose levels and blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, has decreased significantly. Finally, CoQ10 promotes the breakdown of fats, reducing the accumulation of fat cells that can lead to obesity or type 2 diabetes, and helps prevent diabetes.

7.Coenzyme Q10 Can Have An Cancer-Preventing Role

It is known that oxidative stress causes cell damage and affects its functions. If your body cannot effectively fight oxidative damage, your cells' structure may be damaged, and your risk of cancer is likely to increase. CoQ10 can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote cellular energy production. Studies on the subject have shown that cancer patients have lower CoQ10 levels. Low coenzyme q10 levels have been associated with a 53.3% higher risk of cancer and indicate a prediction for various types of cancer. Another recent study suggested that using CoQ10 supplements can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

8.Coenzyme Q10 is Necessary for Brain Health

Mitochondria are the main energy producers of brain cells. Mitochondrial function tends to decrease with age. Total mitochondrial dysfunction can cause death of brain cells and lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The brain is very sensitive to oxidative damage due to its high fatty acid content and high oxygen demand. This oxidative damage increases the production of harmful compounds that can affect memory, cognition and physical functions. CoQ10 can reduce these harmful compounds and slow the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.