Coenzyme Q10 (Vitamin Q): Functions, Deficiency and Food Sources

Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10, Q10, vitamin Q10, vitamin Q, ubiquinone, or ubidecarenone) is a vitamin like substance found in every cell in the body. It is concentrated in the liver, heart, kidneys and pancreas. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs. Tissue levels of coenzyme Q10 decrease as people get older. It plays a part in cell function and is believed to help in the treatment of obesity, diabetes and Alzheimenr's disease.

What are the functions of coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body. The Q and the 10 in coenzyme Q10 refer to parts of the compound's chemical structure.

Coenzyme Q10:

  • is used by cells to produce energy needed for cell growth and maintenance,

  • improves the heart muscle metabolism,

  • may prevent coronary insufficiency and hear failure,

  • is used by the body as an antioxidant and as such enhances immunity,

  • is necessary for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and the brain cells,

  • boosts energy levels and

  • is used in the treatment of gum disease.

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency

Coenzyme Q10 deficiency may be caused by:

  • insufficient dietary coenzyme Q10,

  • impairment in coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis,

  • excessive utilization of coenzyme Q10 by the body, or

  • any combination of these three. Decreased dietary intake is presumed in chronic malnutrition and cachexia.

Food sources of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is found in organ meats, spinach, polyunsaturated vegetable oils, and fish such as tuna and sardines.

Therapeutic uses of coenzyme Q10

The health benefits of taking coenzyme Q10 include:

  • improvements in the heart function and circulation for those with congestive heart failure, weakened heart muscle, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and chest pain (angina),

  • protection against blood clots, heart attacks, chronic fatigue, and other problems linked to damages from free radicals such as aging and cancer,

  • maintaining of healthy teeth and gums,

  • protection of nerve cells (neurons) and helping to slow Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Dosage

There is no RDA for coenzyme Q10 but Sullivan (2002) recommends that 15 to 30 mg be taken daily for optimum good health.

Taking other antioxidants in the form of a miltivitamin and mineral supplement in addition to coenzyme Q10 would increase the health benefit.

Coenzyme Q10 has performs many functions in the body and we are still discovering what some of these are. Taking supplements of Q10 can assist with general health improvement especially for those with heart and nervous system problems.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.

30.09.2007. 20:24

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