How Co Q 10 Works
Co Q 10 is found abundantly in healthy individuals in metabolically-demanding tissues and organs throughout the body, particularly the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and skeletal muscles. As an integral part of the electron transport chain, Co Q 10 assists in the synthesis of ATP — the energy currency of cells. As part of that process, Co Q 10 converts between ubiquinone and biologically-active ubiquinol while acting as an antioxidant and effectively “trapping” free radicals.
Furthermore, research has demonstrated that Co Q 10 promotes proper blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system by preserving the activity of nitric oxide—a molecule that expands blood vessels and helps support healthy blood pressure. 2
Co Q 10 Supplementation
Data suggests that ubiquinol supplementation is of growing importance, particularly in aging individuals who don’t properly convert supplemental ubiquinone to active ubiquinol. 3 Given the nature of ubiquinol for supporting overall health and well-being, supplementation can assist users in a multitude of ways. These evidence-based benefits may include:
- Supports cardiovascular and immune function
- Supports blood flow and nitric oxide production
- Supports energy production
- Supports body tissues including epithelial, muscle, connective and nervous tissues
- Supports healthy blood lipid profiles
References:
1. Angelini, C. (2014). Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency. In Genetic Neuromuscular Disorders (pp. 247-250). Springer International Publishing.
2. Moncada, S. R. M. J., Palmer, R. M. L., & Higgs, E. (1991). Nitric oxide: physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Pharmacological reviews, 43(2), 109-142.
3. Langsjoen, P. H., & Langsjoen, A. M. (2014). Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone. Clinical pharmacology in drug development, 3(1), 13-17.