What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 or Ubiquinone 10, is a molecule produced by the body itself that has a plays an important role in the energy metabolism of the cell and antioxidant properties Ubiquinone is derived from ubiquitous (occurring everywhere) and from a chemical point of view has a ring-shaped quinone structure. We find the molecule in all body cells of humans, animals and plants. 10 indicates the number of C atoms in the side chain. Coenzymes are organic compounds that help enzymes to catalyze reactions. Another coenzyme is, for example, NAD. In contrast to enzymes, however, these must be replenished again and again as they are used up. The body synthesizes coenzyme Q10 from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine as well as some B vitaminsWe also get it from food and food supplements. We need more of this vitamin-like compound, especially when our needs increase due to exercise or as we age. Coenzyme Q10 is irreplaceable in the respiratory chain, where our body is supplied with energy with the help of oxygen, enzymes and vital substances and uses it in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Where does coenzyme Q10 occur?
Since the molecule has a lipophilic side chain, it has fat-soluble properties Accordingly, we find the vital substance primarily in our membranes. Organs with a particularly high energy requirement have a particularly high concentration ofThese include the heart, lungs, liver, muscles and brain. As already mentioned, the body produces Q10 itself or we have to take it in through food or nutritional supplements if the body's own synthesis is reduced. Meat, oily fish, eggs, cold-pressed vegetable oils, nuts, onions, potatoes and spinach are among the foods that contain particularly high levels of coenzyme Q10. However, cooking, storage and preservatives can destroy some of the coenzymeTherefore, targeted supplementation offers significant advantages. Coenzyme Q10 is also found in certain cosmetics as an anti-aging product.
What functions does the molecule have in the human body?
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of Formation of ATP It is one of the last steps in the Respiratory chain and cannot be replaced by any other substance. We need the energy gained for our organs and muscles. it protects our membranes from oxidation with its antioxidant properties. It also strengthens the immune system and regenerates vitamin E. A lack of coenzyme Q10 can lead to a drop in energy and certain organs can no longer function properly. It can also lead to an increase in free radicals, which means that our cells can no longer be protected. This leads to accelerated cell aging.
Benefits of supplementing with coenzyme Q10
The molecule can slow down the aging process of the body and brain and neutralize free radicals. There are numerous medical studies that confirm the positive effect of supplementing with coenzyme Q10. For example, the vital substance has a therapeutic role in relation to Parkinson's syndrome. Other benefits that have been studied are:
- Improve performance during training
- Better regeneration and prevention of muscle injuries
- Cell damage caused by intensive training is reduced
- Strengthens the muscles
- Supports fat burning
- Strengthen the immune system
- Promotes a youthful complexion
- Protects the cardiovascular system
- Strengthens the nerves and protects against inflammation
Coenzyme Q10 & Longevity
One study in mice showed that long-term dietary supplementation with CoQ10H2 slowed aging and helped SAMP1 model mice live longer. Another study found that both supplements - resveratrol and CoQ10 - can help lower blood sugar levels, an important factor in longevity.
Recent studies have shown that CoQ10 can significantly reduce the life expectancy of worms. On the other hand, only CoQ10 was able to counteract the life-shortening effects of vitamin E. It also supports skin health and can help reduce signs of aging. The combination of vitamin E and CoQ10 has been shown to provide both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection and improve the metabolic profile of PCOS patients. PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome and there is another molecule that has been successfully tested on PCOS patients: Berberine
However, there are very few studies that relate to humans and longevity, so it is difficult to say whether CoQ10 actually plays a role in longevity. However, the results suggest that CoQ10 may be a potential tool for improving overall well-being.
Sources
Literature:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36091835/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35297269/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36297067/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36977300/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25282031/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35743757/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3661336/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770889/
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/8/2/44
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1356523/
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