Coenzyme Q10

• cellular energy production;
• cardiovascular health;
• antioxidant;
• keeps vitamin E levels up;
• depleted by statin (cholesterol) drugs (it is synthesized from cholesterol by the body);

With chemical structure 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, it is also known as ubiquinone because of its 'ubiquitous' distribution throughout the human body.

It is commonly referred to as ubiquinone or ubiquinol and usually abbreviated as coq10; it is an oil soluble vitamin like substance present in body cells, predominantly the mitochondria where it is used to create cellular energy. It plays a major role in the transport of electrons and is important in cellular respiration. Benefits of CoQ10 are primarily focused on improving cellular energy production as well as overall cellular health, making it an extremely important supplement. Ensure that when looking for a quality CoQ10 supplement that you avoid any that don’t specifically state that they are a Ubiquinol CoQ10.

CoQ10 is naturally found in high levels in organ meats such as liver, kidney, and heart, as well as in beef, sardines, and mackerel. Vegetarians or vegans who are not used to eating these foods should find a suitable alternative. Luckily, vegetable sources of CoQ10 include spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.

The synthesis of coq10 is greatly aided by adequate intake of vitamin B6. It also works together with vitamin E, maintaining the vitamin in adequate levels in the body for its properties in fighting free radicals.

Premature aging is one primary side effect of having too little CoQ10 because this essential "vitamin" recycles other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E.

CoQ10 deficiency also accelerates DNA damage, and because CoQ10 is beneficial to heart health and muscle function this depletion leads to fatigue, muscle weakness, soreness and eventually heart failure. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to supplement with CoQ10 if you’re taking a statin drug.

1/2 cup of broccoli contain 0.5 milligrams of CoQ10.

If you take a statin drug, you MUST take Coenzyme Q10 as a supplement. If you're over 40, I would strongly recommend taking ubiquinol (CoQ10's reduced form) instead of CoQ10, as it's far more effectively absorbed by your body.