Coq10 benefits for your heart - NL-063

CoQ10 is a coenzyme produced naturally in the body and is present in every cell. It has two main functions: it helps in production of energy and also acts as a powerful anti-oxidant that protects cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Oxidative damage is known to trigger inflammation and premature ageing, and cause early onset and development of many chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis and cancer. CoQ10 is one of the most heart-healthy supplements that your body requires, but you need to be aware of some factors that will deplete CoQ10 in the body.

CoQ10 is a key component of reactions that generate cellular energy. That is why the highest concentration of CoQ10 is found in the tissues that need more energy to function such as heart, skeletal muscles, kidneys and liver. The coenzyme plays a very crucial role in meeting the heart's high energy requirements. In addition, it has antioxidant properties which help in preventing LDL oxidation, which causes inflammation and atherosclerosis. Research suggests that CoQ10 supplements can help:

• Improve symptoms with people in congestive heart failure
• Improve the health of blood vessels, help blood vessels dilate and reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Energize cardiac muscle and improve cardiac output
• Reduce inflammation
• Prevent oxidative damage caused by free radicals
• Improve blood sugar levels and is helpful for people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, important risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease.     
• Reduce cardiovascular disease risk in diabetic patients by reducing total cholesterol and LDL
• Reduce muscle fatigue and pain in people taking statins

Taking CoQ10 supplements can be particularly helpful if you are taking statins -  prescription drugs that reduce (at a cost) high cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking an enzyme that make possible a series of cellular reactions which produce cholesterol. This pathway (series of reactions) which is inhibited by statins is also responsible for the production of many other important substances such as vitamin K2, CoQ10 and heme. That's how statins interfere with the production of other molecules which are important for your health, and so deficiency of these molecules affects your overall health. Studies show that CoQ10 supplements help reduce muscle pain and weakness in people taking statins.  Other factors that deplete CoQ10 in tissues are age, smoking, chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies (shortage of B6 and omega 3 fatty acids) and use of drugs such as beta blockers.

References:

1.    Liang et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet. 2022.
2.    Zozina et al. Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Current State of the Problem. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2018
3.    Dludla et al. The impact of coenzyme Q10 on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. 2020