Coenzyme Q ₁₀: multiple benefits in one ingredient

¹ Department of Biochemistry, Biology & Genetics, Polytechnic University of the Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
² Kaneka Pharma Europe NV, Brussels, Belgium

^* littarru@univpm.it

Abstract

Coenzyme Q is a lipid molecule widely diffused in nature; in humans and other mammals it is present as coenzyme Q₁₀. (CoQ₁₀). The first recognized role of CoQ₁₀ was in mitochondrial bioenergetics, where it plays a central role in the production of ATP. It is also present in other subcellular organelles, both in its oxidized and in its reduced state (ubiquinol-10). The reduced form of CoQ₁₀ is endowed with powerful antioxidant activity: it acts as a chain-breaking antioxidant and is also capable of egenerating alpha-tocopherol, the active form of vitamin E. By these mechanisms CoQ₁₀, together with vitamin E, protects lipoproteins from oxidation a process which bears considerable interest in preventing atherosclerosis. CoQ₁₀ has also been found to support cardiovascular function and the latest findings indicate an active role in counteracting endothelial dysfunction, which is closely implicated in cardiovascular disease. CoQ₁₀ also improves sperm motility, an effect which might be related both to its antioxidant and to its bioenergetic properties. Oxidative stress might be involved in neurodegenerative disease, and in migraine, two fields where the positive effects of CoQ₁₀ have been documented. CoQ₁₀ is synthesized by our body but is also present in food and can be taken as a nutritional supplement. The main source of industrially produced CoQ₁₀ is yeast fermentation. The process results in CoQ₁₀ which is identical to the naturally occurring molecule. Ubiquinol, the reduced form of CoQ₁₀, has recently become available.