Found in every cell of your body, coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps convert food into energy while fighting damage to your cells. CoQ10 is found in the mitochondria which is known as the powerhouse of cells. The mitochondria make an important molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule functions as the cell's major energy source, driving a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction and protein production.

 

Generally, organs that require the most energy, like your muscles, heart, kidneys, and liver, have a higher concentration of coenzyme Q10.

 

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that can be found naturally in the body, but its production slows down after the age of 35. Therefore, it is important to supplement with CoQ10.

 

CoQ10 is used as a supplement for a variety of reasons, mainly to support heart health and high blood pressure. It also supports circulation and side effects of statin drugs. It is used as an antioxidant to support aging processes and optimal muscle function. If you are wondering whether you should take CoQ10, here are six reasons why you may consider it.

 

Reason #1: Blood Pressure

CoQ10 plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against arterial walls is high enough to endanger health. When your blood is pushing against your artery walls with a lot of force, it can weaken them. Weak blood vessels have a harder time moving blood and oxygen to the heart. This can lead to damage over time by making them less elastic (this is what is known as “hardening” and “thickening” of the arteries). In time, this can decrease the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body.

 

Research has shown that patients with high blood pressure also have low levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 has been shown to act as a natural blood thinner, help prevent oxidation of cholesterol from free radicals and relax muscles in veins, all factors which may help support healthy blood pressure levels.

 

Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplements may help improve blood pressure levels in people with hypertension (high blood pressure). In addition, some research suggests that taking this supplement can reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications as a result of heart failure.

 

Reason #2: Circulation

The circulatory system is vital to your health, as it delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Poor circulation can occur in people older than age 40 who are overweight, have diabetes, and don’t get much exercise. Symptoms of poor circulation include: pain or weakness in muscles when you move about or walk, a “pins and needles” feeling on your skin, pale or slightly blue skin colour, cold fingers and/or toes, numbness in the fingers or feet, chest pain, swelling or bulging veins. Clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 can improve energy production within cells as well as provide antioxidant activity. CoQ10 also helps improve endothelial function (endothelial cells are found on the inside of your arteries and blood vessel walls). Supplementing with CoQ10 can also help reduce blood platelet size so that blood moves throughout the circulatory system more efficiently.

 

In one review of five small randomized controlled trials, researchers found that supplemental CoQ10 (at a dose of 150 to 300 milligrams per day) resulted in a clinically significant increase in endothelial dilation after 12 weeks.

 

Reason #3: Low Energy

CoQ10 plays a role in energy production and has been studied for its role in exercise performance (showing a reduction in exercise-induced fatigue). Studies have also linked low CoQ10 with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), making CoQ10 helpful in the treatment of CFS.

 

One major review of 16 research studies looked at the effects of CoQ10 on fatigue among subjects with fibromyalgia, statin-related fatigue, multiple sclerosis and heart failure. They concluded that CoQ10 exhibited the most therapeutic effects on fibromyalgia subjects.

 

Reason #4: Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, joints and tendons. It also causes fatigue, sleep problems and headaches. Medication can help control symptoms of fibromyalgia, but it can’t cure the condition itself.

 

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, converting oxygen and nutrients into ATP to power cell function. ATP is an energy-creating molecule found in every cell throughout the body. Studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with a number of symptoms seen in fibromyalgia, including fatigue and pain.

 

Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements may be able to reduce pain caused by fibromyalgia.

 

Reason #5: Arteriosclerosis

If you suffer from arteriosclerosis and are looking for a way to decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke, CoQ10 may be for you. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 can help protect your arteries from oxidative damage, reducing inflammation in the process. This will allow blood vessels to relax and open up more easily, which in turn lowers blood pressure and improves circulation throughout the body.

 

The anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 also provide benefits when it comes to reducing cholesterol levels and preventing strokes or other cardiovascular problems caused by clots that form inside arteries.

 

Reason #6: A Family History of Any of the Above

If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or fibromyalgia, you may want to take CoQ10. As an added bonus, taking CoQ10 regularly may also lower your risk for diabetes because it improves insulin sensitivity so that glucose can be used by cells more efficiently instead of just being stored as fat on your frame. Also, because CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant in the body, it can further protect your body from premature aging and the onset of disease.

 

Coenzyme Q10 supplements are usually taken in doses between 60 milligrams (mg) and 300 mg per day with food. If you take more than that amount, it can cause side effects such as nausea or headache.

 

In summary, CoQ10 is a vital nutrient for many people, especially if they have a family history of heart disease or any other cardiovascular condition. It can also help with energy levels and circulation, making it an excellent natural supplement for anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. When looking for a CoQ10 supplement to support you in any of the conditions listed in this article, look for Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10. Additionally, look for a softgel that has been encapsulated in oil to support optimal absorption and ensure you get the most our of your CoQ10 supplement.

 

Which Ubiquinol is Best?

Finding a pure and potent ubiquinol supplement in an appropriate dose can be difficult due to all the options available. A crowd favourite is Ubiquinol QH Active CoQ10 in 200mg by Natural Factors. This Canadian made supplement is encapsulated in flaxseed oil and is highly bioavailable. Natural Factors uses the most well-known and researched ubiquinol in the world from Kaneka.

 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.