Introduction
Stay physically active needs energy. There is a critical fat-soluble vitamin-like substance called coenzyme Q10, which is presented in the human cell to help in generating energy. No doubt you have heard of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It has been around for a long time, and there is numerous scientific evidence suggesting that CoQ10 has cardiovascular health benefits. It is synthesized by the liver and naturally occurring in almost every cell because of its ubiquitous distribution, so it’s also known as ubiquinone or ubiquinol.
The Fat-Soluble Vitamin-Like Substance
CoQ10 is found concentrated in the organs with a high rate of metabolism such as heart, liver, and kidney. It is declined with advanced age [1], and many studies showed that those who are taking statin medication [2], as well as people who have type 2 diabetes, chronic heart failure and cancer tend to have a lower level of CoQ10 in their body [3].
So why this fat-soluble substance seems so essential to us? It is because the primary function of CoQ10 is to help in producing energy in the form of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency of all cells, including muscle cell, rely on this pathway. CoQ10 helps create ninety-five percent of the energy used by the body cells. It also has antioxidant properties, protecting the body from oxidative stress by scavenging harmful free radicals in blood and lymph vessels. Thus, lower the risk of getting atherosclerosis, heart attack, ischemic stroke, etc.
Its Role in Sustaining Energy
A person with a busy lifestyle will have depleted body natural CoQ10 level, which in turn making them feel weak, tired or fatigue throughout the whole day because the cells are not getting sufficient energy. Other CoQ10 deficiency symptoms might be noticed in the form of chest pain, heart failure or even high blood pressure. Hence, CoQ10 supplement can help to maintain the optimal body CoQ10 level and sustain the energy for them to keep up with their busy daily schedule. Also, due to its energy-restorative capabilities [4], CoQ10 is recommended for those who are active in sports or require physical labor jobs. It is because supplementing with CoQ10 seems to have an improvement in sports performance, reduce fatigue during exercise, and improve post-exercise recovery [5]. Not only that, CoQ10 also helps to stabilize the muscle membrane by preventing the membrane from occurring inflammatory processes [6]. This added stability can help skeletal muscle fibers to be more resilient against mechanical damage while performing high-intensity physical exercise.
How to Get Sufficient Amount?
A person with a busy lifestyle will have depleted body natural CoQ10 level, which in turn making them feel weak, tired or fatigue throughout the whole day because the cells are not getting sufficient energy. Other CoQ10 deficiency symptoms might be noticed in the form of chest pain, heart failure or even high blood pressure. Hence, CoQ10 supplement can help to maintain the optimal body CoQ10 level and sustain the energy for them to keep up with their busy daily schedule. Also, due to its energy-restorative capabilities [4], CoQ10 is recommended for those who are active in sports or require physical labor jobs. It is because supplementing with CoQ10 seems to have an improvement in sports performance, reduce fatigue during exercise, and improve post-exercise recovery [5]. Not only that, CoQ10 also helps to stabilize the muscle membrane by preventing the membrane from occurring inflammatory processes [6]. This added stability can help skeletal muscle fibers to be more resilient against mechanical damage while performing high-intensity physical exercise.
References
- Fuke, C., Krikorian, S.A., Couris, R.R. Coenzyme Q10: a review of essential functions and clinical trials. US Pharmacist. 2000, 25(10), 28-41. Cited on 2 June 2019.
- Ghirlanda G., Oradei A., Manto A., et al. Evidence of plasma CoQ10-lowering effect by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Clin Pharmacol. 1993;33((3)):226–229. Cited on 2 June 2019.
- Shen Q, Pierce J. Supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare. 2015;3(2):296-309. Cited on 2 June 2019.
- Clinic T. CoEnzyme Q10 – Why Should Athletes Use It? [Internet]. The Natural Athletes Clinic. 2019. Available from: https://www.naturalathleteclinic.com/blogs/natural-athlete-solutions/coenzyme-q10-why-should-athletes-use-it. Cited on 2 June 2019.
- Cooke M, Iosia M, Buford T, Shelmadine B, Hudson G, Kerksick C et al. Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals. Cited on 2 June 2019.
- Tocker R, Bowry V, Frei B. Ubiquinol-10 protects human low density lipoprotein more efficiently against lipid peroxidation than does alpha-tocopherol. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 1991;88(5):1646-1650. Cited on 2 June 2019.
