Zymes llc. What is CoQ10?

Knowledge-center

What is CoQ₁₀?

Coenzyme Q₁₀ Biosynthesis: How is it Made by the Body?

Every cell in the body is capable of coenzyme Q₁₀ biosynthesis. Each cell makes a different amount, depending upon its tissue type and energy requirements. Cells in organs that are very active and have high energy requirements such as the heart, brain and liver make the most coenzyme Q₁₀ and contain the highest amounts. Unfortunately, the body’s ability to make coenzyme Q₁₀ declines with age. Peak production occurs at about age 21 and gradually declines thereafter. ¹ It has been shown that coenzyme Q₁₀ levels fall with age in both heart and brain tissue as illustrated in the figure below.

Heart Levels

In addition, body stores of coenzyme Q₁₀ may be reduced by a variety of external factors such as certain medications, hormone levels, alcohol consumption, nutritional depletion, strenuous exercise, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and stressors such as illness and extreme cold. Due to the reduced production of coenzyme Q₁₀ with age, in combination with factors which reduce body stores, our bodies may be unable to make enough coenzyme Q₁₀ to meet our daily needs. In this case, we must consume sufficient amounts of coenzyme Q₁₀ in the diet if we are to avoid coenzyme Q₁₀ deficiency.

Dietary Coenzyme Q₁₀

Dietary coenzyme Q₁₀ is found in many foods including beef, beans, eggs, oils, fish, nuts and grains. It is found in highest amounts in the meat of organs which require large supplies of energy to function such as heart, liver, kidney and brain. Dietary coenzyme Q₁₀ can be divided into rich sources, such as meat, poultry, fish, vegetable oils, and nuts; and less rich sources such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy, and cereals.

Few people eat enough of these foods to replenish their daily losses. For example, in order to consume 50 mg of coenzyme Q₁₀, one would have to eat 3.3 lbs. of beef or 4.2 lbs. of peanuts! A Danish study of coenzyme Q₁₀ intake demonstrated that the average daily intake was only 3-5 mg, coming mostly from meat (64%) and poultry. ² Vegetarians may be at particular risk because so many of the coenzyme Q₁₀ rich food sources are animal based. In addition, only about 10% of ingested coenzyme Q₁₀ is actually absorbed into the body due to its poor bioavailability. Also, when these foods are cooked above 122 degrees F, the coenzyme Q₁₀ content can be destroyed. Frying meat causes a 14-32 % loss of coenzyme Q₁₀ . Thus, for many people, the way to avoid coenzyme Q₁₀ deficiency is to ingest it as a dietary supplement.

Originally, coenzyme Q₁₀ was extracted from beef hearts for supplemental use but the high expense of this process prevented full scale commercialization. The Japanese have provided mass-production of coenzyme Q₁₀ via a fermentation process developed in the 1970’s and new, synthetic methods have recently been developed. Dietary supplements are available in the form of pills, liquids or wafers. They can be taken for supplemental use (to make up for a poor diet) or therapeutic use. The U.S. Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), formally the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for coenzyme Q₁₀ has not been established, however, various organizations have made recommendations for daily doses that range widely from 30 to 350 mg for healthy individuals. The dose of coenzyme Q₁₀ that has been used therapeutically ranges from 100 mg to as high as 3,000 mg, way beyond that which could be consumed in the diet.

How Coenzyme Q₁₀ Works in the Body

Coenzyme Q₁₀ has two primary functions in the body. The first is to produce energy by contributing to the manufacture of a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy “currency” of life and is required by all cells to fuel bodily functions. The second function, like that of vitamins C and E, is that of an antioxidant. Antioxidants defend the body from cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. The damage is caused by free radicals which are formed normally during metabolism, as part of natural immunity, or upon exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides.

Because it is necessary for all bodily functions, it is not surprising that a relative reduction in coenzyme Q₁₀ has been associated with a variety of disease states including, cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, stroke and atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s, AIDS, cancer, periodontal disease and skin damage from the sun and pollution exposure. Some clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial effects of treatment of these diseases with coenzyme Q₁₀. Certain drugs can affect levels of coenzyme Q₁₀ in the body. The statin drugs are probably best known for this. Statins reduce cholesterol, which the body makes using the same synthetic pathway that produces coenzyme Q₁₀ . The statins work by blocking this pathway resulting in reduced production of both cholesterol and coenzyme Q₁₀. It is believed that the reduction in coenzyme Q₁₀ associated with statins contributes to some of their side effects such as fatigue and muscle weakness. Beta-blockers and antidepressants have also been implicated in adversely affecting coenzyme Q₁₀ levels.

Safety of Coenzyme Q₁₀

Coenzyme Q₁₀ is generally well tolerated and no serious side effects have been associated with its use, even with doses up to 3000 mg/day in patients with Parkinson’s disease. ³ With oral use, mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea have been reported in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials. The safety of coenzyme Q₁₀ in pregnant or lactating women has not been studied. ⁴

Coenzyme Q₁₀ has been shown to be safe when topically applied to the skin. It does not cause skin irritation, even in people who have sensitive skin and suffer from stinging when certain cosmetics are applied. ⁵

More information can be found at The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center

References:

Kalen A, Appelkvist E-L, Dallner G: Age related changes in the lipid composition of rat and human tissue. Lipids 1989;24:579-584.
Overvad K, Diamant B, Holm L, Holmer G, Mortensen SA, Stender S. Coenzyme Q₁₀ in health and disease. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999;53(10):764-770.
Weber C. Dietaty intake and absorption of coenzyme Q₁₀. In: Kagan VE, Quinn PJ, eds. Coenzyme Q₁₀ Molecular Mechanisms in Health and Disease. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2001:209-215.
Shults CW, Flint Beal M, Song D, Fontaine D. Pilot trial of high dosages of coenzyme Q₁₀ in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Exp Neurol. 2004 Aug;188(2):491-4.
The Medical Letter 2006;48(1229):19.
Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stäb Steckel F. CoQ₁₀, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors 1999;9:371-378.

Page modified: 2007-09-24 17:52:34.

Adipose - Fat tissue.

Aerobic - Without oxygen.

Adequate Intake (AI) - A recommended intake value based on observed or experimentally determined approximations or estimates of nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of healthy people, that are assumed to be adequate- used when an RDA cannot be determined.

Aldosterone - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal gland regulates sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

Amyloid Plaques - An abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain that are seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Amino Acids - Small molecules that are the building blocks of proteins.

Analogue - Something that is similar to something else.

Antioxidant - A chemical compound or substance like a vitamin that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules.

Arteries - Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, whereas veins carry deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Atherosclerosis - A disease of the arteries resulting from the formation of an atherosclerosis plaque, historically known as “hardening of the arteries”. The plaque consists of excess cholesterol and other lipids, inflammatory cells such as macrophages, with excess of proteins and calcium. The plaque eventually ruptures and causes narrowing of the artery leading to an insufficient blood supply to the organ it feeds.

ATP - Adenosine triphosphate. The cells of the body cannot use food directly for energy. The energy (calories) in food must be broken down into a form of energy small enough for the cells to use. That smallest form of energy is ATP.

Bias - To influence in an unfair way.

Beta Blocker - A medicine used to treat high blood pressure and some other heart conditions.

Bile Acids - Specific compounds produced by the liver and excreted in the bile to help in the digestion of fats.

Bioavailability - A term used by pharmacologists and pharmacists to describe the amount of a medication that reaches the blood stream.

Biological Membranes - All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane, sometimes called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma. It is a thin double layer of phospholipid and proteins that envelopes the cell, separating the cell’s interior from its surroundings and controlling what moves in and out.

Biosynthesis - A process where chemical compounds are made in the body from simpler compounds or smaller molecules, an important part of metabolism.

Blinded - Most clinical studies are “blinded” to assure accurate results. Double-blinded means that neither the patient nor the investigator know which group the patient is assigned to. Single-blinded means the investigator knows which group the patient is assigned to, but the patient does not.

Carbohydrates - Commonly known as sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides) and starches (polysaccharides), their most important function is energy storage.

Cardiac Asthma - An asthmatic attack caused by heart disease.

Cell Membrane - Also called a plasma membrane or plasmalemma. It is the outermost layer of a cell composed of primarily phospholipids and proteins. It serves to separate and protect the cell interior from its surroundings and regulate the movement of molecules into and out of cell.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - A government agency that studies infectious diseases.

Chemical Bonds - The holding together of molecules by attraction of atoms to each other, commonly through sharing of electrons.

Chylomicrons - Small fat globule composed of protein and lipid (fat) created by the cells of the small intestine used to transport fat from the intestine to the liver and to fat tissue. After a fatty meal, the blood is so full of chylomicrons that it looks milky.

Cognition - The ability to think, reason, and remember.

Confidence Intervals - Describes the range within which the real effect is likely to occur. As with the 5% chance described for the p value, the confidence interval usually provided is the 95% confidence interval. For example if a new cholesterol drug lowered cholesterol by a mean of 20 mg/dL with a 95% CI of 4 to 35, there is a 95% probability that the true effect of the drug lies within this range. If the CI does not overlap 1.0, the result is said to be significant at p<0.05. In our example the CI (4, 35) does not overlap 1.0, therefore the treatment effect is considered to be statistically significant.

Cortisol - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal gland that is involved in the response to stress. Also used as a drug, synthetic cortisol also known as hydrocortisone, is used to teat allergic and inflammatory diseases.

Dementia - A progressive decline in mental functioning, over and above what’s expected from normal aging, due to damage or disease in the brain.

Double Blind - In clinical studies, double blind means that neither the patient nor the investigator know which treatment group the patient is assigned to.

Dietary Reference Intakes - Includes four measurements; Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA), Allowable Intake (AI), Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) and Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). DRI is generally used by nutrition professionals instead of RDAs.

Efficacy - The ability of a drug to produce an acceptable amount of the desired effect. In precise terms ‘efficacy’ refers to the effect of a drug in the controlled setting of a clinical trial. This is different from ‘effectiveness’ which refers to the effect of a drug in real world setting.

Electron - A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. The flow of electrons produces electricity.

Electron Transport Chain - The energy currency of the body, ATP, is made in the mitochondria, from the food we eat, through a series of chemical reactions called the electron transport chain. Electrons are transported through a series of compounds in what is known as the electron transport chain. Each time electrons are transferred from one compound to another, the energy generates a proton gradient that provides the energy to produce ATP.

Eliminate - After drugs are metabolized, they are removes from the body by two main routes: in the urine through the kidneys and in the feces through the gastrointestinal tract.

Enterocyte - An intestinal cell that helps to break up food molecules and transports them into the tissues of the body.

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) - A daily nutrient intake value that is estimated to meet the requirement of half of the healthy individuals in a life stage and gender group - used to assess dietary adequacy and as the basis for RDA.

Estrogen - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol that is the primary hormone involved in the development of female sex characteristics. Estrogen is also present at a significantly lower level in men.

Fermentation - A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen such as making alcohol (wine) from grapes with yeast.

Fibrate - A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol that work differently than the statins.

Folic Acid - One of the B vitamins.

Free Radicals - Atoms or molecules with highly reactive unpaired electrons that are generally pro-oxidants. Also referred to as reactive oxygen species such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical and are associated with cell damage. Free radicals are neutralized in the body by anti-oxidants.

Free Radical Scavenger - Found in every living cell of the body and are potent antioxidants.

Gamma Rays - Electromagnetic radiation of high energy that is released by radioactive decay.

Genetic Material - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), used to store the genetic information of an organism.

Glucose Toxicity - High blood glucose can lead to damage of organs and the complications of diabetes.

Gram - The standard measure of mass in the metric system indicated by the symbol g. 1 gram (g) = 1000 milligrams (mg). 1 gram = 1/1000 of a kilogram (kg). 1 ounce = 28.3 grams, 1 gram is about the mass of a paper clip.

GRAS - Generally Regarded As Safe is recognition by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services) of the safety of a substance that is added to food.

Heavy Metals - Common metals that are “heavy” include gold, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, zinc, mercury, lead, and cadmium. Some like cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium, zinc, are required in the diet in trace amounts, but high levels can be detrimental. Others such as mercury, lead, and cadmium are not essential to bodily functions and accumulation is associated with illness.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) - A measure of blood sugar control over 2 to 3 months.

High Energy Phosphates - Compounds like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that contain high energy phosphate bonds that when broken release energy for the body to use.

HMG-CoA Reductase - The rate-limiting enzyme, 3 - hydroxy - 3 - methyl - glutaryl - CoA reductase or HMGR, of the pathway that synthesizes cholesterol and other molecules. Drugs that inhibit HMG-CoA reductase are commonly called statins because of the commonality of the generic drug names: atorvastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin. Statins are used to lower blood levels of LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Hormone - From the Greek horman - “to set in motion”. A chemical substance that is secreted into body fluids and transported to another cell or organ, where it produces a specific effect.

Hypothesis - The explanation for certain facts or observations that can be tested through experimentation.

Ionizing Radiation - Produced by radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and by extremely hot objects like the sun. X-rays are a use of ionizing radiation as is radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, overuse of ionizing radiation can be hazardous.

In Vitro - Refers to experiments performed in test tubes or cell cultures.

In Vivo - Refers to experiments performed in live animals.

Jugular Reflux - An elevation of venous pressure that can be seen in bulging jugular veins and in the veins of the arm and can be produced by congestive heart failure.

LDL - Low density lipoprotein, a fatty droplet composed of protein and cholesterol used to carry cholesterol throughout the body. Referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because it may accumulate on the walls of the arteries leading to atherosclerosis.

Left Ventricle - The largest lower chamber of the heart, it that receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium and pumps it out to the body through the aorta to the body.

Lymphatic System - A network of vessels carrying lymph (a colorless fluid) to and from lymph organs (lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus) that produce and store infection-fighting cells.

Lymphoma - Any of the many often malignant tumors of the lymph nodes or in other lymphoid tissue.

Lactate/Pyruvate Ratio - Elevation in this ratio may be used to estimate mitochondrial dysfunction. If the mitochondria (makes energy through aerobic pathways) are not functioning properly, the body may turn to anerobic pathways to generate energy which increase lactate compare to pyruvate.

Lipases - Enzymes in the digestive system that break down fats.

Lipids - A class of water insoluble compounds essential for the structure and function of living cells. Lipids make up cell membranes and are used for energy storage. They also can be hormones and vitamins. Lipids are often called ‘fats’, however, fats are only one type of lipid.

Metabolism - All of the processes of the body including those that build up (anabolism) and breakdown (catabolism) molecules in the body. Drug metabolism is the process the body uses to break down (deactivate) a drug for elimination form the body.

Mevalonic Acid - A compound used by the body to make cholesterol and other steroids.

Mitochondria - A cell structure often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell” because that is where the food we eat is turned into energy. All cells, with the exception of red blood cells, have mitochondria. Mitochondria convert the energy found in the food we eat into a small energy rich molecule called ATP that all cells can use.

Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain - The energy currency of the body, ATP, is made in the mitochondria, from the food we eat, through a series of chemical reactions called the electron transport chain. Electrons are transported through a series of compounds in what is known as the electron transport chain. Each time electrons are transferred from one compound to another, the energy generates a proton gradient that provides the energy to produce ATP.

Multicenter - In clinical studies, when the same study is performed in patient found in more than one study center.

Myeloma - A tumor of antibody-producing cells that are normally found in the bone marrow.

Neurodegenerative Diseases - Disease that results from the deterioration of nerve cells such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Neuron - The nerve cells which make up the central nervous system that communicate to each other by transmitting electrical signals to other neurons.

Neutrons - A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of every atom, except hydrogen, it has no electrical charge; it is neutral.

Nucleic Acids - Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), the molecules the body uses to store and transmit genetic information.

Open Label - In clinical studies, when the patient knows which drug treatment they are being given.

Oxidative Phosphorylation - The process during which nutrients are broken down into ATP using the oxygen we breathe.

Oxidative Stress - A term for damage to animal or plant cells, tissues and organs caused by free radicals and other pro-oxidant molecules. It is often defined as an imbalance between too many pro-oxidants and not enough antioxidants.

Oxidized - Oxidation is the loss of an electron. Molecules that have the ability to oxidize other molecules are also known as pro-oxidants, oxidizing agents, oxidants or oxidizers. When the oxidant removes electrons from the other molecule, it becomes reduced.

Ozone - A molecule of three oxygen atoms present in low concentrations throughout the Earth’s atmosphere. In the upper atmosphere it prevents harmful ultraviolet light form reaching the Earth’s surface. At ground level ozone is associated with respiratory problems, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Pancreas - An organ located near the stomach that makes digestive enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin and glucagon.

Pantothenic Acid - Also called vitamin B5, is an antioxidant water-soluble vitamin needed to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

pH - A measurement of acidity or alkalinity of a solution like blood or water.

Placebo-Controlled - Refers to a clinical trial in which the effectiveness of an experimental drug is compared to that of placebo (contains no useful medicinal content) group.

Platelet - Cells involved in blood clotting.

Progesterone - a steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol, involved in the regulation of the processes of the female reproductive system.

Pro-Oxidant - A substance that can produce oxygen byproducts of metabolism that can cause damage to cells.

Prospective - A study that collects data after the study begins; unlike a retrospective study which analyzes data that has already been collected.

Proteins - Chains of amino acids used by the body for many things including: cell movement (muscles), structures (hair), enzymes (biological catalysts), hormones (insulin), energy storage (egg albumin), transport of oxygen (hemoglobin), and antibodies (immune system).

PTS™ - The lead compound in the family of Ubisol-Aqua™ solubilizers.

Pulmonary Edema - Swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the lungs.

P Value - A measure of significance. A p value that is deemed significant if it is p<0.05 (read, p is less than .05). If the p value is less than 0.05, the difference between the treatment groups is considered statistically significant. It means that there is less than a 5% chance that the difference between the two treatment groups occurred by chance and that the difference between the two groups is most likely attributable to a treatment effect rather than chance. If the p value is greater than .05 (p>0.05), then it is likely that the difference between the two treatment groups occurred by chance.

Randomized - A method of assignment in which individuals have a random chance of being assigned to one group or another.

Range- Describes the highest and lowest number in the data set.

Reactive Oxygen Species - Atoms or molecules with highly reactive unpaired electrons that are generally pro-oxidants. Also referred to as free radicals and are associated with cell damage. Free radicals are neutralized in the body by anti-oxidants.

Recommended Daily Allowance - The average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirement of nearly all (97 to 98 percent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. RDA is now incorporated into the DRI. For more information please refer to the International Food Information Council.

Reduced - Reduction is the gaining of an electron. Molecules that have the ability to reduce other molecules are also known as reducing agents, reductants or reducers. When the reducing agent gains electrons from the other molecule, it becomes oxidized.

Remacemide - A drug used treat Parkinson’s disease.

Reperfusion Injury - The damage to tissue that is caused when the blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of no or reduced blood flow.

Safety - Relates to the detection, evaluation, understanding, and prevention of adverse effects of drugs during short and long term use.

Statistically Significant - A mathematical measure to describe if there is a difference between groups. The difference is said to be “statistically significant” if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone.

Striatal Spiny Neurons - A type of medium sized neuron in the striatum that when destroyed, may cause problems with movement.

Standard Deviation (SD) and Standard Error (SE) - Mathematically complex calculations. What you need to know is that large SD and SE indicate a lot of variability in the data, and small SD and SE indicate that the data values are clustered closely around the mean.

Statin - A group of drugs that reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the body.

Substantia Nigra - Dark gray matter deep within the brain where cells make the neurotransmitter dopamine for movement control. Degeneration of cells in this region may lead to movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Subcutaneous - Under the skin.

Synthetic - A substance that is made a chemical process, it generally does not apply to substances created by naturally occurring biological processes.

Testosterone - A steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol that is the primary hormone involved in the development of male sex characteristics. Testosterone is also present at a significantly lower level in women.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) - The highest level of daily nutrient intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse health effects for almost all individuals in the general population. As intake increased above the UL, the potential risk of adverse effects increases.

Ultraviolet Light - Electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays.

United States Recommended Daily Allowances (USRDA) - Was devised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nutritional labeling of processed foods and vitamin products. The USRDA lists the percentage of each of 19 essential nutrients that are contained per serving of the labeled product. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the amount of nutrients and calories recommended for most healthy individuals (of any age) to consume in their daily diet to meet the requirements of the body.

Unsaturated Fats - A fat with one or more double bond in the fatty acid chain and liquid at room temperature. Unsaturated fats are commonly found in avocados, nuts, soybeans, canola oil and olive oil. Saturated fats have no double bonds in the fatty acid chain and are solid at room temperature such as butter and animal fat.

Ubiquinol - The reduced form of coenzyme Q₁₀.

Ubiquinone - The oxidized form of coenzyme Q₁₀.

Villus> - Hair-like protrusions into the intestine — emanating from the wall of the intestine. The purpose of the villi is to slow the passage of food, and to allow food particles to be captured in among these finger-like villi — so that the blood inside the villi can absorb the nutrients in the food.

Vitamin - A molecule required by the body in minute amounts for proper health. In general, vitamins cannot be made by the body.

X-Rays - A form of electromagnetic radiation primarily used in medicine to produce radiographic images. Is also a form of ionizing radiation which can be dangerous.