Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ₁₀) is a benzoQuinone oil-soluble vitamin-like substance present in most eukaryotic cells, primarily in the mitochondria, where heart and the liver have the highest CoQ₁₀ concentrations. It was known for its ability to transfer electrons, generating energy in the form of ATP, and therefore act as an antioxidant and has been used as a dietary supplement. According to the Mayo Clinic, our body produces CoQ₁₀ that is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Clinical studies reported that CoQ₁₀ levels decreases with age, and can be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as heart problems, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, etc. Some prescription medications such as Statins and other cholesterol lowing drugs can result in low CoQ₁₀ levels. In these cases, CoQ₁₀ supplementation may be beneficial.

Although CoQ₁₀ has been prescribed by physicians for treating rare and serious mitochondrial and metabolic disorders where patients are not capable of producing enough CoQ₁₀, and been used and recommended, or studied for cardiovascular complications such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, etc., but remains controversial as a treatment in many areas. For healthy people, further clinical studies are needed to determine whether supplementation with CoQ₁₀ may be beneficial.

To learn more about CoQ₁₀, please visit theAmerican Family Physician website with the article regarding Coenzyme Q₁₀ by RA Bonakdar, MD, and E Guarneri, MD at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, La Jolla, California.

WARNING: All dietary supplements are not medications or prescription drugs and therefore not regulated or approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Before using any supplement products you should carefully read the warnings and follow the directions for allowed dosages and intake instructions. Always consult your doctor for advice, possible side effects and drug interactions when taking supplements.