DEFINITION
- Resembles Vitamin K
- Contains a benzoquinone ring
- CoQ10 converts to ubiquinone- found in all cell membranes throughout the body and supports cell growth and differentiation
- Combats oxidative stress in combination with Vitamin E
- Concentrated in the heart- it helps synthesize ATP and functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, improves lipid values, decreases symptoms of CHF, lowers blood pressure
- Contributes to DNA and RNA biosynthesis
- It can be found in high amounts in oily fish; such as tuna, salmon, and herring
- Can be found in moderate amounts in fruits, vegetables, eggs, nuts, seeds, and dairy
WHO SHOULD BE TAKING CoQ10?
- Age >60 years old: less efficient conversion of CoQ10 to Ubiquinol
- People with stroke, MI, HTN, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, CHF
- People with migraines, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease
WHO SHOULD NOT BE TAKING CoQ10?
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding women
- People with cancer who are taking chemotherapeutic agents
- People with biliary obstruction
- People with renal impairment
- People with heart problems taking Warfarin (Coumadin) since Vitamin K and CoQ10 share chemical likeness
- People with fat malabsorption problems
HOW TO TAKE and HOW MUCH TO TAKE of CoQ10:
- Doses range from 30-800 mg/day, with 1200 mg being the upper limit and safe limit of 100-300 mg/day
- It is better absorbed by taking it with a higher-fat meal
CoQ10 RECOMMENDATIONS (BRANDS) TO CONSIDER:
- Member’s Mark CoQ10 200 mg
- Kirkland Signature (Costco) CoQ10 300 mg
- Garden of Life Vitamin Code Gummies CoQ10 150 mg
- Mary Ruth’s CoQ10 Gummies 100 mg
- Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine (plant-based) 100 mg
UBIQUINOL RECOMMENDATIONS (BRANDS) TO CONSIDER:
- Qunol Mega CoQ10 Ubiquinol 100 mg
- Qunol Ultra CoQ10 100 mg
- Healthy Origins Vegan Ubiquinol (plant-based) 100 mg