Coenzyme Q10 is a ubiquitous compound (hence the proper name, ubiquinone) that occurs in every cell in the body. The main function of CoQ10 is to maintain a rapid rate of conversion of oxygen (O2) to water (H2O) in the mitochondria of a cell. In the process, the free electrons produced during the chemical conversion of sugars and fats into chemical energy are captured and transferred (along with protons; H+) to oxygen molecules. The energy released in reducing oxygen (O2) to water (H2O) is harnessed to produce ATP, the carrier of chemical energy from the mitochondria to the rest of the cell.
COQ10 is absolutely required in order for the free electrons to reach the oxygen within a cell. In fact, CoQ10 is the lynchpin in the entire "electron transport chain," linking the molecules that shuttle the free electrons through the cell to the special proteins ("cytochromes"") that deliver the electrons directly to O2 molecules.
Because CoQ10 plays such a central role in hooking up electrons and oxygen, the amount of CoQ10 available determines the rate of energy production by a cell - even if there are plenty of oxygen and electrons "in waiting." Humans can synthesize cCoQ10 endogenously and therefore it is not considered a vitamin. However, research shows that CoQ10 levels decline with age and with the use of certain medications. Hence, supplementation of CoQ10 is needed to replenish levels. CoQ10 availability in the cells' mitochondria is a major determinant of energy production and, therefore, the speed and power of contraction in heart muscle cells ("cardiomyocytes") and, in fact, in all muscles.
It is clear that all muscles - heart, legs, arms, chest -benefit from ample supplies of CoQ10. The efficiency of muscular work, the amount of energy expended during work and the ability to harness that energy in productive and enjoyable activities all depend on the presence of adequate amounts of CoQ10. As shown by studies such as those published in the European Heart Journal and the Archives of Neurology, increasing the supply of CoQ10 that is available to all muscles is invaluable in supporting their efforts to work harder, faster and longer. CoQ10 supports both aspects of activity -intensity and duration. By increasing the maximum work intensity that can be achieved, CoQ10 may help routine daily life seem to be easier and require less effort. By increasing the length of time that activities can be enjoyed, ensuring adequate CoQ10 levels can help postpone feelings of tiredness.
Few nutrients for the heart have been as well researched as Coenzyme Q10. In the body, it functions to convert components from our nutritional intake into ATP, energy the body can use. Several studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation supports cardiovascular health and healthy circulatory function.
Although CoQ10 will not give you "energy" - that requires a healthy diet - CoQ10 will help you use your energy more effectively - making you feel more energetic, active and healthy. I've written a great deal more about CoQ10 and other compounds / nutrients in my book The Best Kept Secrets to Healthy Aging.
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