Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is similar to a vitamin, but since it is not obtained through food intake, and is instead naturally synthesized in the body it is not classed as a vitamin. It is found throughout the human body and is concentrated in the mitochondria from which sell get their energy, it appears to help cells convert food to energy. Overall the scientific literature has supported health benefits (in angina, hypertension and reducing heart attack risk) in those taking supplemental CoQ10, and can help compensate for the the CoQ depleting effects of statin medications used in treating problem cholesterol. Finally, it has been associated with preventing worsening of neurocognitive disease in animal studies; however, this has not been supported in human trials in AD, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, or ALS patients. Still, it is touted as an anti-aging miracle, which is not supported by the very limited literature on it.

In a 2009 study with mice, no improvements in balance, muscle strength, coordinated running or leanrning/memory were found, and lifespan was not increased which the researchers noted “…do not support the notion that coQ10 is a fitness-enhancing or an ‘anti-aging’ substance…” Furthermore, the found mice harmed at amounts equivalent to 1700mg/day suggesting the safe limit for humans to be under an upper limit of 1200 mg daily. 500 mg daily would seem safe.

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