Vitamin coenzyme Q10

Among the many organic substances, in small amounts necessary for the normal functioning of the body, stands out the so-called vitamin coenzyme Q10.

What the body needs vitamin Q10 for

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or coenzyme ubiquitous quinone (ubiquitous quinone), naturally produced in the body, is not vitamins.

It was recognized as a vitamin-like substance, referred to nutraceutical products, which are not regulated and not tested at the level of pharmaceuticals, and began to produce a biologically active supplement - coenzyme Q10 or simply vitamin Q10.

Ubiquinone, a fat-soluble cofactor of mitochondrial enzymes, which exhibits high redox activity, is considered a key link in transmembrane electron transport from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space during cellular respiration. It is also essential for the oxidative phosphorylation reaction in the mitochondria, a crucial biochemical process for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main source of energy required by every living cell.

In addition, coenzyme Q10 is involved in the oxidation of fatty acids and the synthesis of N-acetylglucosamine (uridine), an important component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue. Within mitochondria, CoQ maintains the proteins of their inner membranes and functions as a lipophilic antioxidant: it reduces the harmful oxidative effects of reactive oxygen species - free radicals, formed during cellular activity. [1], [2]

In the human body this coenzyme is produced metabolically from derivatives of amino acids - tyrosine and phenylalanine (coming with food proteins), and its highest concentrations are found in the cells of heart, liver and kidney tissues.

What does a woman need Q10 for? Among other things, to normalize the hormonal background, to slow down biological aging of the skin and correct its age-related changes, to improve the condition of hair and prevent their loss.

Why do men need Q10? To maintain physical fitness and general tone (especially with increased physical activity) and also to improve male fertility (normalization of spermatogenesis).

Primary CoQ10 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by defects in genes involved in CoQ biosynthesis, with clinical manifestations of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SNHL), optic atrophy, retinopathy, and encephalopathy. CoQ10 replacement therapy is indicated in this rare disease. [3]

Indications Coenzyme Q10

Although studies have not yet provided conclusive data on the unconditional positive therapeutic effect of exogenous coenzyme Q10, doctors recommend taking vitamin coenzyme Q10 when:

• immune deficiency and chronic fatigue syndrome;
• presence of cardiovascular diseases (with congestive heart failure and myocardial ischemia) and severe arterial hypertension; [4]

There is also evidence that when combined with selenium, CoQ10 supplementation in healthy elderly patients and elderly patients with diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease can reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. [5]

• chronic visceral dysfunctions;
• for headaches;

CoQ10 has also shown promising efficacy in migraine prevention. A cohort study of 1,550 children and adolescents with headaches showed that this population had low levels of CoQ10. [6] Supplementation appeared to reduce the frequency of headaches. A recent study has shown that CoQ10 is useful for the preventive treatment of migraine in children without significant side effects. [7] Interestingly, CoQ10 levels may be reduced in people with acute influenza infection. [8]

• gastrointestinal diseases;
• bipolar disorders (when coenzyme Q10 is added along with standard psychiatric therapy, it reduces symptoms of depression in patients with bipolar disorder); [9]
• muscular dystrophy;
• Metabolic syndrome and different types of endocrine pathologies;
• Peyronie's disease (CoQ10 supplementation in men can reduce the size of penile plaques, reduce penile curvature and improve erectile function); [10]
• dermatologic and ophthalmologic diseases;
• Fibromyalgia; [11], [12]
• neurodegenerative diseases, including senility.

Conditions such as fibromyalgia, diabetes, cancer, heart failure, neurodegenerative, mitochondrial and muscle diseases are associated with decreased blood levels of Q10. [13], [14] Several studies have been conducted to determine if increasing systemic CoQ10 levels will improve body function. [15], [16]

Release form

Biologically active food supplement with coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is available in the form of capsules and tablets for oral administration, chewable tablets and liquid (solution) for oral administration.

Here are some names: capsules - Doppelherz Active Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10 Ultra HealthyWay, Coenzyme Q10 AN NATUREL, CoQ10 Now Foods, Megasorb CoQ-10 Solgar; Elit-Pharm Coenzyme Q-10 (tablets); Liquid CoQ10 with vitamins C&E (liquid) and others.

Pharmacodynamics

Since dietary supplements and vitamins are not tested as medicines, there is no information about their mechanism of action - pharmacodynamics - in the instructions of these products. And the range of coenzyme Q10 effects on the body has been described above.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: CoQ10 is a hydrophobic (lipophilic) molecule with a high molecular weight; Absorption of dietary CoQ10 is slow, but is improved by ingestion of fatty foods. Solubilized formulations of CoQ10 provide improved bioavailability, with peak plasma concentrations typically ranging from 5.80 to 8.10 hours, depending on the specific formulation. Different formulations such as liposomes, nanocapsules and nanoemulsions are being investigated for improved bioavailability. A second peak in plasma may also be observed due to enterohepatic recycling and redistribution from the liver into the bloodstream.

Distribution: CoQ10 is mainly absorbed in the small intestine, and CoQ10 is incorporated into chylomicrons and redistributed through the bloodstream, mainly as part of LDL, LDL and HDL. Preclinical studies show that CoQ10 at high doses is taken up by all tissues, including the mitochondria of the heart and brain; hence, favorable effects are seen in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The highest levels of CoQ10 in human tissues are found in the heart, liver, kidneys and muscles (high energy requirements). [17]

Metabolism: CoQ10 is metabolized in all tissues, the resulting metabolites are phosphorylated in cells and transported through the plasma. CoQ10 is reduced to ubiquinol during or after absorption in the small intestine, and the reduced form accounts for approximately 95% of circulating CoQ10 in humans.

Excretion: The main route of excretion is biliary and fecal. A small fraction is excreted with urine. [18]

Dosing and administration

The usual dose of coenzyme Q10 is 50-60 mg per day, the average therapeutic dose is 100-200 mg per day. The vitamin-like remedy is taken with meals (with a small amount of healthy fats).

Application for children

The safety of this dietary supplement has not been established for children either, so it is not recommended to take it.

Use Coenzyme Q10 during pregnancy

It is not recommended because the safety of CoQ10 supplementation for pregnant and lactating women has not been established. However, a recent meta-analysis showed that CoQ10 supplementation may improve clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) in assisted reproductive technology (ART). [19]

Breastfeeding Recommendations: According to the manufacturer, CoQ10 is not recommended for use during breastfeeding. Ubiquinonene is synthesized endogenously and is a standard component of women's milk. The concentration of CoQ10 in breast milk of mothers of premature infants is somewhat low. CoQ10 has no specific lactation-related uses; safety data during lactation are lacking. Therefore, use is generally not recommended. [20]

Contraindications

Contraindications include individual intolerance to the ingredients of this supplement. [21]

Side effects Coenzyme Q10

Among the side effects of vitamin Q10 are noted: stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin rash, lower BP. [22], [23]

Also, taking CoQ10 before bedtime can cause insomnia in some people, [24] so it is best to take it in the morning or afternoon.

The supplement is well tolerated, up to 1200 mg/day. [25]

Other rare side effects included dizziness, photophobia, irritability, headache, heartburn, increased involuntary movements, and fatigue. [26]

Overdose

There is no information regarding the effects of over dosing of coenzyme Q10 supplementation.

Interactions with other drugs

Concomitant use of ubiquinone with:

• anticoagulants (Warfarin, Plavix, Clopidigrel, etc.);
• beta-adrenoblockers (which are taken for hypertension);
• statins (drugs to lower blood cholesterol).

Coenzyme Q10: compatibility with vitamins and minerals

Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) can be taken together, and with vitamins A, C, E, B6, B9, and B12.

No interaction was found between CoQ10 and magnesium, zinc and calcium.

Storage conditions

Coenzyme Q10 dietary supplement should be stored at room temperature.

What foods contain vitamin Q10?

Most of all coenzyme Q10 contains fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines); meat (veal, chicken, pork); eggs; vegetable oils. Among the products of plant origin should be noted: white cabbage and cauliflower, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant); legumes (soybeans, peas, peanuts), lettuce parsley.