Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that is produced by the cells of the human body and supports its vital functions. Its lack is fraught with the development of serious pathologies. In this case, it is useful to saturate the body with this nutrient from the outside – from biologically active additives and food.
Use? Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) increases endurance, slows down the processes of decay and aging, helps in the fight against AIDS, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and many other pathologies.
What is ubiquinone and what are its properties?
Contents
Ubiquinone is an oxidized form of coenzyme found in the mitochondria, which are the respiratory and energy centers of each cell. It contributes to the production of energy in them in the form of ATP, and also participates in the electron transport chain at the cellular level. In General the effects of ubiquinone are as follows:
- antioxidant – neutralizes free radicals and harmful cholesterol, slows down the aging process;
- hypoxic – improving the circulation of oxygen in the body;
- cure – the consolidation and restoration of walls of blood vessels, normalizing blood flow;
- regenerating, the restoration of cell membranes and accelerate the healing of injuries;
- immunomodulatory – regulation of the immune system.
The history of ubiquinone use begins from 1955-1957, when it was first studied with the determination of the chemical structure. This name ubiquinone received because of its ubiquity (English – ubiquity). At the same time, the development of drugs based on it began, which were used in practice in 1965 for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 combines well with other substances that affect the mitochondria. It is responsible for the production of energy, the processing of which involves carnitine and thioctic acid, and creatine contributes to its release. In this regard, the enzyme is used for the following purposes:
- stabilization of the cardiovascular system;
- slowing down the course of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease;
- planning training sessions or long-term loads;
- treatment of gum diseases;
- the prevention of cancer;
- support of the system in immune pathologies.
Sources of coenzyme saturation are foods such as oily fish, certain types of meat and offal, wholegrain products, rice, soy beans, eggs, and greens. At the same time, it is necessary to balance the diet for their parallel intake to avoid a deficit or excess of useful substances, otherwise the risk of incomplete absorption of ubiquinone increases.
Mechanism of action
The role of coenzyme Q10 is to trigger a number of chemical reactions that accelerate the breakdown of food and its conversion to energy. The description of the mechanism of action begins with the synthesis of ubiquinone, which is formed in cells from mevalonic acid, exchange products of phenylalanine and tyrosine. It participates in transport and energy processes, capturing protons and electrons from complexes I and II of the respiratory chain. So it is restored to ubiquinol, a more active substance with increased bioavailability and penetrating power.
The resulting element transfers two electrons to the third complex of the respiration chain, participating in the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondrial membranes. It directly affects free radicals, exerting an antioxidant effect on cell-destroying elements.
Impact on life expectancy
The ability to synthesize ubiquinone is highest at a young age and in the presence of an adequate amount of vitamins A, C, group B and the aromatic amino acid tyrosine. Over the years, its number is rapidly falling, and the risk of developing diseases increases, among which the most common are the following:
- fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal pathology;
- cardiovascular diseases and their complications, such as post-infarction syndrome;
- Prader-Willi genetic abnormality in newborns;
- parkinsonism, accompanied by slowness, unsteadiness of gait and tremor of the hands;
- infertility in men;
- depressive state, frequent migraines, etc.
Coenzyme Q10 can be prescribed to prevent such pathologies or treat existing problems. Despite the fact that it does not prolong life, Q10 gives a good anti-aging effect, maintaining health.
Effects on the body
As a fat-soluble coenzyme, coenzyme Q10 is easily absorbed by tissues and organs. Its effects are similar to vitamin compounds, which causes it to be named pseudovitamin or vitamin Q10. The maximum amount of it is contained in the most intensively working organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver.
Receiving Q10 produces the following effects:
- increases stamina;
- improves brain activity in old age;
- reduces dopamine loss, partly preserving reflex functions in Parkinson’s disease;
- strengthens tissues and prevents the damaging effects of UV light on the skin, improves its elasticity and regeneration;
- reduces damage to the heart muscle and increases the life of other organs;
- by dilating blood vessels, it reduces blood pressure and increases blood flow if it is obstructed.
increases the ratio of insulin to proinsulin and reduces the amount of glycohemoglobin in the blood, reducing the risk of diabetic complications; - increases protein activity in muscle tissues, reducing fatigue and increasing endurance during their intense contractions.
Coenzyme Q10 in sports
Coenzyme Q10, produced in the form of a dietary Supplement and is often used by athletes to improve the quality and duration of training, as well as eliminate the effects of physical activity. Coenzyme Q10 reduces hypoxic tissue damage caused by a lack of oxygen in them. Its use is especially high when anaerobic training or climbing to a high altitude.
The daily dose of Q10 is 90-120 mg. For bodybuilding purposes, it is optimal to use about 100 mg in combination with vitamins C and E. This mix will serve as an additional energy source.
Indications for use
Indications for the use of Q10 can be:
- intense physical or mental stress;
- stressful situations, psychological pressure;
- high or low blood pressure;
- chemotherapy and surgery;
infectious diseases that reduce the immune system; - immunodeficiency in HIV and AIDS;
- risk of post-infarction syndrome and exacerbation after stroke;
- high cholesterol;
- to prevent infertility in men;
- pathology of the respiratory system;
- bleeding gums, periodontal disease, stomatitis;
- diabetes;
- arrhythmia, angina and other problems in the field of cardiology.
The duration of administration and dosage of coenzyme Q10 are set individually.
Contraindications to use
Contraindications to the use of coenzyme Q10 are:
- complication of peptic ulcer disease;
- acute glomerulonephritis;
- reduced heart rate (less than 50 beats per minute);
- individual sensitivity to components;
- pregnancy and age up to 12 years.
The risk zone also includes patients with oncological, cardiological and renal diseases. If they are available, coenzyme Q10 should be approved by your doctor.
Method of production and method of use
Q10 is produced in the form of dietary supplements that have different release forms and many analogues from different manufacturers:
- gelatin capsules with a liquid middle that is easily digested;
- tablets with potassium, magnesium and other substances;
- chewing lozenges with vitamin composition;
- drops for adding to drinks that are better to eat fatty foods;
- solution for intramuscular administration.
In General, the body requires from 50 to 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day in the absence of serious diseases. How to use: once a day, during meals, since it belongs to fat-soluble substances.
For therapeutic purposes, the dose is increased only by a specialist based on an examination and a complete history of pathology. For example, with Parkinson’s disease, the daily requirement will increase several times.
Coenzyme Q10 is stored only in fresh food. Any recycling destroys it. Q10 sources include salmon, various types of meat, peanuts, broccoli, spinach, tofu, and various fruits.