27 facts about CoQ10

Fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance occurs primarily in the mitochondria of practically every cell in the body

Plays a unique role in the electron transport chain (ETC) and its primary function is to generate energy in cells

Is responsible for generating 95 percent of the human body’s energy

Discovered by Prof. Fredrick L. Crane et al at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Enzyme Institute in 1957.

Found in highest concentration in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion

Naturally present in many foods, particularly high in organ meats (heart, liver and kidney), beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts

Available as natural and synthetic; ubiquinone is produced through a proprietary bacteria-production process; ubiquinol is manufactured via yeast fermentation

Leading brands: Kyowa CoQ10TM; Kaneka Q10TM; Nu Skin Enterprises’ Pharmanex NanoCoQ10

Peter Mitchell received a Nobel Prize in 1978 for proposing in 1961 how CoQ10 works

CoQ10 levels in the body decline with age and may be augmented with food or supplements

Important as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger

People prone to chronic diseases such as heart conditions, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS have low levels of CoQ10

Supplementation helps not only boosts energy but also cognitive functions for an overall energy boost

GRAS status in the USA for food and beverage applications

Scientific evidence supports CoQ10 supplementation to counter angina, heart attack, and hypertension

Popularly used to offset the CoQ10-depletion by statin drugs

Fat-soluble and relies on emulsifiers for dispersion in water-based applications

Used in high added-value foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, cosmeceutical, and anti-aging finished products

Nanoemulsion is the technology of choice for water-based applications

 Ubiquinol highly prone to oxidation in the air; supplements therefore are still the leading format of consumption

Growing consumer demand for non-caffeinated energy supplements favors CoQ10

Role in cognitive health, heart health and anti-aging has catapulted its popularity in the U.S.

Antioxidant defense system for breast cancer patients bolstering new medical food products

Emerging studies report CoQ10’s role in preventing or managing neurodegenerative diseases

Placebo-controlled studies have established the effectiveness of heart disease treatment with CoQ10

Effective in lowering blood pressure

CoQ10 in facial creams is gaining popularity with women and men for use as an anti-aging topical supplement