What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a naturally occurring nutrient found in every cell of your body, and it plays a vital role in keeping you energised and functioning at your best. Its main job is to help produce ATP, the primary energy source your cells rely on for everything you do, from moving your muscles to supporting brain activity and maintaining essential organ functions.
Your heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs hold the highest concentrations of CoQ10 because these organs work continuously and require a steady flow of energy. Beyond supporting energy production, CoQ10 also acts as a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect your cells from free radical damage, environmental stress, and the natural wear and tear that comes with everyday living.
Causes of CoQ10 Deficiency
CoQ10 levels can drop for several reasons, which can affect your body’s ability to produce energy efficiently.
Common factors include:
- Ageing
- Poor diet
- Genetic factors
- Use of statin medications
- Intense physical activity
- Certain diseases or health conditions
Signs You May Need More CoQ10
Low CoQ10 levels can be subtle, but your body often gives early clues when energy production is not at its best.
You may experience:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Poor focus or mental fatigue
- Muscle soreness
- Slower metabolism
- Palpitations
Key Health Benefits of CoQ10
CoQ10 does more than boost energy. It supports your heart, protects your cells, and helps your body cope better with physical and mental stress.
a) Boost energy production: CoQ10 helps your cells generate energy more efficiently, reducing fatigue and boosting stamina.
b) Support heart health: Your heart is one of the most energy-demanding organs. CoQ10 helps maintain strong heart function and supports healthy blood pressure.
c) Enhances brain health: CoQ10 helps protect nerve cells from oxidative stress and may reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid, a protein linked to cognitive decline.
d) Supports fertility: CoQ10 supports healthy fertility by improving sperm quality in men, enhancing egg health in women, and protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress.
e) Improve antioxidant defence: It shields your cells from damage caused by free radicals, supporting overall wellness and helping slow signs of ageing.
f) Supports muscle performance: Improved energy production helps your muscles work better during exercise and recover faster afterward.
g) Promotes youthful skin: CoQ10 protects skin cells from pollution and sun damage while supporting collagen and elastin production for firmer, smoother skin.
CoQ10 works well with other nutrients:
- Lecithin: Provides choline for brain health and helps break down fats, supporting cleaner arteries and better heart function.
- Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress. It works synergistically with CoQ10 to support cardiovascular and skin health.
CoQ10 can noticeably improve your energy levels, but it works best when paired with healthy daily habits. Quality sleep, balanced meals, regular movement, and stress management all help your cells produce energy more efficiently. When CoQ10 is combined with these habits, staying energised, focused, and active becomes far easier and more sustainable.
