Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring free radical fighter present in the cells of the human body. It is a fat-soluble compound that exists in both ubiquinone (oxidized) and ubiquinol (reduced) forms. CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production by participating in the electron transport chain, a process that helps generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy carrier in cells. It is found in high concentrations in the organs with the highest energy demands, such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain, where it supports essential functions.
Beyond energy production, CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant-like compound that helps neutralize harmful free radicals and oxidative stress, which can accelerate the aging process and contribute to the development of various diseases. As a result, CoQ10 is often considered a key factor in maintaining cellular health and vitality throughout life. The body naturally produces CoQ10 from nutrients obtained in the diet, especially from protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and certain nuts and seeds. However, the body's ability to synthesize CoQ10 diminishes with age, making supplementation a valuable tool for maintaining optimal levels. CoQ10 is also widely studied for its potential health benefits in improving heart health, skin appearance, and cognitive function.
In addition to its internal synthesis, CoQ10 is widely available as a supplement and is frequently used to support overall health, particularly for individuals looking to boost their energy, manage oxidative stress, and support mitochondrial function. Because CoQ10 is vital for cell function and the maintenance of health, its presence is essential for energy production, cellular regeneration, and protecting against the damage caused by aging and environmental factors.
How CoQ10 Levels Change with Age
As individuals age, the body’s production of CoQ10 decreases, often starting as early as 30 years old. By the time people reach their 60s and 70s, CoQ10 levels can be significantly lower than in younger years. This age-related decline is most pronounced in organs with the highest energy requirements, such as the heart, liver, and brain. CoQ10 deficiency can lead to a range of health concerns, from decreased stamina and muscle weakness to cognitive decline and cardiovascular issues. In particular, as mitochondrial function slows, ATP production is compromised, which results in reduced cellular energy and vitality.
A decline in CoQ10 levels is linked to various age-related conditions, including fatigue, reduced skin elasticity, and compromised immune function. The decrease in CoQ10 also impacts the body's antioxidant defenses, making it harder for cells to protect themselves from oxidative damage. In turn, this promotes aging at the cellular level, accelerating the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Furthermore, research suggests that reduced CoQ10 levels may be involved in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
Aside from aging, certain lifestyle factors and environmental influences also contribute to the depletion of CoQ10. Chronic stress, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity all place additional strain on the body's ability to produce and utilize CoQ10 effectively. Certain medications, especially statins, are known to lower CoQ10 levels, which is one reason why people on statin therapy are often advised to take CoQ10 supplements. Supplementing CoQ10 can help offset age-related declines, replenish cellular energy, and protect the body from the negative effects of oxidative stress, offering an effective strategy to support overall health and longevity.
How Disease States Impact CoQ10 Levels
Several disease states can significantly influence CoQ10 levels, leading to deficiencies that further worsen symptoms. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, for instance, are associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which deplete antioxidants and CoQ10. The immune system's heightened response in autoimmune conditions accelerates the depletion of CoQ10, making supplementation crucial for these individuals to help manage oxidative dress and support health & vitality.
Conditions such as influenza, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia also place increased demand on the body's energy production and antioxidant defenses. In these cases, CoQ10 supplementation can help provide the necessary support for energy production and immune function support. CoQ10 is vital for the body's immune cells to produce energy efficiently.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, are associated with lower CoQ10 levels. In these conditions, CoQ10 deficiencies can contribute to the progression of the disease by impairing cellular energy production and increasing oxidative stress.
In addition to targeted supplementation, managing disease conditions through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices is crucial to maintaining optimal CoQ10 levels and mitigating the negative impact of oxidative stress and energy deficits.
CoQ10 and Cellular Energy Production
Cellular energy is primarily produced in the mitochondria, tiny powerhouses within your cells responsible for converting nutrients from food into usable energy in the form of ATP. CoQ10 is an essential component in this process, participating in the electron transport chain—a sequence of reactions that helps generate ATP. This makes CoQ10 vital for maintaining cellular function and energy production, particularly in tissues that require a significant amount of energy, such as the heart, muscles, liver, and brain.
As we age, mitochondrial function deteriorates, and the body becomes less efficient at generating ATP. This decline in mitochondrial health results in symptoms such as fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and decreased mental clarity. CoQ10 supplementation helps mitigate these issues by supporting mitochondrial function and improving energy production. For instance, CoQ10 helps maintain mitochondrial membrane potential, supports the enzymatic processes that produce ATP, and stabilizes mitochondrial DNA, which becomes more vulnerable to damage over time.
The positive effects of CoQ10 on energy production are not limited to physical health. CoQ10’s ability to improve mitochondrial function also benefits mental health and cognitive performance. The brain, being highly energy-demanding, depends heavily on efficient mitochondrial function to support activities such as memory, focus, and learning. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, ensuring adequate CoQ10 levels can enhance both physical stamina and cognitive function, promoting overall well-being and longevity.
Regular supplementation of CoQ10 can help optimize mitochondrial efficiency and protect against age-related decline in cellular energy production and support healthy energy levels. This makes CoQ10 an essential nutrient for supporting vitality and sustaining physical and mental health as we age.
Antioxidant Support and Oxidative Stress Management
Oxidative stress arises when free radicals, unstable molecules produced by normal metabolic processes or environmental factors, overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses. These free radicals can damage cells, proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to accelerated aging and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Over time, the body's natural antioxidant defense system, including CoQ10, becomes less efficient, contributing to cellular aging and tissue damage. This is particularly evident in high-stress organs such as the heart, liver, and brain, where oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of conditions like cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
CoQ10 plays a vital role in neutralizing these harmful free radicals. CoQ10 directly scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative damage. It works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, to enhance the body's ability to protect cells from oxidative harm. In addition, CoQ10 supports the regeneration & recycling of other antioxidants, helping to maintain the body’s defense mechanisms and slow down the aging process.
Oxidative stress has been linked to various skin issues, including wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. By reducing oxidative damage, CoQ10 helps maintain the structural integrity of the skin and supports collagen and elastin production, which are critical for skin's firmness and elasticity. This action makes CoQ10 an important ally in combating the visible effects of aging.
The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 also help support brain health in the face of accelerated oxidative stress. CoQ10's ability to mitigate cellular damage in the brain has been well studied for its potential in supporting cognitive function, memory, and focus as we age.
Supplementing with CoQ10 may not only slow the visible aging process but also enhance the body's ability to repair oxidative damage and support optimal health in the face of aging and environmental toxins exposure. A steady supply of CoQ10 in the body is essential for maintaining long-term health, vitality, and youthful appearance.
CoQ10 and Cardiovascular Support
The cardiovascular system relies heavily on energy production to function optimally. The heart, in particular, requires a constant supply of ATP to sustain its pumping action, which is why CoQ10 is crucial for heart health. CoQ10 supports the heart by providing the energy required for contraction and relaxation, while also playing a role in maintaining the health of blood vessels, improving circulation, and reducing oxidative stress. Without adequate CoQ10 levels, the heart may struggle to function efficiently, leading to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms associated with cardiovascular decline.
CoQ10 helps maintain vascular function by supporting the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. These cells are essential for regulating blood flow, preventing blood clotting, and controlling the dilation and constriction of arteries. As we age, the function of the endothelium becomes compromised, contributing to increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 supplementation helps support healthy endothelial function and blood vessel elasticity, supporting healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular system structure & function.
Given its role in supporting heart health, CoQ10 is frequently used as a complementary therapy for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Regular CoQ10 supplementation can help maintain optimal heart function, as well as support healthy blood flow, circulation, and overall cardiovascular wellness.
Skin Health and the Aging Process
The skin is constantly exposed to external stressors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pollution, and environmental toxins. These stressors accelerate oxidative damage, leading to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As a result, the skin loses its youthful appearance, developing wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. CoQ10 plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from this damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
CoQ10’s antioxidant properties help protect the skin from UV-induced damage, which is a major cause of premature aging. UV radiation generates free radicals that break down the skin’s structural components, leading to photoaging and age spots. By supplementing with CoQ10, individuals can help reduce the visible effects of sun damage and protect the skin from future oxidative harm.
In addition to its antioxidant-like effects, CoQ10 also helps maintain the energy production necessary for skin cell regeneration. Skin cells, like all cells in the body, require ATP for repair and growth. CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function, which is critical for producing the energy needed for cellular repair. As a result, CoQ10 supplementation can help the skin regenerate faster, improving overall skin health and appearance.
Research has shown that CoQ10 supplementation can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote a more youthful complexion. Additionally, CoQ10 has been found to help reduce the appearance of age spots and other signs of skin aging by protecting against oxidative damage and supporting cellular repair and a healthy inflammatory balance in the skin.
By maintaining optimal levels of CoQ10, individuals can support skin health and preserve a youthful appearance. CoQ10's ability to combat oxidative stress, enhance skin cell regeneration, and protect against UV damage makes it an essential component in anti-aging skincare routines.
Brain Health and Cognitive Function
The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, requiring a constant supply of nutrients to function optimally. CoQ10 plays a critical role in supporting mitochondrial function within the brain, helping neurons produce the energy needed for cognitive processes such as memory, focus, and learning. As we age, mitochondrial function in the brain declines, leading to cognitive issues and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to support brain health by improving mitochondrial efficiency, enhancing energy production, and protecting neurons from oxidative stress. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage because it consumes a large amount of oxygen and is rich in fatty acids, making it more prone to free radical damage and oxidation of these fatty acids. CoQ10’s powerful antioxidant-like properties help neutralize free radicals, preserving brain cell integrity and mitigating the aging process in the brain.
By supporting mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative damage, CoQ10 may help support cognitive function, and memory retention. CoQ10’s ability to support brain health in the face of aging is a key reason why it is often used as a supplement to support mental clarity and cognitive vitality.
Supplementing with CoQ10 can be an effective strategy for supporting brain health and maintaining cognitive function as we age. By ensuring that the brain’s mitochondria function efficiently and protecting neurons from oxidative damage, CoQ10 helps support mental clarity, focus, and overall brain health.
Synergistic Nutrients: PQQ & Shilajit
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) and Shilajit are two powerful nutrients that work synergistically with CoQ10 to enhance mitochondrial function and promote energy production.
PQQ is a compound that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, meaning it encourages the formation of new mitochondria in cells. This process increases the number of mitochondria in the body, improving overall energy production and cell vitality. By boosting mitochondrial density, PQQ enhances the effectiveness of CoQ10, allowing for better ATP synthesis and cellular function.
Shilajit is a mineral-rich substance used in traditional medicine for its rejuvenating properties. It enhances the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients, including CoQ10, ensuring that they are effectively utilized by the body. Shilajit also supports the body's natural detoxification processes and helps replenish essential minerals, which are vital for maintaining energy levels and cellular health.
When combined, CoQ10, PQQ, and Shilajit create a powerful formula for supporting mitochondrial function, enhancing cellular energy production, and promoting overall health. This synergistic combination is particularly beneficial for individuals looking to improve their energy levels, cognitive function, and endurance. By optimizing mitochondrial health, these nutrients support longevity, vitality, and youthful vigor.
Together, CoQ10, PQQ, and Shilajit provide comprehensive support for cellular health, energy production, and antioxidant defense. Whether you're looking to enhance physical performance, boost cognitive function, or support healthy aging, this powerful combination offers numerous benefits for overall well-being.
How to Choose the Right CoQ10 Supplement
The first and foremost factor is the delivery system of the supplement. Some CoQ10 supplements use sustained-release technology, which releases CoQ10 gradually over time, enhancing absorption and effectiveness. This type of supplement ensures that CoQ10 is available to the body for a longer period, optimizing its benefits. Some supplements also contain bioenhancers or cofactors, such as black pepper extract (piperine), PQQ, Shilajit, or fat-soluble delivery systems, which may improve the absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10, making it more effective.
It's also important to consider the quality of the supplement. Look for CoQ10 supplements that are manufactured by reputable companies and have been tested for purity, potency, and safety. Choosing a high-quality product ensures that you’re getting the full benefits of CoQ10 without harmful additives or contaminants. Additionally, the dosage of CoQ10 may vary depending on individual needs. Standard doses typically range from 100 to 300 mg per day, though higher doses may be recommended for specific health concerns.
Why MicroActive CoQ10® with MicroPQQ® + Shilajit Stands Out
Pure Thera’s MicroActive CoQ10 with MicroPQQ + Shilajit stands out for its enhanced bioavailability and sustained release, ensuring optimal absorption and effectiveness. This advanced formula combines three powerful ingredients—CoQ10, PQQ, and Shilajit—to support mitochondrial function, cellular energy production, and overall health.
MicroPQQ® is a patented form of PQQ that enhances the bioavailability and effectiveness of CoQ10, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and improving energy production at the cellular level.
Shilajit further enhances the absorption of CoQ10 and PQQ, ensuring that the body can fully utilize these powerful nutrients for maximum benefit. The sustained-release delivery system in this supplement ensures that CoQ10 is gradually released into the bloodstream, providing long-lasting energy and support.
This unique combination of ingredients makes MicroActive CoQ10 with MicroPQQ + Shilajit an excellent choice for those looking to optimize their mitochondrial health, improve energy levels, and support overall well-being. Whether you are interested in improving physical performance, cognitive function, or skin health, this supplement provides comprehensive support for vitality, longevity, and cellular health.
For individuals seeking a high-quality, science-backed supplement, MicroActive CoQ10 with MicroPQQ + Shilajit offers a potent, synergistic solution that can help support energy levels, enhance antioxidant defense, and promote overall health as you age.
References
Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). Biofactors, 30(1), 1–13. "Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q10: An update."
Hernández-Camacho, J. D., Bernier, M., López-Lluch, G., & Navas, P. (2018). Nutrients, 10(12), 1894."Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in aging and disease."
Garrido-Maraver, J., et al. (2014).Molecular Syndromology, 5(3-4), 187–197. "Clinical applications of coenzyme Q10."
Mancuso, M., et al. (2007). Neurotherapeutics, 4(4), 625–632. "Coenzyme Q10 in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders."
Saini, R. (2011). Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 48(1), 8–15. "Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient."
Yubero-Serrano, E. M., et al. (2019). Antioxidants, 8(8), 316. "Coenzyme Q10 and cardiovascular disease: A review of the literature."
Hidaka, T., et al. (2008). Nutrition Journal, 7, 29. "Safety assessment of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)."
Knott, A., et al. (2015). BioFactors, 41(6), 383–390. "Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10-containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects."