You have certainly already heard of Coenzyme Q 10? This natural molecule is known to perform some small miracles, but what is it really used for? Some will say that it is a molecule that the body synthesizes naturally and this is true. However, as is the case for many substances in our body, its synthesis or secretion declines with advancing age.

Coenzyme Q 10 was discovered in 1955 by Festenstein. He named it "ubiquinone", whereas in 1957, Crane (1957) who also highlighted it chose the name of coenzyme Q. However, it is the same fundamental molecule and transporter of electrons and protons within the cell that is identified by these two groups of scientists. The term ubiquinone comes from "ubiquitous quinone" and refers to this substance present in all cells. The word Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 comes from the coenzymatic activity of this molecule within the mitochondria. The mitochondrion is a cellular organelle that is a true energy powerhouse, essential to the functioning of all our cells. This chemical compound is a lipid specific to humans and all vertebrates (except rats and mice). Ubiquinone or coenzyme Q refer to the oxidized chemical form, while the terms ubiquinol or coenzyme QH2 refer to the reduced form.

The scientific findings about the contribution of Coenzyme Q10 are really interesting.

The benefits of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation

• Reverses the effects of age-related mental decline and reduces protein oxidation. By mitigating oxidative damage, it delays early senescence as well as the symptoms of age-related cognitive decline. For example, it has been shown that the functioning of mitochondria is disturbed in Parkinson's disease and that taking 1200 mg slowed down the deterioration of movements characteristic of the disease in 44% of cases.
• Through 12 clinical trials in hypertensive patients (including 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 crossover study and 8 open-label studies) researchers concluded that coenzyme Q10 had the potential to lower systolic blood pressure by 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg without significant side effects.
• Left ventricular systolic dysfunction can cause congestive heart failure when the heart no longer has the strength or energy to pump enough freshly oxygenated blood to the tissues. It is a malfunction of the cells that line the blood vessels. This phenomenon would have a key role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. In 2011, it was shown that CoQ10 intake reverses this type of endothelial dysfunction in at-risk subjects without any side effects.
• Data from 2013 explains that three months of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves sperm morphology and motility in infertile men.
• If you are tired like eight out of ten French people and your fatigue disappears after a period of rest, there is nothing alarming. If this fatigue persists, it may be a lack of ATP production in the Krebs cycle. This energy cycle that energizes all cells takes place in the heart of the mitochondria. In order for it to be effective, there must be a lack of coenzyme Q10. So consider supplementing if you suffer from recurring fatigue.
• The mitochondria of the muscle cells and among others those of the cardiac muscle should be the most efficient, in fact the muscle fibers of the heart never rest... A contribution of coenzyme Q10 constitutes an important prevention to avoid an exhaustion of the cardiac muscle and this all the more so that one presents a ground or a heredity at cardiovascular risk.
• Less vital, but nevertheless significant and visible effects have been observed thanks to additional intakes of coenzyme Q10: attenuation or reduction of the frequency of certain types of migraines, improvement of the appearance of the skin, better performance or resistance to effort, faster repair of skin or muscle injuries, etc.
• Remember that if you absolutely must or want to take statins (excessively toxic for the body), you can counter some of the side effects by taking Coq 10. Coenzyme Q 10 should be associated even with natural statins (e.g. red yeast rice extract).

Sources: http://www.nutranews.org