You’ve likely heard of CoQ10, a common ingredient in many anti-aging skincare products. Officially known as coenzyme Q10, it’s considered one of the most potent antioxidants available. But what exactly is this ingredient that promises to slow down the aging process, and how can it benefit us?
To delve deeper into the world of CoQ10, we spoke with pharmacist Shabir Daya, the creator and formulator behind the supplement brand DoSe and co-founder of wellness and beauty retailer, Victoria Health.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant compound naturally present in every cell of our body. As Daya explains, “It’s one of the compounds responsible for producing the energy needed for growth and maintenance of the body.”
What is CoQ10 used for?
CoQ10 plays a vital role in cellular function. “Our bodies utilize it, along with magnesium, to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule providing our cells with the energy required for chemical reactions, repair, growth, and other processes,” Daya clarifies. It also acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals generated during these processes, which can damage our genes.
What are the benefits of CoQ10?
The highest natural concentrations of CoQ10 are found in organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. These glands have high metabolic and energy demands, requiring significant amounts of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 also promotes proper muscle function, potentially due to its mild blood-thinning properties that improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body.
Furthermore, CoQ10 is essential for the skin, our largest organ. As Daya highlights, “It helps maintain healthy cell growth in the skin, may protect it from free radicals, and also helps protect it from photoaging caused by UV rays.”
Should I take a CoQ10 supplement?
Our bodies naturally produce CoQ10, but our ability to produce this nutrient, like many other compounds, declines with age. While CoQ10 is found in small amounts in foods like meat and fish, the levels in our bodies significantly decrease as we age. By the time we reach 40, our bodies typically have half the CoQ10 levels they had in our youth.
Taking a CoQ10 supplement could be beneficial as we age, particularly if we’re prone to certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, specific cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. “While it has no direct effect on cholesterol, I recommend ubiquinol supplementation for those taking statins, which deplete CoQ10 levels and often cause muscle pain,” explains Daya. “I also recommend it for anyone over 40, those with low energy levels, and anyone who wants to maintain healthy skin and protect it from premature ageing, as CoQ10 protects against oxidative damage.”
CoQ10 is frequently prescribed for individuals with heart failure, high blood pressure, gum disease, Parkinson’s disease, blood infections, certain muscle diseases, and HIV infection.
The recommended daily dose of Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an essential nutrient for supporting healthy aging. As we get older, our bodies can become deficient in this crucial nutrient. While the dosage of supplements on the market can range from 30 to 600 mg per day, a dose of 100 mg of ubiquinol (the active form of CoQ10) per day is generally sufficient.
