You’ve probably heard of CoQ10, a common ingredient in many anti-aging skincare products. Known by its official name, Coenzyme Q10, it’s one of the most potent antioxidants available. But what exactly is this ingredient that promises to slow down the aging process? And what benefits can it bring to our health and beauty?
To understand CoQ10 better, we sought the expertise of pharmacist Shabir Daya, the creator and formulator behind the supplement brand DoSe and co-founder of UK-based wellness and beauty retailer Victoria Health.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant compound naturally found in every cell of our body. “It is one of the compounds responsible for producing the energy needed for growth and maintenance of the body,” explains Daya. CoQ10 is vital for cellular function, particularly in energy production.
What is CoQ10 used for?
CoQ10 aids cells in responding to energy demands. “It is used in our bodies, along with magnesium, for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that provides our cells with the energy they need for chemical reactions, repair, growth, and other processes,” explains Daya. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals generated during these processes, which damage our genetic material.
What are the benefits of CoQ10?
The highest concentrations of natural CoQ10 are found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas – these organs have high metabolic and energy requirements, thus needing larger amounts of CoQ10. Coenzyme Q10 also promotes proper muscle function, likely due to its mild blood-thinning properties that improve circulation and oxygenation of all body tissues. Finally, CoQ10 is essential for the body’s largest organ, the skin. As Daya points out, “It helps maintain healthy cell growth in the skin and may protect it from free radicals and helps protect the skin from photoaging caused by UV rays.”
Should I take a Coenzyme Q10 supplement?
Our bodies naturally produce CoQ10, but our ability to produce this vital nutrient declines with age, similar to many other compounds. While CoQ10 is naturally available in small amounts in foods like meat and fish, its levels in our body decrease significantly with age. By the time we reach 40, our body has, on average, half the CoQ10 levels it had when we were young.
Taking a CoQ10 supplement could be beneficial as we age, especially if we are prone to certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, certain 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 aging, as CoQ10 protects against oxidative damage.” CoQ10 is also often prescribed to people with heart failure, high blood pressure, gum disease, Parkinson’s disease, blood infections, certain diseases of the muscles, and HIV infection, as they might have lower levels of CoQ10.
The recommended daily dose of Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an essential nutrient for supporting healthy aging. With advancing age, the body can become deficient in this important nutrient. Although 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 sufficient.
