What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, also known as “ubiquinone”, is a molecule naturally produced by the body. It is found throughout the body, particularly in the heart, kidneys, cells, and the stomach mucous membranes.
Essential for energy production, it helps to reduce fatigue. It also contributes to improved physical performance.
It is also an antioxidant molecule that fights against free radicals and prevents their damage. It protects against certain aging-related diseases and cognitive decline.
Finally, it is attributed with having anti-inflammatory actions and benefits for heart function.
Age, diseases, or taking medications can reduce the body’s production of coenzyme Q10. It may then be necessary to supplement by taking a dietary supplement.
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Some foods, like canola oil, fatty fish, and nuts, are also good sources of coenzyme Q10.
How does it act on cholesterol?
It balances blood cholesterol levels
Coenzyme Q10 helps maintain balanced levels of HDL cholesterol (or “good cholesterol”) and LDL cholesterol (or “bad cholesterol”). Thus, it prevents hypercholesterolemia, which results from having too high cholesterol levels in the blood.
Due to its antioxidant action, it reduces the peroxidation of LDL (low-density lipoproteins) as shown by this study. It is this process that underlies bad cholesterol and associated diseases.
It prevents diseases related to hypercholesterolemia
Coenzyme Q10 reduces symptoms and protects against diseases related to hypercholesterolemia. It can notably prevent high blood pressure, vessel rigidity, and atherosclerosis.
This study showed that supplementation prevents the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries, thereby preventing atherosclerosis.
It reduces side effects of lipid-lowering medicines
Taking coenzyme Q10 may reduce the undesirable effects of certain lipid-lowering or “anti-cholesterol” medications.
This is particularly the case with statins, which, in addition to decreasing natural Q10 synthesis, cause fatigue and muscle pain.
Thus, during this study, taking coenzyme Q10 helped reduce muscle pain (myopathies) in patients on statins.
