What are the characteristics of Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is found in high concentrations in the heart, kidneys, liver, and muscles. In the human body, 95% of Coenzyme Q10 exists as ubiquinol (the reduced form), except in the brain and lungs, where oxidative stress is likely higher, causing ubiquinol to oxidize into ubiquinone (the oxidized form).
Coenzyme Q10 plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, primarily participating in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP provides energy for muscle contraction and other essential cellular functions, so Coenzyme Q10 affects all cells, especially those with high energy demands, like the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It is vital for overall health.
In fact, you only need to remember one thing: "It's extremely important for health."
It’s worth noting that as we age, the levels of Coenzyme Q10 in the body gradually decrease.
Using age 20 as a baseline, by the time a person reaches 80, natural reductions in Coenzyme Q10 in various parts of the body are as follows:
- Liver: 83.0%
- Kidneys: 65.3%
- Lungs: 51.7%
- Heart: 42.9%
Therefore, it’s generally accepted that the heart is the organ most in need of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation, and many age-related heart issues are thought to be linked to Coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
When in its reduced form, Coenzyme Q10 is also one of the body's most important lipid antioxidants, helping to reduce the formation of free radicals and prevent the oxidation of proteins, lipids, and DNA.
Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 can inhibit inflammation-related cytokines like TNF-α and NF-κB and influence the expression of genes related to metabolism and transport.
