How CoQ10 Supports Your Energy

CoQ10 (coenzyme-Q10), also called ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like-fat-soluble substance that is naturally produced by the body, particularly in the powerhouses of your cells–the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in electron transport to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the source of energy we use or store at the cellular level.

Supplementing with CoQ10 may have positive results on your energy (both brain and body). And because it is a coenzyme, other enzymes in the body depend on it to function properly.

Why Do People Take CoQ10?

Most people aren’t necessarily deficient in CoQ10, but there’s some evidence that adding more CoQ10 in the form of supplements is beneficial.

CoQ10 has also been used in treating many health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions. In some cases where people take medications, CoQ10 supplementation can further reduce symptoms.

Initial studies have also shown that CoQ10 may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. It has also been studied as part of the preventive treatment of migraine, treatment of low sperm count, cancer, HIV, Parkinson’s disease, gum disease, and other conditions. Further research is needed, but the initial studies show promise.
 

Benefits of CoQ10

1. Energy Booster

As mentioned, Co10 is required for the production of energy on the cellular level. Without it, your mitochondria, the tiny factories that manufacture energy in your cells, can’t do their job.
 

2. Antioxidant

As an antioxidant, it helps protect your cells from oxidative stress which is very important because your mitochondria is continuously exposed to free radicals as byproducts of energy production (causing damage and aging). Antioxidants like CoQ10 help protect against this.
 

CoQ10 in Food

CoQ10 can be found in low levels in many different foods (supplements deliver higher amounts). Good sources of CoQ10 are as follows:

• Organ meats
• Avocados
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Oysters
• Garlic
• Sweet potato

To experience the full benefits of CoQ10, you’d have to ingest large quantities of these foods in one sitting. That’s why supplementing can be helpful on top of eating healthy foods.
 

Side Effects

Side effects are rare to mild and may include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn.

When Is the Best Time to Take CoQ10?

It actually depends on what time of the day you want to feel more energized. However, since CoQ10 supplements don’t contain caffeine and don’t work like caffeine, taking them consistently versus rarely will yield the best results.

Since it is an energy booster, take it in the late morning or early afternoon to help you with your energy demands throughout the day. If you are working night shifts, you may take it at dinner to help you stay up and energized through the night.

How Much CoQ10 Should You Take?

The recommended daily dosage of CoQ10 is 100 mg. As with any diet or lifestyle change, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure there’s no contraindications.

If you’re ready to discover where your best health has been hiding, I’d love to connect with you!

Apply for a complimentary Unstoppable Health Discovery Session. bit.ly/schedulinghealth (subject to availability).

Until next time, I’m wishing you unstoppable health!

~Rebecca

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