The main dietary sources of coenzyme Q10 include:<a href="#ref-47" id="ref-link-47" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Pravst I, Zmitek K, Zmitek J. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20301015" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10 contents in foods and fortification strategies
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr (2010 Apr)&lt;/div&gt;'>[47]</a>
<table class="table table-bordered markdown-table">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Food category</th>
<th>Food containing CoQ10</th>
<th>Ubiquinol/Ubiquinone Content (mg/kg)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Meat (terrestrial)</td>
<td>Pork heart</td>
<td>118.1–282</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Reindeer meat</td>
<td>157</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Chicken heart</td>
<td>92.3–192</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef heart</td>
<td>113.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Chicken liver</td>
<td>116.2–132.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Chicken breast</td>
<td>7.8–17.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef liver</td>
<td>39.2–50.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Chicken thigh</td>
<td>24.2–25.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef shoulder</td>
<td>40.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef sirloin</td>
<td>14.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Chicken wing</td>
<td>11.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef thigh</td>
<td>30.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Beef tenderloin</td>
<td>26.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meat (aquatic)</td>
<td>Herring heart</td>
<td>120.0–148.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Yellowtail</td>
<td>12.8–20.7 (higher in young fish: 33.4)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Mackerel, general</td>
<td>43.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Mackerel heart</td>
<td>105.5–109.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Mackerel red meat</td>
<td>67.5–67.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Mackerel white meat</td>
<td>10.6–15.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Horse mackerel</td>
<td>3.6–20.7 (note: one source states 130)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Sardines</td>
<td>5.1–64.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Baltic herring</td>
<td>10.6–15.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Cuttlefish</td>
<td>4.7–8.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Salmon</td>
<td>4.3–7.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Albacore (Tuna)</td>
<td>6.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Tuna general</td>
<td>4.9 (canned sources: 14.9–15.9)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Pike</td>
<td>5.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Flat fish</td>
<td>1.8–5.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Shrimp</td>
<td>2.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Scallop</td>
<td>5.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Bogue sea bream</td>
<td>3.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Octopus</td>
<td>3.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Annular sea bream</td>
<td>3.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Common pandora</td>
<td>3.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>European hake</td>
<td>2.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Red mullet</td>
<td>2.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Striped mullet</td>
<td>2.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Red band fish</td>
<td>2.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Brill</td>
<td>1.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Common mussel</td>
<td>9.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Grooved carpet shell</td>
<td>6.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dairy and Eggs</td>
<td><a href="/foods/butter/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Butter&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Butter is a dairy product made from churning milk or cream. It is high in saturated fat and vitamin A.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Butter</a></td>
<td>7.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Cheeses, general</td>
<td>1.4–2.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Emmental</td>
<td>1.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Edam</td>
<td>1.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Cow’s <a href="/foods/milk/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Milk&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Milk is the white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, including humans. It is a rich source of several essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin D (if fortified), and several B vitamins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">milk</a></td>
<td>0.5–1.9 (lower in UHT milk and lower-fat products)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><a href="/foods/yogurt/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Yogurt&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Yogurt is a popular fermented dairy product. It is typically made from cow's milk, but other types of milk may also be used. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Yogurt</a>, <a href="/foods/kefir/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Kefir&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Kefir is a probiotic fermented milk drink made with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. It may benefit oral health, may be a useful adjunct to stomach ulcer treatment, and may offer slight benefits to blood sugar. On the other hand, drinking kefir makes chemo side effects worse for some cancer patients. Since it contains live, active bacteria and yeasts, kefir should be used with caution by anyone with a compromised or weakened immune system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">kefir</a>, cream, curd</td>
<td>0.3–1.2 (correlated with fat content)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td><a href="/foods/eggs/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Eggs&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;A shelled vessel for protein and fats in the white and yolk, respectively, that carries a surprisingly large amount of nutrients; especially choline and leucine as well as many carotenoids coloring the yolk. Eggs do not inherently increase circulating cholesterol.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Eggs</a></td>
<td>0.7–3.7 (yolk up to 5.2)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

What are the main dietary sources of coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a lipid-soluble, vitamin-like compound synthesized by the body from mevalonate and tyrosine. CoQ10 plays a crucial role in the production of <a href="/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Adenosine Triphosphate&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Adenosine triphosphate&lt;/em&gt; (ATP) is the “energy currency” of all living things. The body creates ATP through the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to supply the energy needed for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and several other physiological processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">adenosine triphosphate</a> (ATP) in mitochondria, and serves as a potent endogenous (i.e., produced in the body) antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals in lipid structures.<a href="#ref-10" id="ref-link-10" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Sood B, Keenaghan M. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30285386" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;'>[10]</a><a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a><a href="#ref-12" id="ref-link-12" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Rajeshwar K.K.A. et al. &lt;a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128190968000239" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;&amp;quot;Chapter2.3 - Coenzyme Q: An endogenous antioxidant.&amp;quot; In Antioxidants Effects in Health: The Bright and the Dark Side, eds. SM Nabavi and AS Silva, pp. 91-104. Portugal: National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.) and Center for Study in Animal Science (CECA)
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;(2022)&lt;/div&gt;'>[12]</a>
While the body naturally produces CoQ10, it can also be obtained from supplements or specific foods (refer to the question “What are the main sources of coenzyme Q10?” for more details). CoQ10 exists in either its oxidized form (ubiquinone) or its reduced form (ubiquinol), with the body interchanging the two depending on the cell’s oxidative state.<a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a><a href="#ref-10" id="ref-link-10" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Sood B, Keenaghan M. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30285386" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;'>[10]</a> The ubiquinol/ubiquinone ratio is often used as an indicator to measure the body’s response to oxidative stress. A low ubiquinol and high ubiquinone ratio may suggest ineffective conversion between the two, potentially indicating decreased antioxidant activity.<a href="#ref-13" id="ref-link-13" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Shi-Ying Zhang, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30305810" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Endocrinol (2018 Sep 16)&lt;/div&gt;'>[13]</a>

What is coenzyme Q10?

Long-term usage of statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) has been associated with lower CoQ10 levels.<a href="#ref-2" id="ref-link-2" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32933108" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Mol Sci (2020-Sep-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[2]</a> However, it remains unclear whether supplementation with CoQ10 would be beneficial when prescribed alongside statin therapy.<a href="#ref-27" id="ref-link-27" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Littarru GP, Langsjoen P. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482884" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical and clinical implications.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Mitochondrion (2007-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[27]</a>
It has been observed that supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 in individuals treated with atorvastatin (a statin) may reverse some cardiovascular complications and address the CoQ10 deficiency induced by statins, with one study noting that a 42% reduction in CoQ10 was reversed to a 127% increase relative to baseline.<a href="#ref-28" id="ref-link-28" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Mabuchi H, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17681347" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of CoQ10 supplementation on plasma lipoprotein lipid, CoQ10 and liver and muscle enzyme levels in hypercholesterolemic patients treated with atorvastatin: a randomized double-blind study.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Atherosclerosis (2007-Dec)&lt;/div&gt;'>[28]</a> Nevertheless, one meta-analysis found that supplementation with CoQ10 did not result in significant changes in <a href="/outcomes/Myalgia/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Myalgia&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Myalgia refers to muscle pain and soreness that may be due to an underlying disease or exercise, prolonged sitting or lying down, and muscle sprains or strains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">muscle pain</a> or <a href="/outcomes/creatinekinase/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Creatine Kinase&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Creatine kinase&lt;/em&gt; (CK) is an enzyme mainly found in skeletal muscle and the heart. It converts creatine to phosphocreatine, which is used to make ATP. CK is primarily used as a marker of muscle damage. Intense exercise and skeletal muscle disorders can increase CK levels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">creatine kinase</a> (CK) activity

Can coenzyme Q10 reduce statin-related side effects and pathologies?

In one pilot study, CoQ10 supplementation in men with asthenozoospermia (poor <a href="/outcomes/seminal-motility/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Seminal Motility&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Seminal motility is an aspect of fertility, and refers to the ability of sperm cells to move in medium (and in the womb). Increasing sperm motility can improve fertility in men who are otherwise infertile.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">seminal motility</a>) appeared to be somewhat effective at improving seminal motility, though not <a href="/outcomes/sperm-count/" class="popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Sperm Count&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sperm is the male reproductive cell. "Sperm count" is the number of sperm in a sample of semen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;'>sperm count</a> or sperm morphology,<a href="#ref-29" id="ref-link-29" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Giancarlo Balercia, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14711549" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: an open, uncontrolled pilot study
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Fertil Steril (2004 Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[29]</a> while another study also noted an increase in sperm density with CoQ10 supplementation.<a href="#ref-30" id="ref-link-30" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Safarinejad MR. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19447425" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Urol (2009 Jul)&lt;/div&gt;'>[30]</a> 
Additionally, one study involving men with a low fertilization rate in an infertility clinic reported an increase in fertility when taking 60 mg of CoQ10 daily for 103 days before <a href="/glossary/in-vitro-study/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;In Vitro Study&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; (Latin for “within the glass”) refers to studies that are performed outside of a living organism. In scientific research, this often involves performing experiments on bacterial, animal, or human cells growing in lab culture dishes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">in vitro</a> fertilization, suggesting an improvement in sperm function.<a href="#ref-31" id="ref-link-31" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Lewin A, Lavon H. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9266524" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The effect of coenzyme Q10 on sperm motility and function
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Mol Aspects Med (1997)&lt;/div&gt;'>[31]</a> Moreover, in another study, 200 mg of COQ10 daily for 6 months improved sperm motility in men, leading to increased fertility, with 3 out of 22 couples achieving spontaneous pregnancy within 3 months of the discontinuation of therapy.<a href="#ref-29" id="ref-link-29" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Giancarlo Balercia, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14711549" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: an open, uncontrolled pilot study
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Fertil Steril (2004 Jan)&lt;/div&gt;'>[29]</a>

Does coenzyme Q10 have an impact on fertility?

Aged skin is strongly correlated with abnormal mitochondrial function, elevated oxidant levels, and a decline in CoQ10 levels. This decline is evident with aging, irrespective of UV radiation exposure, but is exacerbated by excessive UV radiation, leading to oxidative stress. This reduction in CoQ10 is also associated with diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and a shift from lipolysis to glycolysis for sustaining energy metabolism.<a href="#ref-32" id="ref-link-32" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;S Prahl, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19096122" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biofactors (2008)&lt;/div&gt;'>[32]</a> For these reasons, CoQ10 is believed to offer skin protection due to its role as a mitochondrial factor and antioxidant.<a href="#ref-33" id="ref-link-33" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hoppe U, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10416055" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biofactors (1999)&lt;/div&gt;'>[33]</a>
<a href="/glossary/in-vitro-study/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;In Vitro Study&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; (Latin for “within the glass”) refers to studies that are performed outside of a living organism. In scientific research, this often involves performing experiments on bacterial, animal, or human cells growing in lab culture dishes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">In vitro</a> studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 may improve skin elasticity by increasing elastin expression<a href="#ref-34" id="ref-link-34" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;M Zhang, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22339577" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitro
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Cosmet Sci (2012 Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[34]</a> and preserving collagen.<a href="#ref-35" id="ref-link-35" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Thomas Blatt, Gian Paolo Littarru. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21990001" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Biochemical rationale and experimental data on the antiaging properties of CoQ(10) at skin level
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biofactors (2011 Sep-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[35]</a> CoQ10 may also have anti-wrinkle effects by protecting against <a href="/outcomes/uv-skin-damage/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;UV Skin Damage&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Ultraviolet&lt;/em&gt; (UV) damage is skin damage after being exposed to high amounts of UV radiation from either the sun or other light sources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">UV damage</a>,<a href="#ref-36" id="ref-link-36" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Inui M, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19096121" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ10 on UVB-induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biofactors (2008)&lt;/div&gt;'>[36]</a> and depigmentation potential<a href="#ref-34" id="ref-link-34" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;M Zhang, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22339577" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitro
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Cosmet Sci (2012 Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[34]</a> with more pronounced effects in cells purposely depleted of CoQ10.<a href="#ref-37" id="ref-link-37" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;López LC, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20689595" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Treatment of CoQ(10) deficient fibroblasts with ubiquinone, CoQ analogs, and vitamin C: time- and compound-dependent effects.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;PLoS One (2010-Jul-30)&lt;/div&gt;'>[37]</a>
Furthermore, the application of a cream containing 0.01% of CoQ10 twice daily for a week, both in older and younger individuals, increased and preserved mitochondrial membrane function, suggesting a potential benefit of using CoQ10 in anti-aging skin care products.<a href="#ref-32" id="ref-link-32" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;S Prahl, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19096122" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Biofactors (2008)&lt;/div&gt;'>[32]</a>
Additionally, a few studies have used combination therapies, usually with <a href="/supplements/vitamin-e/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Vitamin E&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitamin E is a group of eight different compounds which, collectively, help support antioxidation in the body. Benefits of high doses have uncertain safety, and lower doses seem effective in boosting immunity in the elderly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">vitamin E</a>, retinyl palmitate (highly bioactive form of <a href="/supplements/vitamin-a/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Vitamin A&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitamin A describes a group of metabolites involved in cell and tissue growth, and several bodily functions, including vision, bone metabolism, and immune function. Vitamin A metabolites include &lt;em&gt;preformed vitamin A&lt;/em&gt; — retinols, retinals, retinyl esters, and retinoic acids — and precursors (i.e., &lt;em&gt;provitamin A&lt;/em&gt; molecules) like beta-carotene, which can be converted by the body into the other forms of vitamin A.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">vitamin A</a>), <a href="/supplements/grape-seed-extract/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Grape Seed Extract&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grape Seed Extract is a mixture of tannins and procyanidins (chains of catechins) that appears to exert anti-estrogenic effects and may enhance blood flow. More related to green tea catechins than to resveratrol mechanistically.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">grape seed extract</a> (as oil), and linseed oil, and found that topical application of these combination therapies protected against UV and reduced wrinkling in aged subjects.<a href="#ref-38" id="ref-link-38" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Felippi CC, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22515083" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Safety and efficacy of antioxidants-loaded nanoparticles for an anti-aging application.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Biomed Nanotechnol (2012-Apr)&lt;/div&gt;'>[38]</a>

What is the impact of coenzyme Q10 on skin health?

Results to date have been mixed. In one study involving older athletes concurrently taking statin drugs (cholesterol-lowering drugs), supplementation with 200 mg of CoQ10 for 6 weeks improved leg <a href="/outcomes/strength/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Strength&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Strength refers to the ability to overcome resistance. It's not the same as power, which has to do with the speed and explosiveness at which resistance can be overcome.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">strength</a>, as assessed by leg extensions.<a href="#ref-39" id="ref-link-39" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Deichmann RE, Lavie CJ, Dornelles AC. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23306418" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Impact of coenzyme Q-10 on parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle performance in older athletes taking statins.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Phys Sportsmed (2012-Nov)&lt;/div&gt;'>[39]</a> On the other hand, another study including younger trained and untrained individuals found that neither a single dose of CoQ10 (200 mg) before exercise nor 2 weeks of continuous supplementation had any significant effect on muscular force production or muscular fatigue.<a href="#ref-40" id="ref-link-40" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Cooke M, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18318910" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2008-Mar-04)&lt;/div&gt;'>[40]</a>
Regarding anaerobic cardiovascular exercise performance, the evidence of the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation is not conclusive.<a href="#ref-39" id="ref-link-39" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Deichmann RE, Lavie CJ, Dornelles AC. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23306418" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Impact of coenzyme Q-10 on parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle performance in older athletes taking statins.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Phys Sportsmed (2012-Nov)&lt;/div&gt;'>[39]</a> However, when untrained individuals supplemented with CoQ10 (300 mg) for one week before a 210-minute cycling test, they reported less fatigue rel

Can supplementation with coenzyme Q10 improve exercise performance?

CoQ10's impact on the lipid profile in adults varies across studies and depends on the participants' health status, making it challenging to generalize findings. In one meta-analysis that included both healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, supplementation with CoQ10 effectively lowered (improved) <a href="/outcomes/total-cholesterol/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Total cholesterol&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Total cholesterol refers to all the cholesterol in your blood (HDL-C and LDL-C). It is distinct from triglycerides.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">total cholesterol</a> (TC), <a href="/outcomes/ldl-c/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body. Because higher levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) tend to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), LDL-C is often called the “bad cholesterol” (as opposed to HDL-C) — but the reality is more complex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">low-density lipoprotein</a> (LDL), and <a href="/outcomes/triglycerides/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Triglycerides&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Triglycerides refers to the fatty acids in your blood. They can be used for energy or stored into fat cells (i.e., body fat). Abnormal triglycerides raise the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">triglyceride</a> (TG) levels.<a href="#ref-24" id="ref-link-24" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liu Z, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36337001" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2022-Dec-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[24]</a> Another meta-analysis involving individuals with <a href="/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Chronic Kidney Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a degenerative disease of the kidneys. In addition to medication, CKD is managed nutritionally with diets that modify the intake of specific nutrients affected by impaired kidney function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">chronic kidney disease</a> observed improvements in TC, LDL, MDA, and <a href="/supplements/creatine/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Creatine&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Creatine is among the most well-studied and effective supplements for improving exercise performance. It does this mainly by increasing energy availability during high-intensity activity. Creatine may also provide cognitive and mental health benefits in some contexts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">creatine</a> levels with CoQ10 supplementation, although levels of <a href="/outcomes/c-reactive-protein/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;C-Reactive Protein (CRP)&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;C-Reactive protein is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. It's often used as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk, although it doesn't necessarily contribute directly to cardiovascular conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">CRP</a>, TG, <a href="/outcomes/hdl/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;High-density lipoprotein (HDL)&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;High-density lipoprotein&lt;/em&gt; (HDL) is a particle that carries cholesterol from your blood to your liver. Low levels of &lt;em&gt;HDL cholesterol&lt;/em&gt; (HDL-C) are associated with a higher risk of &lt;em&gt;cardiovascular disease&lt;/em&gt; (CVD), which is why HDL-C is often called the “good cholesterol” (as opposed to LDL-C) — but the reality is more complex.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">high-density lipoprotein</a> HDL, <a href="/outcomes/fasting-glucose/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Fasting Glucose&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fasting glucose is the concentration of glucose in the blood after a period of fasting, typically overnight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">fasting glucose</a>, <a href="/outcomes/insulin/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Insulin&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulin is a hormone that rises when blood glucose rises. It lowers blood glucose by telling cells to absorb and use it. If your cells’ insulin sensitivity is low, they won’t absorb enough glucose — you have insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">insulin</a>, and <a href="/outcomes/insulin-resistance/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Insulin Resistance&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulin resistance is a condition where many of the body's tissues don't respond well to insulin. This means the pancreas has to to pump out more insulin to get the same effect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">insulin resistance</a> did not vary significantly compared to placebo.<a href="#ref-41" id="ref-link-41" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Bakhshayeshkaram M, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30417782" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Curr Pharm Des (2018)&lt;/div&gt;'>[41]</a> Conversely, one meta-analysis of studies whose participants had <a href="/conditions/coronary-artery-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Coronary Artery Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Coronary artery disease (CAD; sometimes called coronary heart disease, or CHD) is a common kind of heart disease caused by atherosclerosis of the heart’s arteries. Diet and exercise can play a pretty big role to both prevent and treat it. Smoking, family history, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">coronary artery disease</a>, specifically myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and chronic <a href="/conditions/heart-failure/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Heart Failure&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Heart failure&lt;/em&gt; (HF), also known as &lt;em&gt;congestive heart failure&lt;/em&gt;, is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to oxygenate the tissues in the brain and body. It is typically caused by other heart conditions that change the heart's structure and function. Heart failure is common, and is the leading cause of hospitalization for patients over age 65 in the U.S.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">heart failure</a>, found no significant impact of supplementation with CoQ10 on the lipid profile.<a href="#ref-42" id="ref-link-42" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Jorat MV, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30296936" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Lipids Health Dis (2018-Oct-09)&lt;/div&gt;'>[42]</a>
Furthermore, supplementation with CoQ10 appeared to decrease <a href="/outcomes/fasting-glucose/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Fasting Glucose&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fasting glucose is the concentration of glucose in the blood after a period of fasting, typically overnight.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">fasting glucose</a>, glycated hemoglobin (<a href="/outcomes/hba1c/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;HbA1c&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) is a biomarker of glucose metabolism — it reflects glucose levels over months. Higher HbA1c is associated with more disease progression and comorbidities in states of insulin resistance or diabetes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">HbA1c</a>), fasting <a href="/outcomes/insulin/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Insulin&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulin is a hormone that rises when blood glucose rises. It lowers blood glucose by telling cells to absorb and use it. If your cells’ insulin sensitivity is low, they won’t absorb enough glucose — you have insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">insulin</a> levels, and <a href="/outcomes/insulin-resistance/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Insulin Resistance&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Insulin resistance is a condition where many of the body's tissues don't respond well to insulin. This means the pancreas has to to pump out more insulin to get the same effect.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">insulin resistance</a>, particularly in individuals with <a href="/conditions/type-2-diabetes/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Type 2 Diabetes&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease in which blood glucose levels are too high. It is characterized by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and pancreas cells and an inability of the pancreas to manufacture enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. T2D is strongly associated with excess body fat, and weight loss induced by lifestyle changes is extremely effective for treating T2D.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">type 2 diabetes</a>, when CoQ10 was taken for 12 weeks or longer, and at a dosage greater than 200 mg daily.<a href="#ref-5" id="ref-link-5" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liang Y, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35958521" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;EClinicalMedicine (2022-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[5]</a>
Additionally, for people with <a href="/conditions/heart-failure/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Heart Failure&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Heart failure&lt;/em&gt; (HF), also known as &lt;em&gt;congestive heart failure&lt;/em&gt;, is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to oxygenate the tissues in the brain and body. It is typically caused by other heart conditions that change the heart's structure and function. Heart failure is common, and is the leading cause of hospitalization for patients over age 65 in the U.S.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">heart failure</a>, who often present with CoQ10 deficiencies, supplementation with CoQ10 may be beneficial.<a href="#ref-21" id="ref-link-21" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Alarcón-Vieco E, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37350565" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function and survival in heart failure: an overview of systematic reviews and -analyses.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Food Funct (2023-Jul-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[21]</a> One meta-analysis suggested that CoQ10 significantly decreased the risk of mortality and increased the exercise capacity (measured as exercise duration or walking distance) compared to placebo, although it had no significant effect on <a href="/outcomes/left-ventricular-ejection-fraction/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the capacity of the heart to 'pulse' blood out of cardiac tissue and into circulation, and is a biomarker of cardiac health. The reduction in LVEF seen during cardiac ailments tends to be a focus of rehabilitation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">left ventricular ejection fraction</a> or cardiac function.<a href="#ref-43" id="ref-link-43" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Lei L, Liu Y. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28738783" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in patients with cardiac failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;BMC Cardiovasc Disord (2017-Jul-24)&lt;/div&gt;'>[43]</a>
Regarding <a href="/outcomes/blood-pressure/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Blood Pressure&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on blood vessels as it circulates. &lt;em&gt;High&lt;/em&gt; blood pressure (&lt;em&gt;hyper&lt;/em&gt;tension) and &lt;em&gt;low&lt;/em&gt; blood pressure (&lt;em&gt;hypo&lt;/em&gt;tension) can each lead to a variety of health issues.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">blood pressure</a>, CoQ10 may reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, <a href="/conditions/dyslipidemia/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Dyslipidemia&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dyslipidemia is an imbalance in blood lipids in the body including cholesterol and triglycerides. Poor diet, tobacco use, and genetic factors can all contribute to dyslipidemia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">dyslipidemia</a>), particularly when doses of 200 mg per day or higher are taken for longer than 12 weeks. However, more high-quality data is needed to confirm these findings.<a href="#ref-3" id="ref-link-3" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhao D, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36130103" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Adv Nutr (2022-Dec-22)&lt;/div&gt;'>[3]</a>
Finally, CoQ10 may increase blood flow in people with otherwise-hindered blood flow thanks to its antioxidant properties, which are thought to preserve the actions of <a href="/outcomes/nitric-oxide/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Nitric Oxide&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nitric oxide (NO) is composed of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O). The human body creates NO from dietary arginine and nitrate. NO plays a major signaling role in vascular relaxation, and elevated levels are associated with better blood flow and lower blood pressure.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">nitric oxide</a> (a vasodilating and blood pressure-reducing agent) on the endothelium ( the layer of cells that lines blood vessels).<a href="#ref-44" id="ref-link-44" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Gao L, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22088605" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Atherosclerosis (2011 Oct 25)&lt;/div&gt;'>[44]</a>

What are coenzyme Q10’s main benefits for cardiovascular and metabolic health?

CoQ10 is a key endogenous antioxidant; however, its production in the body can be affected by age, underlying medical conditions, and other factors. One meta-analysis, involving healthy participants and those with <a href="/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Cardiovascular Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that refers to various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is the most common subtype of CVD and causes strokes and heart attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">cardiovascular</a> or metabolic disease, revealed that supplementation with 30–500 mg daily of CoQ10 significantly increased <a href="/outcomes/total-antioxidant-capacity-tac/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;A measure of the antioxidant status of biological samples, often used to assess an organism’s antioxidant response to the free radicals caused by an illness or injury.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">total antioxidant capacity</a> (TAC) scores and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (an oxidative stress marker) compared to the control group, although it did not significantly affect levels of another endogenous antioxidant, <a href="/outcomes/superoxidedismutaseacitvity/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Superoxide Dismutase Activity&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that destroys dead cells and neutralizes pathogens or toxins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">superoxide dismutase</a> (SOD).<a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a>
Another meta-analysis indicated that supplementation with CoQ10 significantly lowered levels of inflammatory markers such as <a href="/outcomes/c-reactive-protein/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;C-Reactive Protein (CRP)&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;C-Reactive protein is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. It's often used as a marker of cardiovascular disease risk, although it doesn't necessarily contribute directly to cardiovascular conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">c-reactive protein</a> (CRP), <a href="/outcomes/interleukin-6/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Interleukin 6&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is thought to reflect a more inflammatory state in the body.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">interleukin 6</a> (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (<a href="/outcomes/tnf-alpha/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;TNF-Alpha&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is used as a marker of inflammation. Its reduction is thought to reflect a lesser state of inflammation in the body.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">TNF-alpha</a>), suggesting a potential anti-inflammatory effect.<a href="#ref-14" id="ref-link-14" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hou S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37118903" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Inflammation-Related Biomarkers: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Mol Nutr Food Res (2023-Jul)&lt;/div&gt;'>[14]</a>
Additionally, CoQ10 demonstrated potential for reduction of <a href="/conditions/migraine-headache/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Migraine Headache&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Migraine headaches are usually one-sided (sometimes bilateral) head pain. They affect women more often than men, and can have a number of triggers, and are more common if you have a family member with migraines. They can be distinguished from other types of headaches (such as tension or cluster headaches) due to additional symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and worsening of pain with activity.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">migraine</a> and non-migraine <a href="/outcomes/headaches/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Headaches&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Headaches are characterized by pain throughout the head and/or face. The location, intensity, and causes of headaches can vary.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">headaches</a> in both adults<a href="#ref-6" id="ref-link-6" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Sándor PS, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15728298" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Neurology (2005 Feb 22)&lt;/div&gt;'>[6]</a> and children aged 6–12 years.<a href="#ref-15" id="ref-link-15" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Slater SK, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21586650" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cephalalgia (2011 Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[15]</a>
Furthermore, extensive research has explored the cardiovascular and metabolic benefits of CoQ10, yielding promising results. For detailed information on CoQ10's main benefits on cardiovascular and metabolic health, please refer to the question “What are coenzyme Q10’s main benefits on cardiovascular and metabolic health?”
Finally, preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation with CoQ10 (300 mg) may be effective in reducing symptoms associated with <a href="/conditions/fibromyalgia/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Fibromyalgia&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fibromyalgia is a nonspecific pain disorder with currently unknown causes, although supplements are still being investigated for the purpose of reducing this pain.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">fibromyalgia</a>.<a href="#ref-16" id="ref-link-16" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Mario D Cordero, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23458405" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Can coenzyme q10 improve clinical and molecular parameters in fibromyalgia?
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxid Redox Signal (2013 Oct 20)&lt;/div&gt;'>[16]</a>

What are the main benefits of coenzyme Q10?

Supplementation with CoQ10 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, even at high dosages (1,200 mg per day)<a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Saboori S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336462" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of Q10 supplementation on body weight and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Diabetes Metab Syndr (2019)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a> and for durations up to 12 months.<a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Saboori S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336462" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of Q10 supplementation on body weight and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Diabetes Metab Syndr (2019)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a>
Regarding potential interactions, there is mixed clinical evidence that CoQ10 may interact with warfarin.<a href="#ref-17" id="ref-link-17" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Spigset O. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7968059" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Reduced effect of warfarin caused by ubidecarenone.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Lancet (1994-Nov-12)&lt;/div&gt;'>[17]</a><a href="#ref-18" id="ref-link-18" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Shalansky S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17723077" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Pharmacotherapy (2007-Sep)&lt;/div&gt;'>[18]</a><a href="#ref-19" id="ref-link-19" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Engelsen J, Nielsen JD, Winther K. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12083489" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on warfarin dosage in stable, long-term warfarin treated outpatients. A randomised, double blind, placebo-crossover trial.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Thromb Haemost (2002-Jun)&lt;/div&gt;'>[19]</a> Additionally, animal studies suggest a potential interaction between CoQ10 and theophylline (a drug used for <a href="/conditions/asthma/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Asthma&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Asthma is a lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which results in episodes of wheezing and breathlessness. Asthma can be worsened by environmental exposures, such as allergens, cold air, exercise, viral/bacterial infections, and some drugs. Diet and supplementation may alleviate asthma by way of reducing inflammation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">asthma</a> and <a href="/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease of the lungs that involves airway damage and blockage that worsens over time. The progressively worsening airway blockage causes the main symptoms of COPD: difficulty breathing, cough, and mucus production. While the most common cause of COPD is smoking, other causes can include significant exposure to air pollutants, frequent respiratory infections, and untreated asthma. Standard COPD treatments include use of specific inhalers to relax and open up the airways.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">chronic obstructive pulmonary disease</a>).<a href="#ref-20" id="ref-link-20" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Baskaran R, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18704339" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Arch Pharm Res (2008-Jul)&lt;/div&gt;'>[20]</a>

What are the main drawbacks of coenzyme Q10?

CoQ10 deficiency can be attributed to primary or secondary factors.<a href="#ref-2" id="ref-link-2" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32933108" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Mol Sci (2020-Sep-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[2]</a>
A primary deficiency is a result of mutations in genes directly involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10.<a href="#ref-2" id="ref-link-2" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32933108" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Mol Sci (2020-Sep-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[2]</a>
A secondary deficiency can also stem from genetic mutations, but ones that affect genes not directly involved in CoQ10 synthesis, or it can be caused by non-genetic factors. For instance, the production of CoQ10 declines with age, peaking at 25 and decreasing by approximately 50% by the age of 65. Furthermore, certain health conditions, such as mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, phenylketonuria, mucopolysaccharidosis, <a href="/conditions/cardiovascular-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Cardiovascular Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term that refers to various diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is the most common subtype of CVD and causes strokes and heart attacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">cardiovascular disease</a>, <a href="/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Chronic Kidney Disease&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a degenerative disease of the kidneys. In addition to medication, CKD is managed nutritionally with diets that modify the intake of specific nutrients affected by impaired kidney function.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">chronic kidney disease</a>, type 2 diabetes<a href="#ref-13" id="ref-link-13" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Shi-Ying Zhang, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30305810" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Endocrinol (2018 Sep 16)&lt;/div&gt;'>[13]</a>, and <a href="/conditions/metabolic-syndrome/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Metabolic Syndrome&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of cardiometabolic risk factors: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL-C. If a person has at least three of these, they have metabolic syndrome.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">metabolic syndrome</a>, have been associated with lower CoQ10 levels.<a href="#ref-2" id="ref-link-2" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Hargreaves I, Heaton RA, Mantle D. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32933108" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Mol Sci (2020-Sep-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[2]</a><a href="#ref-26" id="ref-link-26" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dludla PV, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32318636" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;The impact of coenzyme Q on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Endocrinol Diabetes Metab (2020-Apr)&lt;/div&gt;'>[26]</a>
Finally, medications like statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs), amitriptyline (an antidepressant), and bisphosphonates (used in the treatment of <a href="/conditions/osteoporosis/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Osteoporosis&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Osteoporosis is a condition of having weak and brittle bones. The main goal for people with osteoporosis is to prevent bone fractures by strengthening the bones and by avoiding falls.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">osteoporosis</a>), may interfere with CoQ10 production and reduce its levels when taken long-term.[PM

What are the main factors affecting coenzyme Q10 levels in the body?

Ubiquinone is the most common form of CoQ10 found in supplements. After ingestion, ubiquinone is converted into ubiquinol (the reduced form of CoQ10), which has the most antioxidant properties.<a href="#ref-45" id="ref-link-45" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Crane FL. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11771674" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Biochemical functions of coenzyme Q10.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Am Coll Nutr (2001-Dec)&lt;/div&gt;'>[45]</a><a href="#ref-46" id="ref-link-46" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhang Y, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30302465" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone to enhance Coenzyme Q10 status in older men
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Food Funct (2018 Nov 14)&lt;/div&gt;'>[46]</a> The effectiveness of supplementation with ubiquinol compared to ubiquinone is still unclear. Some studies suggest that ubiquinol may be more effective,<a href="#ref-46" id="ref-link-46" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Zhang Y, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30302465" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Ubiquinol is superior to ubiquinone to enhance Coenzyme Q10 status in older men
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Food Funct (2018 Nov 14)&lt;/div&gt;'>[46]</a> while others report no significant difference between the two.<a href="#ref-5" id="ref-link-5" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liang Y, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35958521" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;EClinicalMedicine (2022-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[5]</a> 
The bioavailability of CoQ10 depends not just on whether it’s taken in the oxidized or reduced form, but also on the supplement formulation. For absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, CoQ10 crystals obtained via synthesis (in a lab or via the yeast fermentation method) must be dissociated into individual CoQ10 molecules, and this dissociation should be maintained throughout the shelf life of the CoQ10 preparation to be effective. This crystal dispersion process appears to play an important role in increasing the bioavailability of CoQ10. Notably, most studies suggesting the superiority of ubiquinol supplementation did not compare it to ubiquinone-dispersed formulations, likely due to their unavailability at the time of the study.<a href="#ref-1" id="ref-link-1" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Mantle D, Dybring A. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32380795" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2020-May-05)&lt;/div&gt;'>[1]</a>

Does the form of CoQ10 affect its efficacy?

CoQ10 acts as a non-enzymatic endogenous antioxidant,<a href="#ref-21" id="ref-link-21" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Alarcón-Vieco E, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37350565" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function and survival in heart failure: an overview of systematic reviews and -analyses.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Food Funct (2023-Jul-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[21]</a> exerting its effects by increasing the production of key antioxidants (e.g., <a href="/outcomes/superoxidedismutaseacitvity/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Superoxide Dismutase Activity&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that destroys dead cells and neutralizes pathogens or toxins.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">SOD</a>) and by inhibiting lipid peroxyl radicals, thereby reducing lipid peroxidation levels.<a href="#ref-4" id="ref-link-4" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Saboori S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31336462" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effect of Q10 supplementation on body weight and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Diabetes Metab Syndr (2019)&lt;/div&gt;'>[4]</a> Additionally, CoQ10 serves as a cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, transporting electrons from complex I and II to complex III to synthesize <a href="/glossary/adenosine-triphosphate/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Adenosine Triphosphate&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Adenosine triphosphate&lt;/em&gt; (ATP) is the “energy currency” of all living things. The body creates ATP through the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins to supply the energy needed for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and several other physiological processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">ATP</a>, and reducing the production of superoxide (a free radical).<a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a> Furthermore, CoQ10 appears to regenerate α-tocopherol (<a href="/supplements/vitamin-e/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Vitamin E&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitamin E is a group of eight different compounds which, collectively, help support antioxidation in the body. Benefits of high doses have uncertain safety, and lower doses seem effective in boosting immunity in the elderly.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">vitamin E</a>’s active metabolite) from its radical state back to its antioxidative state.<a href="#ref-22" id="ref-link-22" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Shetty RA, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25149567" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol reversed age-associated functional impairments in mice.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Exp Gerontol (2014-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[22]</a><a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a> Finally, another potential mechanism observed <a href="/glossary/in-vitro-study/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;In Vitro Study&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In vitro&lt;/em&gt; (Latin for “within the glass”) refers to studies that are performed outside of a living organism. In scientific research, this often involves performing experiments on bacterial, animal, or human cells growing in lab culture dishes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">in vitro</a> and in animal studies is the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), which regulates the cellular response to oxidative stress. However, more research is needed to verify this mechanism of action.<a href="#ref-11" id="ref-link-11" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Dai S, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35883851" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Antioxidants (Basel) (2022-Jul-13)&lt;/div&gt;'>[11]</a>
CoQ10 appears to improve glycemic control in individuals affected by <a href="/conditions/type-2-diabetes/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Type 2 Diabetes&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease in which blood glucose levels are too high. It is characterized by insulin resistance in muscle, fat, and pancreas cells and an inability of the pancreas to manufacture enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. T2D is strongly associated with excess body fat, and weight loss induced by lifestyle changes is extremely effective for treating T2D.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">type 2 diabetes</a> (characterized by elevated oxidative stress and abnormalities in mitochondrial function), thanks to its antioxidant activity.<a href="#ref-5" id="ref-link-5" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liang Y, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35958521" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;EClinicalMedicine (2022-Oct)&lt;/div&gt;'>[5]</a><a href="#ref-13" id="ref-link-13" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Shi-Ying Zhang, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30305810" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Int J Endocrinol (2018 Sep 16)&lt;/div&gt;'>[13]</a>
CoQ10 may improve the lipid profile through several potential mechanisms. In vitro studies showed that exposure of endothelial cells to CoQ10 was linked to downregulation of lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1), to which oxidized LDL (oxLDL) bind causing an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and stimulation of 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which regulates mitochondrial ROS production and oxidative stress resistance.<a href="#ref-23" id="ref-link-23" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Rabinovitch et al.. &lt;a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.026" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;AMPK Maintains Cellular Metabolic Homeostasis through Regulation of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cell Reports (2017-10-03)&lt;/div&gt;'>[23]</a><a href="#ref-24" id="ref-link-24" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liu Z, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36337001" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2022-Dec-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[24]</a> Furthermore, CoQ10 may increase fatty acid oxidation, therefore reducing the level of free fatty acids in mitochondria,<a href="#ref-25" id="ref-link-25" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Lee SK, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22885103" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Coenzyme Q10 increases the fatty acid oxidation through AMPK-mediated PPARα induction in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;Cell Signal (2012-Dec)&lt;/div&gt;'>[25]</a> and it may decrease <a href="/outcomes/triglycerides/" class="popover" data-tooltip="&lt;div&gt;&lt;h6&gt;Triglycerides&lt;/h6&gt;&lt;p&gt;Triglycerides refers to the fatty acids in your blood. They can be used for energy or stored into fat cells (i.e., body fat). Abnormal triglycerides raise the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">triglyceride</a> levels by increasing lipolysis.<a href="#ref-24" id="ref-link-24" class="ref-link popover" data-tooltip='&lt;div&gt;&lt;p class="mb-3"&gt;Liu Z, et al. &lt;a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36337001" target="\_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"&gt;Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2022-Dec-17)&lt;/div&gt;'>[24]</a>

How does coenzyme Q10 work?

Coenzyme Q10

Cardiovascular Health

Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q: An Overview of the Absorption Process and Subsequent Metabolism.

Disorders of Human Coenzyme Q10 Metabolism: An Overview.

Dose-Response Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Blood Pressure among Patients with Cardiometabolic Disorders: A Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE)-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Effect of Q10 supplementation on body weight and body mass index: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in migraine prophylaxis: a randomized controlled trial

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine-a meta-analysis

Bioavailability enhancement of coenzyme Q10: an extensive review of patents.

Grapefruit juice enhance the uptake of coenzyme Q10 in the human intestinal cell-line Caco-2

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adults: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

"Chapter2.3 - Coenzyme Q: An endogenous antioxidant." In Antioxidants Effects in Health: The Bright and the Dark Side, eds. SM Nabavi and AS Silva, pp. 91-104. Portugal: National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV, I.P.) and Center for Study in Animal Science (CECA)

Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Efficacy and Optimal Dose of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Inflammation-Related Biomarkers: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover, add-on study of CoEnzyme Q10 in the prevention of pediatric and adolescent migraine

Can coenzyme q10 improve clinical and molecular parameters in fibromyalgia?

Reduced effect of warfarin caused by ubidecarenone.

Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine: a longitudinal analysis.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 and Ginkgo biloba on warfarin dosage in stable, long-term warfarin treated outpatients. A randomised, double blind, placebo-crossover trial.

The effect of coenzyme Q10 on the pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline.

Effect of coenzyme Q10 on cardiac function and survival in heart failure: an overview of systematic reviews and -analyses.

Coenzyme Q10 and α-tocopherol reversed age-associated functional impairments in mice.

AMPK Maintains Cellular Metabolic Homeostasis through Regulation of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Coenzyme Q10 increases the fatty acid oxidation through AMPK-mediated PPARα induction in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes.

The impact of coenzyme Q on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Coenzyme Q10 and statins: biochemical and clinical implications.

Effects of CoQ10 supplementation on plasma lipoprotein lipid, CoQ10 and liver and muscle enzyme levels in hypercholesterolemic patients treated with atorvastatin: a randomized double-blind study.

Coenzyme Q(10) supplementation in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: an open, uncontrolled pilot study

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men

The effect of coenzyme Q10 on sperm motility and function

Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care

Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer

Coenzyme Q(10) enhances dermal elastin expression, inhibits IL-1α production and melanin synthesis in vitro

Biochemical rationale and experimental data on the antiaging properties of CoQ(10) at skin level

Mechanisms of inhibitory effects of CoQ10 on UVB-induced wrinkle formation in vitro and in vivo.

Treatment of CoQ(10) deficient fibroblasts with ubiquinone, CoQ analogs, and vitamin C: time- and compound-dependent effects.

Safety and efficacy of antioxidants-loaded nanoparticles for an anti-aging application.

Impact of coenzyme Q-10 on parameters of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle performance in older athletes taking statins.

Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals.

The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on lipid profiles among patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 in patients with cardiac failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Effects of coenzyme Q10 on vascular endothelial function in humans: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Coenzyme Q10

Don't miss out on the latest research