Coenzyme Q10: The Cellular Powerhouse Slowing the Effects of Aging
By Dr. Claudia Ciocan, General Medicine doctor, Master in Nutrition and Food Safety – UMF Carol Davila
World-Today-News.com – June 25, 2025 – As the global population ages, understanding and addressing the mechanisms of aging has become a critical focus for the scientific community.A key area of research centers around Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a naturally occurring compound vital for cellular function and increasingly recognized for its potential health benefits.
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenona, or ubiquinol, is essential for cellular metabolism, acting as both an electron transporter and a powerful antioxidant. At least ten types exist, but CoQ10 is the specific form found within human cells. Its a fat-soluble substance,demonstrating antioxidant capabilities comparable to,and potentially exceeding,those of Vitamins C and E.
First isolated in 1957 from bovine heart mitochondria by Frederick Crane, CoQ10 was later produced through fermentation by Karl Folkers and his team. Japan pioneered its clinical use in 1974, employing it as a treatment for chronic heart failure.
How Does CoQ10 Work?
Within mitochondria, CoQ10 exists in two forms – oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol) – both crucial for capturing and neutralizing free radicals, transforming them into antioxidant molecules. This positions CoQ10 as a first-line defence against oxidative stress and a stabilizer of membrane ion channels. the body naturally biosynthesizes CoQ10 in most tissues.
CoQ10 Levels & Dietary Sources
Normal CoQ10 levels can be measured in blood and tissues,with a 25% decrease potentially indicating chronic disease. Notably, men generally exhibit higher CoQ10 levels than women, with normal values exceeding 1.45mg/l.
Dietary sources include meat, fish, vegetables (peas, beans), nuts (sesame, pistachio), and vegetable oils (soybean oil).
The Aging Process & CoQ10
The body typically produces sufficient CoQ10 until around age 30. After this point, production declines, notably in the presence of vitamin deficiencies, potentially accelerating cellular aging. CoQ10 resides within all cell membranes and is transported via lipoproteins – 60% with LDL, 25% with HDL, and 15% with others.
**Proven Benefits of CoQ10
