CoQ10 Supplements: Top Benefits for Health

What is CoQ10?

CoQ10, often referred to as ubiquinone, is a fat-soluble micronutrient synthesized by the body. It is present in nearly all tissues, with the greatest concentrations found in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. (14) As an antioxidant, CoQ10 plays an important role in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. CoQ10 is also required for the mitochondrial synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a process that generates energy in your cells. Since all cells require adequate amounts of ATP, CoQ10 is essential for the health and functioning of all of your organs and tissues. (16) In addition to being naturally synthesized by the body, you can obtain small amounts of CoQ10 from certain foods.

Although the body synthesizes its own CoQ10, various factors can affect your supply and lead to low CoQ10 levels, including:

• Age-related oxidative stress
• Infection (e.g., acute influenza)
• Statin drug use

Certain health conditions are also associated with decreased CoQ10 levels, such as:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Heart failure
• Mitochondrial diseases
• Muscular diseases (18)

Top Health Benefits of CoQ10:

Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefits of CoQ10 supplementation for individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF), especially when used as an adjunct to conventional therapies. According to a study of over 2,600 subjects, those who supplemented daily with CoQ10 as an adjunctive therapy for three months experienced an improvement in numerous clinical signs and symptoms. Most notably, 78.1% of subjects reported a reduction of cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin), 78.6% experienced improved edema (swelling), and 75.4% reported a reduction in heart palpitations. (2) Additional studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CoQ10 supplementation for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients due to its antioxidant activities. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants who supplemented with CoQ10 for 12 weeks exhibited a reduction of systolic blood pressure.

In a 2013 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers investigated the potential benefits of CoQ10 for patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants who received CoQ10 supplementation daily for 12 weeks exhibited improved total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and reduced hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels, an indicator of long-term glycemic control. (10)

It’s estimated that oxidative stress is responsible for between 30 to 80% of male subfertility cases. (17) The antioxidant activities of CoQ10 may help mitigate the damaging effects of oxidative stress and its impact on male fertility. A large body of evidence supports the use of CoQ10 supplements for improving semen parameters in men. (12) In a 2019 trial, CoQ10 supplements were provided to men experiencing idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), a condition characterized by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. CoQ10 was shown to improve sperm concentration and motility as well as antioxidant status when taken orally for three months. (1) Emerging evidence suggests that CoQ10 may positively affect female fertility as well, particularly for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In one study, women receiving CoQ10 supplements for 60 days prior to IVF treatment experienced an increase of retrieved oocytes (immature egg cells), higher fertilization rates, and higher-quality embryos when compared to the control group. (20)

Research indicates that oral CoQ10, when used in combination with conventional periodontal therapy involving root planing and scaling, may improve oral health in individuals with plaque-induced gingival (gum) inflammation. One study demonstrated a significant improvement in gingival inflammation in participants who received CoQ10 supplements compared to scaling and root planing alone.

As part of the aging process, the skin begins to lose elasticity which contributes to dry skin and visible wrinkles. Numerous factors contribute to skin aging; however, CoQ10 levels reduce naturally with age, affecting the skin’s ability to produce collagen, a major structural component of skin. (8) According to one small study, oral supplementation of CoQ10 significantly improved smoothness and reduced wrinkles after 12 weeks compared to placebo. Additionally, topically-applied CoQ10, a component of some skincare products, has been shown to benefit the skin by reducing free radicals and improving antioxidant capacity.