Many of us would like to maintain health and youth for many years in order to enjoy life, and be able to discover their passions for many years. Undoubtedly, the basis for this is rational nutrition and physical activity. However, delving into the details, we can distinguish coenzyme Q10. It has many interesting features to pay more attention to, which is what I will try to do in this article.
Characteristic
Ubichinon Q10, which is more recognizable as coenzyme Q10, is a necessary compound for the functioning of every cell of our body, thus providing very important functions:
- It participates in the processes of metabolism,
- It supports cells against oxidative stress,
- Protects the heart from circulatory insufficiency,
- Supports immune system functions.
Its amount in the human body varies, depending on the organ and ranges from 8 to 114 μg coenzyme Q10 / g tissue. It has been found that the largest amounts are in the heart and kidneys. This is because of their greatest energy requirement. Our body can synthesize it, but it is also derived from food. It is present in the highest quantities in products such as:
- Fish,
- Offal,
- Oils,
- Broccoli,
Properties
After analyzing the effect of Coenzyme Q10 on human body, it was determined that its deficiency causes some body states such as:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome,
- Dysfunction of the immune system,
- Decrease in physical fitness,
- Impaired heart and kidney function.
In a study conducted by the New York Heart Association in 2013, 420 people with grade III and IV heart failure were involved. Participants were divided into placebo group and received 3 times daily supplement with 100 mg of coenzyme Q10. The study lasted quite a while, for as long as 2 years. The study concludes that supplementation has contributed to mortality and hospitalization. In the placebo group more frequent occurrences of various types of health problems were observed.
Ubichinon Q10 is very effective in fighting skin aging. Therefore, it is added to all kinds of face creams. Externally used quantities unfortunately cannot help. However, additional supplementation is possible. This is confirmed by a study conducted in Germany in 1999. It has been observed that long-term supplementation has a positive effect on the quality of the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.
In another study, a group of 270 women were asked for an opinion about using ubiquinone Q10 supplementation in the morning and evening for a month. 87% of them found a significant change in skin quality, in the form of better firmness and colour.
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant. It has a positive effect on the reduction of cholesterol oxidation processes. Oxidized cholesterol significantly contributes to lipid abnormalities, and consequently to cardiovascular disease. Thanks to these properties it is used in the prevention and treatment of infarcts and strokes. It is also used in the treatment of cancer, due to the properties supporting the functioning of the immune system. The use of chemotherapy carries a high risk of cardiac arrest. In such a situation, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 is able to protect this important organ. There was also a decrease in the toxicity of certain antineoplastic and antiarrhythmic drugs, including beta blockers.
Summary
Ubichinon Q10 is a compound that has important properties for our body. As we get older, over the age of 35, the amount of it begins to decline, which can be related to the dysfunction of the organism on different levels. It is doubtless to rethink the use of supplementation with this valuable compound
