CoEnzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring molecule that has a structure similar to vitamin K, discovered in 1957 by Dr. Fred Crane at the University of Wisconsin. It is essential to our very lives and is produced by your body and found in every cell. It is a key to the process that produces 95% of the energy consumed at the cellular level. It participates in this important role by acting as part of another class of substances, known as enzymes. These important compounds are proteins found in plants, animals, humans - ALL living things. Their role is to facilitate, to act as a catalyst, in countless chemical reactions that take place in the human body. In essence, they make reactions happen without themselves being consumed in the reaction. When calcium is turned into bone, an enzyme makes the reaction possible, but the enzyme itself does not end up becoming part of the bone. When we digest our food, when we flex a muscle, when our heart beats, in some way an enzyme is playing a key role.

Enzymes consist of two parts, a protein portion made up of one of a variety of amino acids, and a cofactor portion that is either a mineral (like calcium, magnesium, or zinc) or a vitamin, the vitamin is called a coenzyme. As part of an enzyme, it acts as a catalyst in the vital biochemical pathway that leads to cellular energy production. 

CoQ10 can supply or remove oxygen from biologically active molecules. Every cell in your body contains many intercellular components called mitochondria, which produce 95% of the total energy of the body. CoQ10 is an integral part of the membranes of the mitochondria where it is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the basic energy molecules of the cell. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is necessary for the energy production responsible for our life processes. It is an essential component of our cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy production.

Specifically, every cell must have a special substance known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides all the cell's energy. The energy obtained from the food we eat is used to make this fuel for the cells, and when a cell needs energy, it breaks the bonds that hold the ATP molecule together. When this chemical bond is broken, it releases energy equivalent to approx. 7,000 calories, more than twice the energy a person consumes in an entire day. However, the body, at any given time, only stores enough ATP to sustain vigorous activity for 5 - 8 minutes. Thus, ATP must be produced constantly, and for this ATP to be produced, there must be a ready supply of CoQ10. This explains why, in particular, COQ10 is found in high concentrations in muscle cells and especially in the muscles that form the heart - because the heart is constantly in motion, it creates a great demand for energy, and at the same time, a need for the CoQ10 to create it. 

Symptoms of Deficiency or Need:
If body levels start dropping, so does our general health. Scientists have estimated that once body levels of CoQ10 drop below the 25% deficiency levels, many health problems begin to flourish, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, angina, immune system depression, periodontal problems, lack of energy, weight gain, and even early death! 

CoQ10 is an immune system booster and antioxidant that helps you to avoid getting cancer, and may be helpful in treating it. 

University studies have shown that some overweight people have a tendency to have low levels of CoQ10. As individuals require more energy, more CoEnzyme Q10 is needed. Tissues that need the largest amount of CoEnzyme Q10 are those that require the most energy, such as the heart. In more than one clinical setting, below-normal levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been noted in cardiac patients. As an antioxidant, it helps prevent the accumulation of free radical damage which can lead to degenerative disease. Our ability to produce CoEnzyme Q-10 decreases as we age. 

Supplemental value of CoEnzyme Q10:
Supplementing CoQ10 aids in the body's cellular respiration and energy production; it's that simple. 

Antioxidant which provides huge benefit to heart health by strengthening heart muscle, lowering blood pressure, and relaxing constricted blood vessels. Stops oxidation of mitochondria giving organ tissues more energy.

It has been shown to extend life in laboratory animals when supplemented in their diets. 

Numerous studies have shown that pre-treatment with CoQ10 helps heart patients come through open heart surgeries in better health and with shorter recovery times than those who have not been so treated. This is because CoQ10 possesses the ability to protect the heart during periods of aschemia, or oxygen deprivation. Miraculously, CoQ10 has helped cardiomyopathy patients to live well beyond their usual life expectancies! Perhaps more importantly, supplementation with CoQ10 has a preventative effect--preventative against lack of oxygen, poor Vitamin and mineral supplementation, and against certain heart medications. Yes, heart medications. Strange as it may seem, certain heart medications that are prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels actually block the production of CoQ10!

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston have found that coenzyme Q10, a widely available over-the-counter compound, can combat nerve-cell degeneration in mice with ALS. See related article . 

The institute for Biomedical Research, University of Texas at Austin gave mice pretreatment of Coenzyme Q10 before Adriamycin. The control groups had only a 36 and 42 percent survival rate. The Coenzyme Q10 groups had an 80 and 86 percent survival rate.

A Dr. Carl Folkers is quoted as discussing a 49-year old lung cancer patient who at that time had been taking CoQ10 supplements for five years and was able to avoid the heart problems associated with long-term Adriamycin use. After careful manipulation, it was discovered that maximum efficiency in heart output came with 60 mg of CoQ10, so he was given 100 mg to be on the safe side. At the time of the report the man was well and still in remission. Bliznakow, Emile, and Hunt, Gerald, "The Miracle Nutrient Coenzyme Q10, pages 132-139, Banam Books, New York.

Thirty-two women with metastatic breast cancer received 90 mg of CoQ10, along with Vitamin C, E, betacarotene, and essential fatty acids, daily. In six cases the tumor became smaller. During the 18 month treatment period, none of the patients died (the expected number of deaths was four), and none showed signs of further distant metastases.In another report, two women with metastatic breast cancer received 390 mg per day of CoQ10. One of the patients was a 44-year-old woman with numerous liver metastases. After treatment for 11 months with CoQ10, all of the liver metastases had disappeared and the patient was reported to be in good health 

Suggested Dosage: 50-100 mg/day

Where can you get it? Coenzyme Q10 is available in pharmacies and health food shops.

Natural Sources? Mackerel, salmon and sardines. Found in small amounts in beef, peanuts, and spinach.References: Coenzyme Q10 & Cancer ,  Coenzyme Q10