Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that helps produce energy in our cells. It is among the components that play a major role in energy metabolism. Coenzyme Q10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA. It protects from disease-causing bacteria or viruses. Vitamin-like coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble and can be found in every cell. However, the highest concentrations; It is found in the organs that require the greatest energy, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver. Although this component is found naturally in foods, it can also be taken as a supplement.
What are the Causes of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency?
Coenzyme Q10 production varies depending on age. decreases. Thus, especially in older individuals, coenzyme Q10 levels tend to decrease. Causes of Coenzyme Q10 deficiency:
-Genetic disorders in the synthesis or use of Coenzyme Q10,
-Increased demands of tissues as a result of a disease,
-Mitochondrial diseases,
-Oxidative stress due to aging,
br /> -Deficiencies such as vitamin B6 deficiency.
What are the Benefits of Coenzyme Q10?
1-It Helps in the Treatment of Heart Failure
Heart failure is often a result of other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. This can lead to increased oxidative damage and inflammation of veins and arteries. Heart failure occurs when the heart reaches the point where it cannot contract, relax, or pump blood to the body regularly. To make matters worse, some treatments for heart failure have unwanted side effects such as low blood pressure, while others may further reduce CoQ10 levels. One study in 420 people with heart failure found that two years of treatment with CoQ10 improved their symptoms and reduced the risk of dying from heart problems.
2-Coenzyme Q10 Helps Improve Fertility
Women's fertility decreases with age due to age-related decrease in the number and quality of eggs. As we age, Coenzyme Q10 production slows, making the body less effective at protecting eggs from oxidative damage. Coenzyme Q10 supplement With this, you can reverse this age-related decline in egg quality and quantity. Similarly, the amount of sperm in men is sensitive to the effects of oxidative damage and the number of sperm decreases or sperm quality decreases with age. Some studies have concluded that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may improve sperm quality, activity, and concentration by increasing antioxidant protection.
3- May Help Keep Your Skin Young
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. organ and is widely exposed to harmful agents that contribute to aging. These agents can be internal or external. Some internal damaging factors include cellular damage and hormonal imbalances. External factors include environmental agents such as UV rays. Applying Coenzyme Q10 directly to the skin can reduce damage from internal and external agents by increasing energy production in skin cells and promoting antioxidant protection. In fact, CoQ10 applied directly to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage caused by UV rays and even reduce the depth of wrinkles.
4- May Reduce Headaches
Abnormal mitochondrial function, It can lead to increased calcium uptake by cells, excessive free radical production and decreased antioxidant protection. This can cause low energy in brain cells and even migraines. Since Coenzyme Q10 primarily lives in the mitochondria of cells, it has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help reduce inflammation that can occur during migraines. One study found that Coenzyme Q10 supplement was three times more effective than placebo in reducing the number of migraines in 42 people. A larger study showed that 1,550 people with low CoQ10 levels experienced less severe headaches after treatment with CoQ10. Moreover, it appears that Coenzyme Q10 not only helps treat migraines, but may also prevent migraines.
5- Helps Improve Exercise Performance
Oxidative stress reduces muscle function. and therefore may affect exercise performance. Similarly, abnormal mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, which a can make it difficult for muscles to contract effectively and maintain exercise. Coenzyme Q10 may aid exercise performance by reducing oxidative stress in cells and improving mitochondrial functions. In fact, one study examined the effects of CoQ10 on physical activity. Oxidative stress has been shown to decrease in people using 1200 mg of Coenzyme Q10 supplements daily for 60 days. In this way, Coenzyme Q10 can help increase strength and reduce fatigue during exercise.
6- Helps Treat Diabetes.
Oxidative stress can trigger cell damage. This can cause metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Abnormal mitochondrial function also contributes to insulin resistance. Various studies have shown that Coenzyme Q10 increases insulin sensitivity and regulates blood sugar levels. Taking a CoQ10 supplement can help increase blood concentrations of CoQ10 by up to threefold in people with diabetes who typically have low levels of this compound. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 can contribute to the prevention of diabetes by promoting the breakdown of fats and reducing the accumulation of fat cells that can lead to obesity or type 2 diabetes.
7- It Has an Anti-Cancer Role
Oxidative stress is known to cause cell damage and affect their functions. If your body cannot effectively fight oxidative damage, the structure of your cells can be damaged and your risk of cancer increases. Studies have shown that cancer patients have lower coenzyme Q10 levels. Low coenzyme Q10 levels have been associated with a 53.3% higher risk of cancer and indicate a poor prognosis for several types of cancer. Coenzyme Q10 protects cells from oxidative stress and can promote cellular energy production.
8- Coenzyme Q10 Positive Effects on Brain Health
Mitochondria is the main energy source of brain cells. Mitochondrial function tends to decrease with age. Total mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to the death of brain cells and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. brain, high It is very susceptible to oxidative damage due to its fatty acid content and high oxygen demand. This oxidative damage increases the production of harmful compounds that can affect memory and cognitive and physical functions. Coenzyme Q10 can reduce these harmful compounds and slow the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
9- Coenzyme Q10 Protects the Lungs
Among all your organs, your lungs are the ones most in contact with oxygen. It is an organ. This makes them very susceptible to oxidative damage. Increased oxidative damage in the lungs and poor antioxidant protection, including low levels of coenzyme Q10, can lead to lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, lower levels of coenzyme Q10 have been seen in people suffering from these diseases. One study showed that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduced inflammation in people with asthma.
Food Sources of Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 in foods
The following foods contain Coenzyme Q10:
Organ meats: Heart, liver and kidney
Some muscle meats: Beef and chicken
Fish : Trout, herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines
Vegetables: Spinach, cauliflower, potatoes and broccoli
Fruits: Oranges, apples and strawberries
Legumes: Soybeans, lentils
Nuts and seeds: Sesame and pistachios
Oils: Soy and canola oil
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