Published by Claudia Giunta.
Did you know that a simple nutrient could play a vital role in managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall heart health? Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, may not be a well-known nutrient but is a powerful antioxidant that supports cell energy production. It’s especially beneficial for those taking statins, as these cholesterol-lowering medications can deplete your body’s natural CoQ10 levels.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and managing high cholesterol and blood pressure is key to reducing your risk. Whether you’re already on a statin or looking for natural ways to support your cardiovascular health, CoQ10 offers a solution backed by science. While most people get enough through diet alone, others may benefit from a CoQ10 supplement or infusion.
At Nova Vita, our targeted boosters make integrating CoQ10 into your wellness routine easy. Keep reading to learn how CoQ10 works, its benefits, and how it can support your health journey.
Nova Vita Solutions
Nova Vita’s CoQ10 booster is designed to support energy production, combat inflammation, and address the side effects of statins. If you’re also focused on weight management, our personalized programs—including consultations, lab testing, and semaglutide therapy via telehealth—provide the tools you need to achieve your goals. Take charge of your health this season with Nova Vita’s innovative solutions. Book your appointment online or call 512-387-5920 (Cedar Park) or 512-200-7311 (Austin).
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound in every cell of your body, with high concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It plays a critical role in energy production, acting as a coenzyme that helps your cells generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
CoQ10 also serves as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals can damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, cause cell death, and contribute to the aging process. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, promote cellular health, help neutralize free radicals, and prevent some of the damage they cause.
Although your body produces CoQ10 naturally, levels decline with age and can be further depleted by certain medications, including statins. This makes supplementation important for many, particularly those managing high cholesterol or cardiovascular conditions.
In addition to supporting energy and protecting cells, CoQ10 has been studied for its role in improving heart health, reducing blood pressure, and alleviating the side effects of statin medications. Its versatility and effectiveness have made it a popular supplement for both general wellness and targeted cardiovascular support.
Food Sources of CoQ10
CoQ10 is a compound that your body produces on its own, but it can also be obtained through dietary sources and supplements.
Some of the richest food sources of CoQ10 include:
- Meat: Organ meats like heart, liver, and kidney are particularly high in CoQ10.
- Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources.
- Nuts and Seeds: Pistachios, peanuts, and sesame seeds contain moderate amounts of CoQ10.
- Oils: Soybean and canola oils are notable dietary sources.
Smaller amounts of CoQ10 can also be found in:
- Dairy products: Butter and egg yolks.
- Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Fruits: Oranges and strawberries.
- Cereals: high-fiber cereals.
On average, dietary intake of CoQ10 is estimated to be about 3-5 mg per day, depending on individual diet and food choices. While food provides CoQ10, the levels may not be sufficient to achieve therapeutic benefits, which is why supplementation is often recommended for individuals with deficiencies or specific health conditions. For those on statin medications, which can reduce natural CoQ10 levels, incorporating CoQ10-rich foods, supplements, and regular infusions can help restore optimal levels.
CoQ10 Benefits
CoQ10 has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which play a vital role in cellular energy production and overall health. Its benefits have been linked to improvements in several areas, including:
- Heart Health
- Blood Pressure
- Inflammation
- Statin Side Effects
- Brain Health
- Diabetes
- Energy Levels
May Improve Heart Health
CoQ10 has been widely studied for its potential to improve heart health, particularly in individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions. This essential compound supports cardiac cells, which require high amounts of energy to function efficiently, as well as combat oxidative stress with its antioxidant properties. Research suggests that CoQ10 may be beneficial for:
- Heart Failure: CoQ10 has been shown to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of hospitalizations and mortality.
- Atherosclerosis: By reducing oxidative stress, CoQ10 may help slow the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
- Coronary Artery Disease: CoQ10 can improve blood flow and support the arteries supplying blood to the heart.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
CoQ10 may support healthy blood pressure levels, particularly by widening blood vessels. This effect is achieved by increasing the availability of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
May Reduce Inflammation
CoQ10’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the body caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cell damage and chronic inflammation.
Studies suggest that CoQ10 can lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which are associated with inflammation and various chronic conditions. By combating inflammation, CoQ10 may play a role in improving symptoms of chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and metabolic syndrome. It also supports overall cellular health, which can further reduce inflammation throughout the body.
May Reduce Statin Side Effects
Statins, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, can sometimes cause side effects such as muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. These side effects are believed to occur because statins reduce the body’s natural production of CoQ10. Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol, but this enzyme also plays a role in CoQ10 synthesis.
CoQ10 supplements or infusions may help alleviate statin-related side effects by replenishing CoQ10 levels in the body. This can improve muscle function and reduce discomfort.
May Support Brain Health
Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is believed to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. CoQ10, with its powerful antioxidant properties, may help protect brain cells by reducing oxidative stress and supporting cellular energy production. Some studies suggested that CoQ10 supplementation might slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease by protecting brain cells from damage.
May Improve Diabetes
CoQ10 may play a role in improving diabetes outcomes by addressing both blood sugar control and weight management, two key concerns for people with Type 2 diabetes.+
- Blood Sugar Control: CoQ10 helps improve insulin sensitivity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to insulin resistance. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation can lower HbA1c levels (a long-term measure of blood sugar) and fasting blood glucose in people with diabetes.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing diabetes. CoQ10 supports cellular energy production, which may improve metabolism and help individuals stay active. While it’s not a weight-loss supplement, CoQ10 can provide energy to support physical activity, which is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Supports Energy Levels
CoQ10 is essential for the function of mitochondria, which convert food into energy. CoQ10 also helps facilitate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary source of energy for all bodily processes.
- Fighting Fatigue: Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to fatigue, especially in individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease or fibromyalgia. CoQ10 may help improve energy levels, reduce feelings of tiredness, and enhance overall vitality.
- Exercise Performance: CoQ10’s role in cellular energy production makes it particularly beneficial for physical activity. Studies suggest it may improve exercise performance by reducing oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function, allowing for better endurance and recovery.
- Aging and Energy Decline: As we age, natural CoQ10 levels decline, which can contribute to reduced energy and slower recovery. Supplementing with CoQ10 can help counteract this decline, supporting energy production and overall well-being.
Bottom Line
CoQ10 offers numerous health benefits, from supporting heart health and reducing inflammation to boosting energy levels and managing the side effects of statins. Whether you’re aiming to improve your overall well-being, address fatigue, or support your body’s natural functions, CoQ10 supplementation can be a game-changer. At Nova Vita, we make it easy to experience the benefits of CoQ10 with our targeted CoQ10 Booster. Book your appointment today and give your body the energy and support it needs to thrive!