Role of CoQ10 in Aging

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is found in every cell in our body.

The highest amount is located in the mitochondria, the energy power houses of our cells.¹

With age, mitochondrial function and CoQ10 synthesis decline, contributing to a range of degenerative conditions.^2,3

Research has shown that supplemental CoQ10 improves mitochondrial function as well as organ performance. ^1,4-8

As a defense against the assaults of aging, CoQ10 has been shown to suppress factors involved in nearly all chronic disorders. ^1,6,7

Heart Function

CoQ10 is no newcomer to heart health.^1,9,10

It has been prescribed in Japan to treat heart failure for decades. Research has shown it to be safe.¹¹

One recent review paper presented preclinical and clinical evidence on the roles that CoQ10 plays in preventing and relieving heart disease, including:¹

• Preventing the accumulation of oxidized LDL cholesterol in arteries,
• Decreasing stiffness of blood vessels, and
• Improving the function of the cells that line the inside of the blood vessels.

Clinical studies have shown that CoQ10 intake has clear benefits for the heart.

A clinical trial assessed the effects of CoQ10 supplementation against moderate-to-severe heart failure. Patients received either CoQ10 or placebo over a two-year period.

Those taking 100 mg of CoQ10 three times daily had a remarkable 43% reduction in major cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or death, compared to the placebo group.¹⁰ Both groups were on standard drug therapy.

In another study, heart attack survivors were randomized to receive either CoQ10 or a low-potency vitamin placebo.

The group receiving 120 mg a day of CoQ10 for one year had reduced rates of total cardiac events by 45% and of nonfatal heart attacks by 46% compared to the placebo group.¹²

Statin drugs prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol further reduce coenzyme Q10 synthesis in the body. Those using a statin are often advised to supplement with CoQ10.^13,14

Brain Aging

Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to play a role in the development of brain-aging diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.^15,16

Studies show that CoQ10 may help protect as follows:

• In patients with early Parkinson’s disease, taking daily CoQ10 at a dosage of 1,200 mg/day led to 44% less functional decline than taking a placebo.¹⁷
• A study of patients with Huntington’s disease, a progressive brain disorder, found that subjects given 300 mg of CoQ10 twice daily for one year tended to have less cognitive decline than a placebo group.¹⁸
• In a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, CoQ10 decreased the amount of beta-amyloid, a protein that accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and improved the animals’ cognitive and behavioral performance.¹⁹

Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a driver of many different age-related chronic disorders.²⁰

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled clinical trials have concluded that CoQ10 supplementation can significantly lower inflammatory markers.^21,22

Another meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reported CoQ10 supplementation significantly lowers markers of inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome. The authors described the ability of CoQ10 to inhibit oxidative stress, while also improving blood sugar control and liver function.²³

Systemic Indicators of Reduced Aging

CoQ10 has demonstrated other benefits that include:

• Reducing wrinkles. A clinical trial showed that daily intake of CoQ10 (50 or 150 mg) significantly reduced skin wrinkles and improved skin smoothness compared with a placebo.⁴
• Enhancing physical performance. Men were assigned to take either CoQ10 (100 mg) or a placebo daily, then underwent fitness tests. Mean power was increased in those taking CoQ10 compared to a placebo.²⁴
• Improving lung function. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease, who took 90 mg of CoQ10 daily for two months showed improvements in heart rate and a measure of how well oxygen moves from the lungs to the blood during exercise,⁸ along with improvements in hypoxemia (low blood oxygen) at rest.
• In asthma patients, oral CoQ10 resulted in improvement in air flow.²⁵

Cellular Energy

Preclinical evidence has shown that CoQ10 is particularly promising for addressing a key aging factor: mitochondrial dysfunction.^1,3,5,26-28

The mitochondria are responsible for energy production in our cells.²⁹ Damage to these structures is a contributor to aging, playing a role in various age-related disorders and a shorter lifespan.^3,5,27

Some of this damage is caused by oxidative stress. CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress in cells.^1,26

Deficiency of CoQ10 is linked to increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction,³⁰ while oral CoQ10 intake has shown evidence of protecting against the progression of aging and development of age-related diseases.^1,4,9,12,28

CoQ10 slows common symptoms of aging, including decreased vitality, physical performance, and quality of life.

In a clinical trial, elderly participants received either a placebo or a combination of CoQ10 and selenium. Participants took 200 mg of CoQ10 and 200 mcg of selenium each day. Over four years, those taking the CoQ10-selenium showed improved health-related quality of life and more days out of the hospital.⁹

Summary

The nutrient CoQ10 has shown promise in preventing and slowing degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular events and brain aging.

It functions via multiple mechanisms to enhance mitochondria energy output while combating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

Together, these effects may help slow certain aging processes and reduce symptoms of aging.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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