Section G: Other Ingredients

Coenzyme Q₁₀

INTRODUCTION

SOURCE

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is a fat-soluble compound found in all cells in the lipophilic portion of the cell membrane. It is the only lipid-soluble antioxidant synthesized endogenously and, as such, is not a vitamin.² CoQ₁₀ acts as a cofactor in numerous biological processes and contributes to the electron transfer chain responsible for energy production, playing an essential role for electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (Table 57-1).³ CoQ₁₀ is thought to contribute 95 percent of the body’s adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or energy needs.⁴ It also plays a critical role in endogenous free radical scavenging.¹ In addition to its natural presence in human cells, CoQ₁₀ can be obtained through the diet, with fish and shellfish known to be good sources. As a supplement, the recommended oral dose is 90 to 150 mg daily, though some doctors recommend 200 to 400 mg daily. CoQ₁₀ has a caffeine-like effect and therefore supplements should be taken in the morning to prevent insomnia.

HISTORY

CoQ₁₀ and related compounds have, as Hoppe et al. suggested, developed with biological evolution through millions of years.⁵ It is now known to be widely distributed among humans and animals.⁶ But CoQ₁₀ was first discovered by Crane et al. in 1957, when they identified and isolated the compound from beef heart mitochondria.⁷ The chemical structure was subsequently determined and Peter Mitchell elucidated the role of CoQ₁₀ in oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain in 1961, work for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1978.⁸ A great deal of the literature since that period, and stemming from seminal work by Folkers and Littarru in 1972 on the role of CoQ₁₀ deficiency in human heart ...