What Is Coenzyme Q10 Used For? -- An Overview
Coenzyme Q10 (
CoQ10) is essential for human life. However, this does not mean that everyone needs to take supplements. For most people, the body is capable of producing all the coenzyme Q10 that it needs, and no additional supplementation is necessary. However, some medical conditions seem to be associated with low coenzyme Q10 levels, and these levels also seem to decline as people age. As a result,
coenzyme Q10 supplements may be necessary for people who have various medical conditions, as well as for maintaining youthfulness.
Coenzyme Q10 has been studied for a variety of uses. In fact, it seems like researchers have studied coenzyme Q10 for just about everything. In these studies, coenzyme Q10 was shown to be beneficial for the following uses:
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 for Coenzyme Q10 Deficiencies
Some people do not produce enough coenzyme Q10 (unrelated to other medical conditions). This type of condition is rare and is usually genetic. Supplements may help people who have this type of condition by providing the coenzyme Q10 that the body does not make.
It is also thought that some prescription drugs (especially "
statin"
cholesterol drugs) can deplete coenzyme Q10 levels. This depletion may contribute to the muscle problems associated with statin medications. Some studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 may prevent or treat muscle problems due to statins, although other studies have shown conflicting and inconclusive results. At this point, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend that everyone taking a statin medication also take coenzyme Q10 supplements.
