You’ve heard the hype around coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). All your health-conscious friends are raving about coenzyme Q10 supplement’s benefits and have implemented it into their daily routines.
Before you follow suit, you want to find out more about the benefits of UK CoQ10 for yourself. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that can neutralise harmful free radicals. It’s naturally produced by the body and has become an increasingly popular supplement in the UK. This is thanks to coenzyme Q10 benefits like preventing migraines and treating congestive heart failure.
Read on to learn more about how CoQ10 works in the body, what it’s used for in the UK, how to use it and its many health benefits.
How does CoQ10 work in the body?
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant found in almost every cell in the body inside the mitochondria (the powerhouse of a cell). It’s used by your cells for growth and maintenance and plays a crucial role in mitochondrial energy production by making the antioxidant adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
The highest concentration of CoQ10 is found in organs that require a lot of energy to function, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. As you age, your body starts to produce less CoQ10, with levels starting to decline in the organs around the age of 20 and in the skin around the age of 30.
Thanks to its antioxidative properties, CoQ10 can reduce inflammation in the body, helping prevent health conditions like cancer and heart disease. It does this by fighting free radicals that damage cells and contribute to ageing.
CoQ10 can be found in food, like meat, fish and nuts, or taken as a supplement.
When it comes to how long coenzyme Q10 takes to work, research suggests it can start working as quickly as 2 weeks.
What is coenzyme q10 used for?
Coenzyme q10 benefits for fertility
One of the main reasons people supplement CoQ10 is for fertility. But how does coenzyme q10 help?
Research shows coenzyme Q10 has benefits for fertility, with one study showing improved egg health and higher fertilisation rates in women who receive CoQ10 supplements for 60+ days.
Another study shows that CoQ10 supplements can also help balance out oocyte (developing eggs) deficits, which can lead to infertility.
Supplementation also has positive effects on male fertility, helping to improve sperm movement, concentration and overall health in infertile men.
CoQ10 also plays a role in improving reproductive health by maintaining the energy levels needed for reproduction and improving egg quality. It does this by protecting them from the damaging effects of free radicals.
As CoQ10 levels naturally decline with age, it’s often recommended to those who are experiencing fertility problems to improve reproductive performance.
Coenzyme q10 benefits for skin
It’s well-known that coenzyme Q10 benefits the skin. You'll often find CoQ10 in various skin care products like creams and moisturisers. When applied topically, CoQ10 increases its levels within the deeper layers of the epidermis, helping cells stay energised and promoting skin cell repair.
CoQ10's potent antioxidant properties combat skin-damaging free radicals, a major cause of ageing. This not only helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but it also supports the production of collagen and elastin, leading to tighter, plumper and firmer skin for a more youthful appearance.
Studies even show that CoQ10 can reduce sun damage, protecting the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that can lead to premature skin ageing.
Coenzyme q10 benefits for the heart
Scientists have found incredible coenzyme Q10 benefits for the heart, especially when used in addition to other treatments. The antioxidant has been shown to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and even congestive heart failure.
It could also help the recovery process in those who’ve undergone heart valve or bypass surgeries, with research indicating that it can lower the incidence of arrhythmias during the recovery phase and strengthen heart function.
One study in people with moderate to severe heart failure showed a 42% reduced risk of having a major adverse cardiovascular event and a 43% decreased risk for heart-related deaths with daily CoQ10 supplementation.
Another discovered that those who took daily supplements within three days of a heart attack were less likely to have a second heart attack.
Lastly, CoQ10 can also protect the heart against damage from chemotherapy drugs. However, more research is needed as some findings are mixed.
Can coenzyme q10 help with weight loss?
While taking coenzyme Q10 doesn’t seem to affect weight loss directly, it does support energy production, helping you to lose fat by powering through your workouts.
Animal studies found that CoQ10 improves fat metabolism and prevents obesity by improving insulin sensitivity, but the effects in humans aren’t entirely clear. It also helps prevent fat accumulation by stimulating the enzyme AMPK, preventing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Coenzyme q10 benefits for migraines
Mitochondrial dysfunction can play a crucial role in migraines. As CoQ10 is primarily active in the mitochondria, it can help treat migraines, with one study showing that the antioxidant more than halved the frequency of attacks in participants.
Another study showed that CoQ10 could also make migraines and headaches shorter and less severe with no side effects. That means it can be a great natural preventative compared to prescription medications.
How to use and get the most out of CoQ10
Take your health into your own hands and experience the wide range of coenzyme Q10 supplement benefits by incorporating it into your health and wellness routine.
A high-quality supplement is essential for effective use. For example, when it comes to CoQ10, look for supplements with ubiquinone on the packaging to ensure you get the most advanced and active form.
As CoQ10 is fat-soluble, you should also ideally take your CoQ10 supplement with a fat-containing meal so your body can absorb it more easily.
CoQ10 is considered safe but it has been noted that it can interact with some medications and shouldn’t be taken if you’re on blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs or antidepressants.
As with any supplement, you should avoid taking high doses and always talk to your local GP or healthcare provider first if you’re taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications.
For a high-quality CoQ10 supplement that you can trust, check out Novomins Co-Q10 Gummies. Our 60 day supply of CoQ10 ubiquinone formula is packed with powerful ingredients, including omega 3, vitamins B3 and C and zinc, making it a higher-strength formula compared to anything else you can get on the high street.
Formulated by doctors using high-quality ingredients, these low-sugar gummies come in a tasty orange flavour and are free from artificial additives, colours and preservatives for a health-boosting, guilt-free treat.
What dose of CoQ10 is most beneficial?
Depending on your chosen supplement, doses will vary and depend on what you want to treat.
While the exact dose that’s most beneficial for you will vary according to your age, health and any specific health conditions, standard daily doses range between 60 and 500 mg. The highest recommended dose is 1,200 mg — although doses as high as 3,000 mg have also been used in clinical trials.
Coenzyme q10 30 mg benefits
For adults over 30, 30-200 mg is often recommended as a starting dose to maintain levels as the body’s ability to make CoQ10 declines slowly with age. Other factors contributing to CoQ10’s decline include poor diet and lifestyle habits, like smoking and stress.
A daily CoQ10 dose of 30-200 mg is also recommended for those taking statin medications, which lower cholesterol. While the drug is usually well-tolerated, it can cause muscle pain, and research shows that CoQ10 reduces muscle pain in those taking the medication.
Coenzyme q10 300 mg benefits
Although there is no established minimum or maximum effective dose, 200 mg is often recommended for supporting heart health, and daily doses of 100 to 400 mg have been used in cardiac trials. Likewise, one review of 13 studies found that even a 100 mg daily dose of CoQ10 improved blood flow in people with heart failure.
People with diabetes may benefit from a daily dose of 100-300 mg, as CoQ10 has been found to improve diabetes symptoms by regulating blood sugar levels and improving insulin resistance.
One study found that those taking even 100 mg a day over a 12-week period significantly reduced blood sugar and oxidative stress.
A daily CoQ10 dose of 200-300 mg per day has also been shown to improve sperm health in men, and a dose of 300-400 mg can be particularly effective for treating migraines.
Coenzyme q10 600mg benefits
Scientists have used higher CoQ10 doses of 600 mg up to as much as 3,000 mg in neurodegenerative trials. This is the case for one study which compared the effects of 1,200 and 2,400 mg doses when looking at the effects of CoQ10 in Parkinson's disease.
A higher dose of 100-600 mg can also help boost fertility in women by improving embryo quality and the ovarian response in young women with a decreased ovarian reserve.
Does coenzyme q10 have side effects?
Coenzyme Q10 is usually well tolerated by most people.
While it is unusual, it can also cause an allergic skin rash and mild insomnia in some people, so it's generally best to take your CoQ10 in the morning or the afternoon.
Anyone with low blood pressure should also check it carefully, as CoQ10 is known to lower it. If your blood pressure drops and you feel very dizzy and weak or are experiencing a strong allergic reaction, stop taking your CoQ10 supplements and call your local GP immediately.
Conclusion: is coenzyme q10 worth taking?
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. It’s naturally found in the body, with the highest levels seen in organs that use the most energy, like the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
CoQ10 vitamin benefits include protecting cells from oxidative damage. It also supports heart, fertility and skin health and can even help prevent migraines.
As our CoQ10 levels naturally deplete with age, supplementation in adults around the age of 30 is recommended to combat the effects of ageing and for overall health.
For a 2 month supply of high-quality and high-strength source of CoQ10, check out Novomins Co-Q10 Gummies. Formulated with added vitamin C and omega-3, our gummies have a higher strength formula than most other high street supplements and come in a delicious orange flavour and easy-to-take format.
Plus, the results speak for themselves! With 4.7 out of 5-star reviews, our happy customers have noticed an improvement in their overall health.
Coenzyme q10 benefits FAQs
What happens when you take CoQ10 every day?
CoQ10 is known for its many health benefits, including heart health, preventing migraines, boosting fertility and aiding weight loss.
The powerful antioxidant is also known for its skin benefits, fighting skin-damaging free radicals and reducing signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles. It also supports collagen and elastin production, keeping skin tighter, plumper and firmer for a more youthful appearance.
Is there any downside to taking CoQ10?
While CoQ10 supplements are generally well tolerated and aren't associated with any serious side effects, they can cause an upset stomach, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite, as well as insomnia in some people.
CoQ10 can also interact with certain medications and shouldn't be taken by those who are blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs or antidepressants.
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