What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), 2,3
dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone, or ubiquinone
(meaning 'ubiquitous quinone') is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like
substance. It is found naturally in foods and synthesized in
nearly every tissue of the human body.
CoQ10 is biosynthesized from tyrosine in a multi-stage process
which requires at least eight vitamins (vitamin B12, vitamin B3,
vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid)
and multiple trace elements. The
relative contribution of biosynthesis versus dietary intake of the
enzyme is not known. 
How does it work?
Biological chemical reactions require helper substances called
enzymes. Enzymes are protein molecules, some of which require a mineral or
non-protein organic chemical, called a coenzyme, to function properly. CoQ10 is a cofactor that is required for larger and
more complex enzymes to function.
The production of energy from food and oxygen requires many
different enzymes and coenzymes. The process takes place in tiny factories called
mitochondria (a subcellular structure). CoQ10 is found within the
mitochondria in electron transport chains (complexes I, II, and III). It has several functions,
including acting as a cofactor for NADH-Q reductase. Within the electron
transport chains, electrons flow between different molecules to produce ATP
molecules (the basic chemical energy unit) in a process called oxidative
phosphorylation. This role of CoQ10
makes it vital to the respiratory chain and production of ATP.
Along with its function in energy production, CoQ10
in its reduced form also
functions as a potent antioxidant and prevents lipid peroxidation. An antioxidant is a substance which can
combine with or neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are produced in
the body during cellular metabolism and also under various stress and disease
conditions. Free radicals can damage cell membranes and lead to
significant pathology.
Finally, CoQ10 is an indirect stabilizer of calcium channels,
protecting against calcium overload.
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