Coenzyme Q10 is considered an "energy coenzyme." Why? We want to ask Uwe Gröber that and more in this interview. Uwe Gröber is one of Germany’s most important micronutrient experts. His research focus includes micronutrient medicine, prevention, and metabolic optimization (metabolic tuning). In addition, he deals with the interactions between drugs and micronutrients.
Why is Q10 referred to as an “energy coenzyme”?
Micronutrient expert Uwe Gröber:
Coenzyme Q10 plays a crucial role in energy production within the power plants of our cells, the mitochondria. All organ functions are therefore dependent on the presence of this fat-soluble antioxidant.
Q10 is an antioxidant
What exactly does that mean?
Micronutrient expert Uwe Gröber:
Only when sufficient coenzyme Q10 is present in our body are the cells able to produce the energy necessary for all metabolic processes. Regardless of whether carbohydrates, proteins, or fats are being burned for energy (ATP), oxygen is required in every case. And coenzyme Q10 transports that to the mitochondria. As a regulating component of the first three mitochondrial enzyme complexes, it occupies a central position in the entire energy metabolism and is therefore also known as an "energy coenzyme."
Q10 is disrupted by cholesterol-lowering drugs
Why is Q10 mentioned so often when taking medication, for example, when taking cholesterol-lowering drugs?
Micronutrient expert Uwe Gröber:
An undesirable side effect of statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs is the inhibition of the body's own coenzyme Q10 production. Cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 are both derived from the common building block mevalonate. This is formed from the starting substance HMG-CoA with the help of the cholesterol synthesis enzyme. Because statins like simvastatin inhibit cholesterol synthesis by blocking the cholesterol synthesis enzyme, the production of this vital substance is also cut off. The disruption of the coenzyme Q10 balance caused by statins has been clearly demonstrated in a number of clinical studies on patients with cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 should generally also be supplemented during therapy with cholesterol-lowering drugs.
For whom is supplementation with Q10 or QH suitable?
Micronutrient expert Uwe Gröber:
Since the early 1980s, numerous clinical studies with coenzyme Q10 have been conducted that have demonstrated a preventative and therapeutic effect in a wide variety of diseases. These include, above all, cardiovascular diseases (for example, heart failure), cancer (especially breast cancer), migraines, periodontal diseases, and Parkinson's disease. Incidentally, competitive athletes can also benefit from this cellular fuel.
• Would you like to know more about the energy coenzyme and its bioactive form, QH? You can read more here.
• Do you want to learn more about our health products with Q10 and QH? You will find what you are looking for here.
