What Are Coenzymes?

Coenzymes, sometimes called cosubstrates, are organic nonprotein cofactors that help enzymes drive chemical reactions in the body. Coenzymes are not enzymes—they are simply small molecules that loosely attach themselves to an inactive enzyme, called an apoenzyme. Not all enzymes require cofactors to perform their chemical reactions.

The relationship between coenzymes and enzymes is a bit like that between lock and key. The apoenzyme is the lock, and the coenzyme is the key. Only certain keys (coenzymes) will fit certain locks, the active site on apoenzymes in this metaphor. The unique fit of the active sites on apoenzymes ensures only the correct coenzymes will fit and work.

CoQ10 is a compound made by your body and stored in the mitochondria of your cells.

The mitochondria are in charge of producing energy. They also protect cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses.

CoQ10 production decreases as you age. Thus, older people seem to be deficient in this compound.

CoQ10 seems to help treat heart failure by improving heart function, increasing ATP production and limiting oxidative damage.

2. It Could Help With Fertility

The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 could help improve sperm quality and reduce the decline in the number and quality of eggs in women.

3. It Might Help Keep Your Skin Young

When applied directly to the skin, CoQ10 can reduce sun damage and increase antioxidant protection. Supplementing with CoQ10 may also help decrease the risk of skin cancer.

4. It Could Reduce Headaches

Supplementing with CoQ10 seems to help prevent and treat migraines, as it increases mitochondrial function and reduces inflammation.

5. It Could Help With Exercise Performance

Exercise performance can be affected by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. CoQ10 can help lower oxidative damage, promote exercise capacity and decrease fatigue.

6. It Could Help With Diabetes

Supplementing with CoQ10 can help increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar levels.

7. It Might Play a Role in Cancer Prevention

CoQ10 plays a critical role in the protection of cell DNA and cell survival, both of which are strongly linked to cancer prevention and recurrence.

8. It Is Good for the Brain

CoQ10 has been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative damage and reduce the action of harmful compounds that can lead to brain disease.

9. CoQ10 Could Protect the Lungs

CoQ10 can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation that results in diseases of the lungs.

Which Foods are Rich in CoQ10?

• Organ meats: Heart, liver and kidney
• Some muscle meats: Pork, beef and chicken
• Fatty fish: Trout, herring, mackerel and sardine
• Vegetables: Spinach, cauliflower and broccoli
• Fruit: Oranges and strawberries
• Legumes: Soybeans, lentils and peanuts
• Nuts and seeds: Sesame seeds and pistachios
• Oils: Soybean and canola oil