Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring, vitamin-like substance with multiple functions relevant to cardiovascular health. It is a lipid-soluble cofactor that helps transfer electrons in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It also functions as a cell membrane-protecting antioxidant. Your body naturally produces CoQ10, and your cells use it for growth and maintenance.
How CoQ10 Benefits the Heart
- Reduces Oxidative Stress Supplementation with CoQ10 can lower oxidative stress, which is a marker of mortality in heart failure. CoQ10‘s redox activity enables it to act as a membrane antioxidant. Its antioxidant properties also help recycle other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
- Helps with Heart Failure Symptoms: Long-term CoQ10 therapy has been shown to improve heart failure symptoms and reduce major adverse cardiovascular events.
- Improves Endothelial Function: Supplementation with CoQ10 like Q-Rizm can result in significant improvement in arterial endothelial function in patients with and without cardiovascular disease.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: it also may assist in lowering blood pressure, though results have been conflicting.
- Reduces Inflammation: CoQ10 has a direct effect on genes involved in inflammation and lipid metabolism.
Other Benefits of CoQ10
- Reduces Muscle Pain: it can alleviate pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in individuals with fibromyalgia.
- Reduces Headaches: CoQ10 can reduce the chances of recurrent headaches and migraine episodes.
