Vitamin Q10Vitamin Q10 is more commonly known as either Coenzyme Q or CoQ-10, or among scientists as ubiquinone or ubiquinol. It is structurally related to both vitamin K and vitamin E, and is technically a biologically active quinine with an isoprenoid side chain. Reducing it in the mitochondria may result in a free radical.
Biochemically, vitamin Q10 can be found in membranes of endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, lysosomes, vesicles, and the inner membrane of the mitochondria, playing a critical role in the electron-transport chain that ensures equal and sufficient nutrition to all organelles and structures in the cell. In this role, it acts as a critical antioxidant. In addition to its antioxidant abilities, it is a critical link in forming apoptosome and other adapter proteins that keep mitochondria from breaking down.
For these reasons, vitamin Q10 is often used as a dietary supplement in the form of CoQ-10 tablets. It is especially useful to sick and elderly people, who may not make enough Q10 to supply their bodies. It is also used for migraine headaches, and has been effective in treating some people. People suffering from metabolic disorders take it as well, in conjunction with other substances. It may help with cancer treatment side effects and even with some cancers. In cardiac arrest, the immediate administration of Q10 in conjunction with cooling shows some survival benefit, and it seems to protect the brain from some diseases and injuries, like Parkinson’s and stroke.
Interestingly, vitamin Q10 shares an uptake pathway with cholesterol, raising questions about their interaction. More importantly, this means that cholesterol-lowering medications may affect the body’s use of vitamin Q10 as well. It may be wise to take CoQ-10 supplements if you are currently on statins or related medications.
Web Resources On Vitamin Q10
Introduction to Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10
Book Resources On Vitamin Q10The Coenzyme Q10 Phenomenon by Stephen T. Sinatra
Effect of the Supplemental Use of Antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer by Paul G. Shekelle
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