What is the importance of Coenzyme Q10 to healthy aging?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a cellular energy nutrient—a nutrient that energizes every single cell within the body. Without CoQ10 not a single human cell would function. Another name for CoQ10 is ubiquinone—it is ubiquitous, found in every cell. An analogy I like to use is to look at the body as a car. It has millions and millions of cells, and each cell has a motor. The fuel that runs the “motor” in each cell is CoQ10.

The Mayo Clinic agrees CoQ10 is necessary for the basic functioning of cells; early studies suggest benefits from CoQ10 supplementation in lowering blood pressure; helping age-related macular degeneration; slowing down dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease; reducing angina and improving exercise tolerance in people with clogged heart arteries; improving symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome; aiding in the treatment of Parkinson's disease; decreasing the rate of stage I and II melanoma recurrence in patients with surgically removed lesions; and improving exercise capacity, heart function, muscle fiber development, and overall quality of life in patients with muscular dystrophy.

CoQ10 levels are reported to decrease with age. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels. This is a major issue as evidence suggests all of the “statin” drugs used to treat high cholesterol deplete the body of CoQ10.  It is critically important for patients to take CoQ10 when they are on statins. Other medications that can deplete CoQ10 include anti-diabetes drugs, antidepressant medications such as Zoloft and Prozac, and some or all of the heart and blood pressure medications.  Ironically, 225mg of CoQ10 taken daily has shown to be an effective treatment for many patients with essential hypertension (high blood pressure).

CoQ10 can be gotten as a cream and used topically, or used internally. If used topically, it’s as an anti-aging anti-wrinkle cream. If used internally, it is a very potent antioxidant, one of the most powerful antioxidants out there.

There are definite variations of product quality. One of the best brands is called CoQClear 100 from NuMedica, a supplier of supplements that are truly medical grade.  The vast majority of CoQ10 supplements are absorbed very poorly by the body once swallowed.  NuMedica’s CoQClear 100 is special product that is crystal-free ubiquinone that is made into nano-particles and then placed in a clear capsule, suspended in oil which improves absorption.  This is achieved through a patented process that produces the most absorbable CoQ10 supplement on the market having 1200% greater absorption than some more inferior brands although these may be less expensive that CoQClear 100.  Cheaper?  Yes.  Absorbable and effective?  No.

Ask one of the expertly-trained pharmacists at Partell Specialty Pharmacy about CoQClear 100 from NuMedica or any item from the pharmaceutical-grade supplements they carry.

Robert Seik, PharmD, FAARFM, RKC
CEO - Partell Specialty Pharmacy

Robert Seik is a Doctor of Pharmacy and principal owner of Partell Specialty Pharmacy. He managed research trials for biotechnology companies during a ten year career in the pharmaceutical industry. Robert is now a functional medicine specialist, trained in the areas of hormone replacement and nutritional medicine.  Robert is a fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.