CoQ10 is essential for cell energy. Our cells, tissues and organs cannot survive without it. CoQ10 exists within every single living cell of our body, where it plays a vital role in the process of energy production for that cell.

The more CoQ10 we have in our body, the more energy we can produce.

CoQ10 helps all body functions. It increases tissue oxygenation and energy production, aids circulation, stimulates immunity, improves mental alertness and has potent anti-ageing effects.

We obtain most of our CoQ10 from our diet, and oily fish such as salmon, trout and mackerel are a particularly good source.

Meat, eggs, nuts, spinach and broccoli are also rich in this high-energy nutrient. We also produce some CoQ10 ourselves within our liver.

We may become lacking in CoQ10 if we don’t eat enough, or if our liver does not produce enough, or if our tissues are using more.

Exercise, for example, greatly increases the demands for CoQ10 within our muscle cells. The amount of CoQ10 we naturally produce within our body naturally declines with age, from 40 onwards.

The elderly (over 50) are particularly susceptible to low levels of this important energising and anti-ageing nutrient.

Statins, the drug group commonly prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels, also reduce CoQ10 levels.

Statins work within the liver to block the production of harmful cholesterol. They also block the production of CoQ10 within the liver at the same time, so taking statins can and often does reduce CoQ10 levels.

This may cause statin-induced myalgia, where the sufferer experiences generalised muscle pain, breathlessness and fatigue.

This is a well documented side effect of statins, and the effects can be dramatically reduced by supplementing CoQ10 alongside the statin medication.

CoQ10 may be taken as a supplement and it’s difficult to say who wouldn’t benefit from taking it. Certainly, those taking statins, the elderly, asthmatics, smokers and those suffering from low-energy conditions such as ME, fibromyalgia and polymyalgia immediately spring to mind.

Anyone suffering from heart disease will also benefit from increased CoQ10 levels. The heart is the hardest-working organ of the human body and its cells utilise more CoQ10 than any other cells.

CoQ10 supplementation has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of congestive heart failure, angina and raised blood pressure.

There are significant benefits to be gained from CoQ10 supplementation by those who train hard.

Increased and easier energy production within muscle cells due to raised CoQ10 levels will benefit both cardio and strength training.

Supplementing with CoQ10 also provides important protection for the muscle cells of the heart when working under the increased pressure of training.

A downside of intensive training is the release of a lot of harmful free radicals into the blood stream. These dangerous chemicals leave us much more susceptible to injury and also contribute significantly to the ageing process within our body.

The potent antioxidant properties of CoQ10 will help reduce the harmful effects of this free radical damage.

CoQ10 can also help with weight loss, especially when exercise is part of the process. The more CoQ10 exercising muscle cells have available to them, the more sugar and fat they are able to burn.

This in turn releases more energy for training, so training becomes easier and more efficient, and more fat can be burned more easily.

This whole process becomes an increasing beneficial cycle in the process of losing weight.

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance and has no unwanted side effects within the body. CoQ10 supplementation is a great way to energise your body and protect your overall health.

It may be taken safely alongside most prescribed medicines. People who take thyroid medication or strong anticoagulants, such as warfarin, should consult their GP before taking CoQ10.