What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 is a natural fat-soluble antioxidant found in all cells as part of the electron transport chain responsible for energy production.
It is present in cells and is produced by the body. Also in nuts, meat and fish, although in insufficient quantities to regulate body levels.
Like most organic elements, coenzyme Q10 reduces its presence in our body over the years.
What is a coenzyme?
This part is complex and really difficult to understand without a high knowledge base in this subject.
For simplicity, coenzymes are non-protein organic cofactors (chemical compounds). Cofactors are necessary to catalyze the activity of an enzyme.
Some vitamins such as B1, B2 or B3 and/or their derivatives can act as enzymes.
Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics
As an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 acts by helping to diminish the effects of time and those generated by photoaging.
This is because it stimulates collagen production, which in turn helps to improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Coenzyme Q10 medicine
In case of coenzyme Q10 insufficiency, problems may occur due to the energy reduction generated. Thus, we may encounter heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases, among others.
There are numerous studies and research supporting the use of this coenzyme to improve heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, migraines and even cancer.
Although it is not considered a drug, supplementation with this coenzyme, which, in principle, has no side effects, is available for sale. In any case, it is advisable not to use it without medical supervision.
Due to the repercussion that this coenzyme generated a few years ago, due to its alleged benefits, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a report in 2012 in which it denied that it improves energy performance, blood pressure and others.
