What is coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, also called “ubiquinone“, is a molecule produced naturally by the body. It is found throughout the body, particularly in the heart, kidneys, cells, and the mucous membranes of the stomach.
Essential for energy production, it helps toreduce fatigue. It also contributes to improved physical performance.
It is also an antioxidant molecule that fightsagainst free radicals and prevents the damage they cause. It protects against certain diseases related to aging and cognitive decline.
Finally, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and benefits for heart function.
Age, illness, or taking medications can reduce the body’s production of coenzyme Q10. It may then be necessary tosupplement by taking a dietary supplement.
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Some foods, such as canola oil, fatty fish and oilseeds, are also good sources of coenzyme Q10.
How does it act on cholesterol?
It balances blood cholesterol levels
Coenzyme Q10 helps maintain balanced levels of HDL cholesterol (or “good cholesterol “) and LDL cholesterol (or ” bad cholesterol “). Thus, it prevents hypercholesterolemia, which results in excessively high blood cholesterol levels.
Thanks to its antioxidant action, it reduces LDL peroxidation (low-density lipoproteins), as shown by this study. This process is the cause of bad cholesterol and related diseases.
It prevents diseases related to hypercholesterolemia
Coenzyme Q10 reduces symptoms and protects against diseases related to hypercholesterolemia. It can help prevent hypertension, blood vessel stiffness, and atherosclerosis.
This study showed that supplementation prevents the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries, thereby preventing atherosclerosis.
It reduces the side effects of lipid-lowering medications
La prise de coenzyme Q10 peut permettre de réduire les effets indésirables de certains médicaments hypolipémiants ou « anti-cholestérol ».
This is particularly the case with statins, which, in addition to decreasing the body’s natural synthesis of Q10, cause fatigue and muscle pain.
Thus, in this study, taking coenzyme Q10 reduced muscle pain (myopathies) in patients on statins.
