In this week’s podcast, we discuss the nutritional supplement CoQ-10. CoQ-10 is a vital antioxidant in our body that is involved in numerous chemical reactions. Arguably, the most important of these jobs is its role as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain (ETC). Specifically, it’s involved in complex 1, 2 and 3 of the ETC. Complex 1 and Complex 3 are the sites in our bodies that produce the highest amounts of endogenous free radicals, more specifically, the free radical superoxide. These are created when electrons leak out of the ETC and react with the surrounding oxygen. So this is where the powerful antioxidant effects of CoQ-10 really shine and help our body deal with the oxidative stress created by our metabolism.

People who should really consider supplementing with CoQ-10 are people currently taking a statin. Statins prevent our bodies from synthesizing CoQ-10. 80% of the CoQ-10 in our bodies is synthesized by our body. Since it is such a large molecule, it is hard to absorb from the food we eat. Since statins block the body’s ability to create CoQ-10, one must supplement with it if one wants to take advantage of its beneficial properties.

The best form and most easily absorbed version of CoQ-10 to take is the reduced version, Ubiquinol. CoQ-10 is a large and fat soluble molecule, so try and find a supplement that is water soluble and pre-emulsified.

The recommended dose is anywhere from 100mg-3,000mg daily. This will depend on your particular metabolic needs. Most neurological conditions require a higher dose to help it cross the blood brain barrier more effectively. We recommend starting out on a low dose and slowly increasing it until you see a decrease in your particular symptoms.