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Many studies have revealed many uses of Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q-10) for the holistic health of people. So what does coenzyme q10 do, how does it work, let's find the answer through the article below.
1. What is Coenzyme q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as Co Q-10), is a compound that helps create energy in your cells. The human body produces CoQ10 naturally, but production tends to decrease with age. Fortunately, we can actively supplement CoQ10 through supplements or food.
Certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, brain disorders, diabetes and cancer are strongly associated with low CoQ10. Some causes of Co Q-10 deficiency include:
Nutrient deficiencies, eg vitamin B6 deficiency. Genetic defects occur during the synthesis or utilization of Co Q-10. Increased demands of tissues as a result of certain mitochondrial diseases. Oxidative stress due to aging process. Side effects of statin therapy.
2. What does Coenzyme q10 do?
Research has shown that CoQ10 plays several important roles in the human body, for example:
Creates Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and participates in energy transfer in cells. Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. The highest concentrations of Coenzyme q10 are found in the organs with the greatest energy needs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys). Here are 9 ways that Coenzyme q10 affects the body:
2.1. Treatment of heart failure
Heart failure is often the result of other heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to increased oxidative damage and inflammation of the veins, inflammation of the arteries, making it impossible for the heart to regularly contract, relax, or pump blood around the body.
However, many studies have shown that Co Q-10 can reduce oxidative damage and improve cardiovascular function, thereby supporting the treatment of heart failure.
2.2. Fertility Support
Over time, female fertility declines due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs. Co Q-10 is also involved and plays an important role in this process. As you age, CoQ10 production slows down making your body less effective at protecting eggs from oxidation. At this point, supplementation with CoQ10 will be very helpful and may even reverse age-related decline in egg quality and quantity.
Likewise, male sperm is also susceptible to the effects of oxidation, which can lead to decreased sperm count, poor sperm quality, and infertility. Several studies have concluded that Co Q-10 supplementation can improve sperm quality, activity, and concentration by increasing antioxidant capacity.
Coenzyme q10 trong mỹ phẩm giữ làn da trẻ trung
2.3. Keep your skin young
Skin is the largest organ in the body and is constantly exposed to harmful agents that cause skin aging. These agents can be internal (cell damage, hormonal imbalance) or external (environmental agents such as UV rays, sunlight...). Harmful factors can lead to reduced moisture levels in the skin, thinning of the skin's layers, and reduced resistance to environmental aggressors.
Applying Co Q-10 directly to the skin can reduce damage from internal and external aggressors by increasing energy production in skin cells, promoting antioxidant protection.
In fact, Co Q-10, if applied directly to the skin, reduces oxidative damage caused by UV rays and reduces the depth of wrinkles. That's why we see Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics so popular.
Also, people with low Co Q-10 levels seem to be more likely to get skin cancer.
2.4. Reduce headaches
When mitochondria have abnormal problems, it can lead to increased calcium absorption by cells, excessive production of free radicals and decreased antioxidant capacity. This can lead to brain cells lacking energy and migraines. Because CoQ10 lives mainly in the mitochondria of cells, it has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and help reduce inflammation in migraines.
2.5. Increase exercise performance
Oxidative stress can affect muscle function and exercise performance. Similarly, impaired mitochondrial function can reduce muscle energy, making it difficult for muscles to contract effectively and prolong exercise. Co Q-10 may help with exercise efficiency by reducing oxidative stress in cells and improving mitochondrial functions.
In fact, one study tried to evaluate the effects of Co Q-10 on physical performance. Those who supplemented with 1,200 mg of CoQ10 daily for 60 days showed strong reductions in oxidative stress. Furthermore, supplementing with CoQ10 can help increase strength during exercise and reduce fatigue, thereby improving exercise performance.
2.6.Support treatment of diabetes
Oxidative stress can cause cell damage, leading to metabolic diseases like diabetes. If there is a problem with the mitochondria, it can also lead to insulin resistance. Co Q-10 has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
CoQ10 supplementation can also help increase blood CoQ10 levels by up to 3 times in people with diabetes, or in normal people with low CoQ10 levels. In addition, one study showed that people with type 2 diabetes taking CoQ10 supplements for 12 weeks significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C within 2-3 months. Finally, Co Q-10 may help prevent diabetes by stimulating the breakdown of fats and reducing the accumulation of fat cells that lead to obesity or type 2 diabetes.
2.7. Support cancer prevention
Oxidation is what causes cell damage and affects their inherent functions. If your body can't fight oxidation effectively, the structure of your cells is at risk of damage, which can increase your risk of cancer. However, many studies have demonstrated that CoQ10 can protect cells from oxidative stress and promote cellular energy production, promote immune system health and even reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
CoQ10 bảo vệ tế bào khỏi stress oxy hóa và thúc đẩy sản xuất năng lượng tế bào
2.8. Good for the brain
Mitochondria are the main energy-generating parts of brain cells, and mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. Overall dysfunction of the mitochondria can cause the death of brain cells and diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Unfortunately, the brain has a high fatty acid content and high oxygen demand, making it very vulnerable to oxidative damage. Oxidative damage increases the production of harmful compounds that affect memory, cognition, and physical functions. However, Co Q-10 can reduce these harmful compounds, slowing the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
2.9. Protect the lungs
Of all the organs, the lungs are the most exposed to oxygen making them very vulnerable to oxidative damage. Increased oxidative damage in the lungs, poor antioxidant capacity of the body, including low CoQ10 levels, can lead to lung diseases such as: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One study demonstrated that Co Q-10 supplementation reduced inflammation in people with asthma, as well as the need for steroid drug therapy in these conditions.
Co Q-10 is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble compound with numerous health benefits. Co Q-10 production declines with age so adults of all ages benefit from it. Whether you consume a lot of foods high in CoQ10 or take a supplement, CoQ10 can benefit your health.
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References: healthline.com, webmd.com
