Science-based reasons to start taking a CoQ10 supplement
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a crucial compound that helps us make energy and protects us from harm. Unfortunately, your body may not be producing enough of it on its own to reap the benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about CoQ10, and why you should really be taking it as a supplement (especially if you’re over the age of 40).
TL;DR: Should I take a CoQ10 supplement?
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an essential compound for producing energy and fighting off cell damage from oxidative stress. Your body makes CoQ10 on its own, but production decreases as you age, and you may not be able to get enough extra CoQ10 from food sources alone. If you struggle with your energy levels, want to support your heart health, and/or are over the age of 40, taking a CoQ10 supplement like you can find in SFH’s RECOVER Whey Protein is a great way to support your body’s natural cell functions!
What is CoQ10?
You probably learned in middle school biology that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Well, CoQ10 (which is also known as ubiquinone) is a vital part of what makes that statement true! It’s an essential coenzyme that helps activate the creation of energy (or ATP) in the mitochondria from the foods you eat.
CoQ10 is also a very powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, which is in turn linked to serious chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive diseases.
Where is CoQ10 found?
Your body makes CoQ10 on its own. It’s found in virtually every cell in your body, but the majority of this coenzyme is stored in the cells in your heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles.
Unfortunately, your production levels begin to decrease as you get older – even beginning as early as your twenties! You might also produce less CoQ10 under certain health conditions. For example, people who take statins, which are drugs that manage high cholesterol levels, tend to produce lower levels of CoQ10. CoQ10 insufficiencies are also strongly linked to heart disease: in fact, an estimated 3 out of 4 patients with heart disease have low levels of CoQ10!
Because of this, you can increase your CoQ10 levels by eating certain foods that contain CoQ10 like fatty fish, organ meat, and nuts. Unfortunately, dietary sources on their own might not be enough to significantly increase your CoQ10 levels, and this can be a serious problem if you’re prone to producing less CoQ10 than you really need to optimize your energy and support your heart health.
Q: SHOULD I BE SUPPLEMENTING WITH CoQ10?
A: Because your body produces less and less CoQ10 as you age (and since food sources might not be enough to bolster your levels to where they need to be), using a CoQ10 supplement is a great way to give your cellular energy a boost. Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplements come with a variety of potential benefits, especially when it comes to health issues and conditions related to aging! CoQ10 supplements can:
- Support heart health by fighting oxidative stress from free radicals and lowering high blood pressure
- Boost brain health by preventing or slowing down the onset of neurodegenerative diseases
It could also be a solution for fighting fatigue and brain fog from the inside out and supporting your total energy levels. CoQ10 is often used as a nootropic, or “smart drug,” since it can increase focus and combat fatigue without the jitters and anxiety that can come with an extra cup of coffee. This same energizing benefit also makes it a great complement to your workout routine!
So if you are over the age of 40, battling a chronic condition, like heart disease, or even just looking for an intrinsic solution to your flagging energy levels and brain fog, CoQ10 supplements could be part of the answer.
When should I take CoQ10?
CoQ10 can be taken any time of the day, including right when you wake up or before hitting a workout to give yourself a burst of natural energy. You can even use CoQ10 supplements before bedtime since, unlike stimulants like caffeine, they won’t keep you awake.
No matter when you choose to take it, though, it’s best to pair it with a meal for the best absorption since CoQ10 is fat-soluble. You’ll also want to check in with a doctor before starting supplements of any kind: while CoQ10 supplementation is generally safe, it can potentially lower your blood sugar and/or blood pressure, which could present some complications. You’ll also want to make sure that it doesn’t interact with any other medications you might be taking.
SFH Products with CoQ10
CoQ10 can be found in SFH Recover Whey Protein
RECOVER WHEY PROTEIN
This whey protein formulation contains four additional supplementation packages. CoQ10 contributes to the heart health and energy support package. We believe anyone above the age of 40 should be supplementing with CoQ10 and this product is perfect for them.
SHOP RECOVERMeet the Author
Erica Digap is a science-minded copywriter specializing in evidence-based nutrition science, fitness, and health content. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from the University of California, Davis, and working as a consultant and director in the corporate diet industry for many years, she decided to set forth and use her experience and expertise to inspire readers to make lasting, healthy lifestyle changes – one nutritious meal and workout at a time.
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