Coenzyme Q10 supplementation - In ageing and disease

Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It is also an antioxidant in cellular membranes and lipoproteins. All cells produce CoQ(10) by a specialized cytoplasmatic-mitochondrial pathway. CoQ(10) deficiency can result from genetic failure or ageing. Some drugs including statins, widely used by inter alia elderly, may inhibit endogenous CoQ(10) synthesis. There are also chronic diseases with lower levels of CoQ(10) in tissues and organs. High doses of CoQ(10) may increase both circulating and intracellular levels, but there are conflicting results regarding bioavailability. Here, we review the current knowledge of CoQ(10) biosynthesis and primary and acquired CoQ(10) deficiency, and results from clinical trials based on CoQ(10) supplementation. There are indications that supplementation positively affects mitochondrial deficiency syndrome and some of the symptoms of ageing. Cardiovascular disease and inflammation appear to be alleviated by the antioxidant effect of CoQ(10). There is a need for further studies and well-designed clinical trials, with CoQ(10) in a formulation of proven bioavailability, involving a greater number of participants undergoing longer treatments in order to assess the benefits of CoQ(10) treatment in neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in metabolic syndrome and its complications.