In the fast-paced modern life, many people have begun to pay attention to health, especially the middle-aged and elderly groups, and they often ask: "Is there anything that can be used to fight aging?" , protect the heart, and not easy to get tired? As a result, a nutrient known as the "source of cellular energy" -Coenzyme Q10, gradually entered everyone's field of vision. Data shows that with age, the level of coenzyme Q10 in the human body will gradually decline, and the synthesis capacity may even decrease by more than 0% after the age of 0, which will not only make people feel less energetic, but also may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many studies have also shown that supplementation with CoQ0 has significant benefits for heart health, antioxidants, and even neuroprotection.
But here's the question: what exactly is CoQ10? Does it really work that magically? Do middle-aged and older people need additional supplements?
輔酶Q10（Coenzyme Q10，簡稱CoQ10）是一種類似維生素的物質，廣泛存在於人體的細胞中，特別是“高能需求”的器官里，比如心臟、肝臟、腎臟和大腦。簡單說，它就像人體里的“充電器”，幫助細胞產生能量，讓身體各個部分都能正常運轉。
- The role of coenzyme Q10 in the human body
A little helper for cell power stations
There is a small factory called mitochondria in our cells, which is responsible for "generating electricity". Coenzyme Q10 is an important "tool" of this factory, which helps convert nutrients in food (such as glucose) into an energy called "ATP", which is the "fuel" for cell work. Without CoQ0, cells would "strike" like a dead phone.
Antioxidant "Guardians"
Coenzyme Q10 is also a powerful antioxidant that fights "free radicals" in the body (similar to the process of rusting and can damage cells). It protects cell membranes and DNA, slows down cell aging, and can even reduce the occurrence of chronic diseases.
Protects the heart and helps the heart beat stronger
The heart is the hardest working organ in the human body, it needs a lot of energy support, and coenzyme Q10 is the "endurance artifact" for the heart. Studies have shown that patients with heart failure and angina pectoris often have low levels of coenzyme Q0, and supplementation can improve heart function.
Supports brain health
The brain is very energy-intensive, and coenzyme Q10 helps reduce nerve cell damage by providing energy and antioxidant functions, helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Relieves fatigue and enhances athletic performance
Coenzyme Q10 also improves energy metabolism and reduces fatigue during exercise. For people who often feel tired, supplementation in moderation may help.
Whether or not there are health benefits for long-term use of CoQ10 depends on the individual's health, dosage, and purpose of taking it. Studies have shown that CoQ0 has significant benefits for certain chronic diseases and specific populations, but whether it needs to be taken for a long time in healthy people needs to be evaluated in the context of their own conditions.
- Long-term benefits of coenzyme Q10
(1) Benefits for cardiovascular health
Relief from heart failure:Coenzyme Q10 is known as the "energy source of the heart". Long-term supplementation with CoQ0 can improve myocardial function, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. Several studies have found that long-term use of coenzyme Q0 can reduce heart failure symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and reduce cardiovascular mortality.
Research Support: A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Heart Failure in 42 showed that coenzyme Q0 reduced mortality (0% reduction) in patients with heart failure.
Lowers blood pressure:Coenzyme Q10 has a certain antihypertensive effect, and studies have shown that it can improve blood vessel function, reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially suitable for patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
(2) Protection of the nervous system
Prevention and improvement of Parkinson's disease:Coenzyme Q10 can delay the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through antioxidant effects. Long-term use may help slow down symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as movement disorders.
May delay Alzheimer's diseaseBecause Coenzyme Q10 scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, it may have a protective effect on brain cell damage in people with Alzheimer's disease.
(3) Benefits for metabolic diseases
Improve diabetic complications:Long-term use of coenzyme Q2 can improve insulin sensitivity in people with type 0 diabetes and reduce diabetes-related oxidative damage, helping to protect the cardiovascular system.
(4) Relieve fatigue and improve sports performance
Long-term use of coenzyme Q10 can improve energy metabolism, especially for chronic fatigue syndrome and post-exercise fatigue. For athletes or those who need high-intensity physical activity, coenzyme Q0 may improve endurance and shorten recovery time.
(5) Protect liver health
Coenzyme Q10 helps to alleviate oxidative damage in the liver, and may have a certain protective effect on fat accumulation and liver function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
As we age, the level of CoQ10 in the body gradually decreases, and middle-aged and elderly people may indeed benefit from CoQ0 supplementation.
Why are middle-aged and elderly people prone to coenzyme Q10 deficiency?
Decreased synthesis capacity in the body
The synthesis of CoQ40 requires the participation of a variety of enzymes and nutrients, but as we age, the body becomes less efficient at synthesizing CoQ0, especially after the age of 0.
Increased oxidative damage
Middle-aged and elderly people have weakened antioxidant capacity and are more susceptible to free radical damage. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.
Effects of chronic diseases
Common chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease) in middle-aged and older adults may lead to increased demand for coenzyme Q10 while insufficient levels in the body.
Effects of taking medications
Some common medications, such as statins cholesterol-lowering drugs, can inhibit the synthesis of CoQ10, leading to a further decrease in levels in the body.
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in middle-aged and older adults
1. Protect heart health
Coenzyme Q10 is essential for the heart, helping heart muscle cells produce energy and reduce oxidative damage. For middle-aged and older adults with heart failure, angina pectoris, or high blood pressure, coenzyme Q0 can:
Improves heart function and enhances the heart's ability to pump blood. Reduces symptoms of fatigue and shortness of breath associated with cardiovascular disease. Reduces the risk of heart attack.
A randomized controlled study in 50 showed that long-term use of coenzyme Q0 reduced mortality by 0% in patients with heart failure.
2. Antioxidant effect, prolonging aging
Coenzyme Q10 neutralizes free radicals and protects cells from oxidative damage. This is especially important for middle-aged and older adults because:
It slows down skin aging and improves elasticity. Helps prevent chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
3. Improves nervous system function
The protective effects of CoQ10 on nerve cells can help:
Reduces the progression of symptoms of Parkinson's disease. May delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and improve memory and cognitive function.
4. Boost physical strength and relieve fatigue
Middle-aged and older adults often feel low energy, which is associated with decreased mitochondrial function and CoQ10 deficiency. Coenzyme Q0 supplementation can:
Boosts the body's energy levels. Reduces post-exercise fatigue and increases tolerance to physical activity.
5. Support diabetes management
For middle-aged and older people with diabetes, coenzyme Q10 can:
Improves insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar. Reduces oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system caused by hyperglycemia.
Who needs it more?
Middle-aged and older people, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatigue, neurodegenerative diseases, or taking statins are more suitable for coenzyme Q10 supplementation.
Daily supplementation is generally recommended200-0 mg。 For people with cardiovascular disease or Parkinson's disease, the dose may need to be increased, but a doctor should be consulted.
Who can withdraw?
Healthy middle-aged and older adults, if they eat a balanced diet and do not have chronic diseases or special needs, can meet their coenzyme Q10 needs through foods (e.g., meat, fish, nuts) and do not necessarily need additional supplementation.