It is made in the body from another amino acid called tyrosine--it requires about 8 vitamins and minerals for the process. CoQ10 is the coenzyme for enzymes that are absolutely essential for the production of a high-energy compound called ATP that is needed for all cellular function. (ATP stands for "adenosine triphosphate". It is the only form of energy that can be used by muscle cells, e.g. heart muscle.) The heart, because it needs a continuous supply of oxygen, requires the highest levels of ATP support. CoQ10 is purported to have a role in prevention and remediation of multiple disease processes and may also help to slow the aging process.

Sometimes the biosynthesis process in the body might be faulty and the ability to synthesize CoQ10 is insufficient to meet the body's needs. This is liable to happen with age but might also happen when there is excessive use in times of stress; or also, just not enough of the wide array of nutrients needed to synthesize it.

CoQ10 is most extensively studied in heart disease e.g. cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) and congestive heart failure (CHF). CoQ10 also protects against oxidation of LDL (the bad cholesterol that gets even more atherogenic with oxidative stress). HMGCoA reductase inhibitors (a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, like Lipitor and Mevacor) may decrease the level of CoQ10. CoQ10 levels are often lower in hyperlidemic patients than in healthy controls. Smoking and hypertension lower CoQ10 levels also.

In CHF, doses as small as 30-45 mgs/day were associated with measurable clinical responses. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and absorption is improved significantly when consumed with a fat-containing meal. Some patients have taken 100 mgs/day with no adverse effects. There are no known drug interactions with CoQ10.

Although I have chosen to focus on heart disease and CoQ10, it is my sense that comparable science will emerge on this nutrient-like substance in connection with other diseases. Anecdotal information, which often precedes the science, abounds at this time.

A: Chester Myers, PhD, MS responds:

(Administrator's Note: Though Chester shuffled off this mortal coil almost one year ago, his articles continue to be a valuable resource. The following excerpts are pertinent to the subject at hand. For the full text of these articles (and many others) go to the "HIV and Nutrition" page of CATIE.)

Keeping vegetables (steamed to a 'still crisp' stage) in your diet is good for your teeth and gums (if you chew your food well!). In addition, CoEnzyme Q-10, an antioxidant, helps keep gums healthy. You must have enough of the B vitamins, including folic acid, and vitamin C to make CoEnzyme Q-10 in your body. It is available in red meats. Some people also take it as a supplement, usually at about 30-100 mg per day. It's non-toxic even at levels of several hundred milligrams (mg) per day - but it's expensive! (From "Information relating to HIV & Nutrition: HIV & The Gut" - April, 1997)

CoEnzyme Q-10 is an important antioxidant that is very basic for our health. It is fat-soluble and found in membranes. Its synthesis depends on vitamins B3, B5, B6, C and folic acid which makes it likely that it will be low with HIV infection. It is available as a supplement at either 30 mg or 75 mg size tablets. This should not be considered to be as important as basic supplementation with a multivitamin with minerals, and additional B12, zinc, C, E and NAC.! (From "Information relating to HIV & Nutrition: HIV & Cysteine revisited" - March, 1997)

Back to Top