Reading time: 3 minA constant supply of energy is essential for the functioning of the body, which uses various nutrients through various processes to produce a readily available energy substance, ATP.
This creates a continuous cycle of energy production and reuse, which is the driving force behind the functioning of our organism.
What are the elements involved in energy production?
The main (but not only) system for producing energy (and therefore ATP) is cellular respiration, a rather complex process that takes place inside the mitochondria, which can effectively be considered the "energy power plants" of the cells that make up our organism.
How is energy produced in the mitochondrion?
Thanks to the presence of oxygen and other substances, a series of electron exchanges occur in the mitochondrion through specific transporters, which are the basis of energy production.
The electron transporter therefore becomes a crucial element, without which the energy contained in food would not be converted into energy usable by the body (ATP).
Like all systems, this one is not 100% efficient. Under normal conditions, it can lose up to 3 to 5% of the electrons it transports, potentially causing oxidative stress in the cell. This percentage can increase in various situations where greater energy production is required.
Is it possible to increase the efficiency of energy production mechanisms?
Coenzyme Q10 is one of those "master electron carriers," capable of mediating their passage to oxygen and consequently producing large amounts of energy usable by our body. Its supplementation can be used to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of these processes. Coenzyme Q10 also appears to be very interesting for other applications: which ones?
Antioxidant Q10 supplement
The uncontrolled accumulation of free radicals over time can compromise cellular function and lead to the onset of disease. Cells are protected by a lipid membrane, which is often a major target for reactive oxygen species. Once the membrane is damaged, the cell loses its primary mechanism for protection, function, and coordination.
Antioxidant protection
THE'Coenzyme Q10-based supplement (lipophilic substance) can significantly reduce the extent of oxidation affecting the cell membrane.
The antioxidant potential Coenzyme Q10 can be exploited in conditions in which the production of free radicals or reactive species physiologically increases, such as advanced age and the practice of high volumes of physical activity.
Coenzyme Q10 can be considered as part of the immune response system. oxidative stress of the organism.
Cardiovascular protection
The heart is the organ with both the largest number of mitochondria and the highest concentration of Coenzyme Q10. Its intake may prove to be a useful support for protecting the cardiovascular system. The antioxidant action promoted by Coenzyme Q10 also appears to have positive effects in reducing blood pressure.
Reduction of side effects caused by statins
Statins are among the most widely used active ingredients for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Prolonged use of statins can cause a significant reduction in Coenzyme Q10 levels circulating; this reduction appears to be related to a series of side effects associated with statin treatment, the most common of which is myalgia, a form of moderate to severe muscle pain that can be disabling at times, frequently found particularly in the lower limbs.
It is proven that taking Coenzyme Q10 (100-200 mg/day) can reduce the risk and severity of side effects municipalities generated by theprolonged use of statins, improving tolerance even in the most sensitive subjects.
The Coenzyme Q10 it therefore shows a versatile nutraceutical solution and can be used in various contexts, both for preventive applications and as a possible add-on to support the application potential of already consolidated approaches.
