A team of scientists from Tulane University reviewed evidence from 13 clinical trials studying the effectiveness of CoQ10 to promote healthy cardiovascular function.

According to their findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, CoQ10 supplements supported the heart’s ability to pump blood, as well as general heart health scores.

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring substance in nearly every cell in your body that helps convert food into energy. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radicals.

In addition to cardiovascular health, CoQ10 has been studied for its role in cognitive function and healthy aging.

CoQ10 Sources

CoQ10 is primarily synthesized by the body and is also found in some foods. However, CoQ10 supplementation can be helpful as our levels decline with age and when taking certain drugs including statins, which are commonly prescribed for high cholesterol.

There are two primary forms of CoQ10 found in the body as well as in supplement form: Ubiquinone (CoQ10 in its oxidized state) and Ubiquinol (active antioxidant state). For over 30 years, only ubiquinone was available in supplement form. A few years ago, after a decade of research, scientists were able to stabilize the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, ubiquinol, for use in supplements.

As ubiquinol supplements are pre-converted to the active form of CoQ10, they are easily assimilated and utilized by the body. However, traditional CoQ10 supplements (ubiquinone) will continue to be an important supplement for those who want to maintain good health. Once ingested, a healthy body can absorb and convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol.

Sources:

NutraIngredients

University of Maryland Medical Center

Linus Pauling Institute