What is CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)? How does it work?

Get an in-depth understanding of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) and how it works.

Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring compound found throughout the body. It is concentrated in the mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for producing energy.

CoQ10 helps mitochondria convert nutrients into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is the primary form of energy used by cells for essential functions such as muscle contraction, metabolism, cellular maintenance and heart function.

CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells and cellular membranes from oxidative stress.

What is the difference between CoQ10, ubiquinone and ubiquinol?

CoQ10 exists mainly in two forms:

• Ubiquinone: The oxidised form of CoQ10

• Ubiquinol: The reduced form of CoQ10, which also functions as an active antioxidant

The body can convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol and back again, depending on cellular requirements. However, this conversion may become less efficient with age and can vary between individuals.

Decode Age CoQ10 + PQQ contains Kaneka Ubiquinol®, a patented and clinically researched form of ubiquinol.

What is Kaneka Ubiquinol®?

Kaneka Ubiquinol® is a branded form of ubiquinol produced through a controlled fermentation process. It is designed to provide stability, consistency and traceability.

Because it is already in the reduced form, ubiquinol can directly participate in the body’s antioxidant defence system without first being converted from ubiquinone.

How does CoQ10 support cellular energy?

Inside the mitochondria, CoQ10 helps transfer electrons through the mitochondrial electron transport chain. This process contributes to ATP production.

In simple terms, CoQ10 helps the body convert energy from food into energy that cells can use.

This is particularly relevant for organs and tissues with high energy requirements, including:

• The heart

• Skeletal muscles

• The brain

• The liver

• The kidneys

What are the natural sources of CoQ10?

CoQ10 is naturally found in foods such as:

• Organ meats

• Red meat

• Fatty fish

• Poultry

• Nuts and seeds

• Soybean and other plant oils

• Broccoli and spinach

However, food generally provides much lower amounts than those found in supplements.

What are the benefits of CoQ10?

CoQ10 supplementation may help support:

Cellular energy production

CoQ10 participates in ATP production, helping cells generate usable energy.

Mitochondrial function

CoQ10 supports the processes that allow mitochondria to produce energy efficiently.

Heart health

The heart has high and continuous energy requirements. CoQ10 supports the cellular-energy processes required for normal cardiovascular function.

Antioxidant protection

Ubiquinol helps protect cellular structures from oxidative stress.

Physical energy and performance

By supporting ATP production, CoQ10 may help maintain energy utilisation during everyday activity and exercise.

Healthy ageing

CoQ10 levels and the body’s ability to convert ubiquinone into ubiquinol may decline with age. Supplementation can provide targeted nutritional support for cellular-energy and antioxidant pathways.

Explore Decode Age CoQ10 + PQQ to learn more about the formulation, ingredients and recommended usage.

Disclaimer: Decode Age products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.