Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous substance that is ideally produced by the human body itself. Coenzyme Q10 is also known as Q10 or ubiquinone-10. Translated, ubiquinone means „everywhere“, indicating the property Coenzyme Q10 occurs in every cell, but especially in the lungs, the liver, the kidneys and the heart muscles. This substance is an essential component of cellular respiration, without which the energy metabolism of the cell would not be possible. Due to the structure of Coenzyme Q10 it is the vitamin E and the Vitamin Kvery similar. The body’s own production of Coenzyme Q10 can be suppressed by several factors. These factors include stress, obesity, drug intake, disease, nutritional disorders and a poor diet. Then it comes to the undersupply of this vital substance, with nutritional supplements, the Coenzyme Q10 can be compensated. Coenzyme Q10 is also common in cosmetic creams. Because this substance is a very effective antioxidant that protects against free radicals. The use of Q10 creams protects the cells of the skin and keeps them fresh and healthy. Incidentally, coenzyme Q10 is also responsible for the formation of male sperm.

History of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 was first discovered in 1957 by Fred L. Crane. This isolated Q10 was made of bovine hearts. Karl August Folkers clarified the chemical structure a year later. Only 20 years later, in 1978, British scientist Peter D. Mitchell discovered the role of coenzyme Q10, which is involved in the Q-cycle of complex III of the respiratory chain. Mitchell received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry that same year. In order to produce Q10, three different processes are used today: the fermentation of bacteria, the fermentation of yeasts and the chemical synthesis.

Coenzyme Q10 in the diet

On average, one person ingests about three to five milligrams of coenzyme Q10 per day via the diet. If there is an increased need for coenzyme Q10, this substance may be over Dietary supplementsbe taken. Scientists recommend for adults a dosage of 30 to 200 milligrams per day daily. According to the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, coenzyme Q10 supplements may only be sold in capsule form in Germany. The daily intake of 100 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 is recommended. However, children, adolescents and pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take coenzyme Q10 as a dietary supplement. In order to compensate for food-borne coenzyme Q10, foods containing coenzyme Q10, such as liver, nuts, oily fish such as mackerel and sardines, legumes, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, cabbage, can be used more frequently , Vegetable oils, onions, potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach.

Coenzyme Q10 in cosmetics

Coenzyme Q10 is one of the active ingredients that is found in many skin creams. Coenzyme Q10 is often used in creams used to counteract signs of aging. This substance eliminates free radicals and activates the body’s energy in the skin cells. This gives this vitamin-like substance the task of protection, synthesis and repair. Coenzyme Q10 also helps defuse aggressive oxygen compounds. Otherwise they would attack the supports of the connective tissue and make the skin slacken faster. A coenzyme Q10 deficiency is quickly noticed on the skin when wrinkles develop and the skin ages prematurely.

Effects of Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is known to slow down the aging process of the skin as an antioxidant and protect the heart and blood vessels. Often, a lack of coenzyme Q10 is noticeable by cardiovascular disease. Coenzyme Q10 also helps maintain healthy nerves, as it removes energy-related disorders that cause nervous disorders. One study found high levels of coenzyme Q10 in Parkinson’s disease at an early stage. By compensating for this deficiency, a visible improvement in the disease was observed. Furthermore, inflammation can be curtailed by the administration of coenzyme Q10, since Q10 regulates the substance NF-kappaB, which is responsible for the activation of inflammatory processes. If the human body has sufficient coenzyme Q10, the immune system can respond better to pathogens and fight them off. That’s why Q10 works against infections. Thus, this substance also strengthens the immune system and prevents not only the infestation of viruses but also the spread of these.