Liposomal CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is important for many of our daily bodily functions. To begin, we must first understand that CoQ10 is a coenzyme and an antioxidant.
First, as a coenzyme, CoQ10 helps enzymes do their work. To explain it further, a coenzyme is a small nonprotein molecule that is a requirement for inactive enzymes to become active.
Next, as an antioxidant, it gives our cells age-protecting properties against oxidative stress. Interestingly, the body does produce its own CoQ10 – but not consistently. Moreover, research now indicates that a CoQ10 deficiency is sometimes a factor in cognition decline, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart disease, and even muscle issues.
What is Liposomal CoQ10?
Even though millions of people around the world take vitamin supplements, the reality is that the bioavailability of vitamins differs from brand to brand. If you are not yet aware, bioavailability refers to how easily the body absorbs the vitamins after taking for the best results possible from a supplement.
Explanation of Liposomes
Liposomes are microscopic artificial lipid bubbles that when added to the formula, help the vitamins more rapidly and effectively absorb into the body. In other words, the addition of liposomes to CoQ10 enables better absorption for bioavailability that is not possible with water or fat-soluble nutritional supplements. Knowing this, why would anyone want to take any other type of CoQ10 supplement?
It is also important to note that liposomes derive from natural sources, such as eggs. So, keep this in mind if you have egg allergies or if you are vegan.
So, with that, let’s now explore how CoQ10 works, the benefits, and other interesting facts.
How Does CoQ10 Work?
The most abundant levels of CoQ10 in the body are in the heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. What’s interesting is that it stores in the mitochondria cells and gives them their power.
Through that process, CoQ10 is a requirement for mitochondria to turn fat and other nutrients into energy. In other words, this conversion process provides the energy our cells need for a healthy system.
Additionally, the presence of CoQ10 is a requirement for protecting cells from harmful free radicals. In fact, this is the anti-aging property that is one of the reasons why this supplement is so popular.
What’s more, Liposomal CoQ10 is also quite helpful in increasing the bioavailability of some vitamins such as vitamin C and E.
Do I Need a CoQ10 Supplement?
As stated before, the body produces and maintains CoQ10, so why do we need supplements?
Unfortunately, although our bodies produce their own CoQ10, the level of production decreases as we age. In addition, some medical conditions cause the body to produce less CoQ10.
What are the Symptoms of CoQ10 Deficiency?
Interestingly, when researching this topic, you will find that there are distinctive categories of CoQ10 deficiency. Let’s explore those now.
Primary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
The first is “primary coenzyme Q10 deficiency” which is a rare genetic disorder. Interestingly, the results of supplementation with CoQ10 shows some improvements in muscular symptoms. However, patients with cerebellar ataxia only show partial relief of neurological symptoms from taking a CoQ10 supplement.
Secondary Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency
This deficiency results from the mutation of cells not directly responsive to the coenzyme Q10. Examples are as follows: mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, and Niemann-Pick-type C disease.
Aging, Chronic Diseases, & Other Causes
The third category of CoQ10 deficiency belongs to the aging population. In fact, people 40 years of age and over show the most decline in CoQ10 levels.
But, there are other conditions that cause low coenzyme Q10 production. In the list below, you will see some of the conditions and diseases that might cause coenzyme Q10 deficiency.
- B vitamin deficiencies
- Cancer
- Chronic diseases
- Diabetes
- Heart failure
- Prominent levels of stress
- Lipid-lowering meds
Liposomal CoQ10 Benefits
Aging Process Slow-Down
As stated before, CoQ10 is necessary for mitochondria to turn fat and other nutrients into energy. Unfortunately, as we age, the abundance of CoQ10 lowers and contributes to a decline in energy and organ degeneration. Interestingly, studies with animals do not conclude that there is an increase in their length of life. However, researchers believe that taking coenzyme Q10 supplements might slow down naturally occurring DNA damage.
The following list shows possible anti-aging benefits from taking liposomal CoQ10.
- Anti-oxidant increases.
- Fertility increases for those in their 40s.
- Heart protection from stress.
- Skeletal muscle protection.
- Skin damage from UV exposure reduces.
Cognitive Health Protection
Human studies into the cognitive benefits of CoQ10 show moderate benefits when taking CoQ10 supplements for Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, other studies show minimal positive effects.
However, animal research shows CoQ10 effective in treating cognitive decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington’s disease, Friedreich’s ataxia, and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP.)
Fertility in Men
Clinical trials show CoQ10 supplementation significantly improves fertility in men.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms Reduction
CoQ10 shows in multiple studies to be a natural method for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Free Radical Damage Reduction
Oxidative stress and free radical damage studies suggest that adding CoQ10 to a supplement regimen shows improvements to LDL levels.
Heart Health Improvements
Liposomal CoQ10 studies not only show effectiveness for off-setting the side effects of taking statins but studies also suggest that it lowers blood pressure.
Natural Energy Sustenance
The production of natural energy requires CoQ10 to maintain good energy levels. Amazingly, in human studies, this supplement shows improvements to fatigue from exercising.
Male Fertility Improvements
Several studies suggest that fertility levels increase with the addition of CoQ10 to a daily supplemental routine.
PH Maintains at Optimal Levels
Maintaining optimal PH levels is difficult for the body when other factors such as chronic diseases come into play. However, CoQ10 shows in several studies to significantly help with the following scenarios.
- Protection from chemotherapy side effects.
- Slows or reverses breast cancer.
- Animal studies suggest the prevention of colon cancer.
Where to Find CoQ10
It’s always wise to look for the things our bodies need through the food that we eat. You will find some of the foods that contain prominent levels of CoQ10 below.
- Beef
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Oranges
- Pistachio nuts
- Rainbow trout
- Sardines
- Sesame seeds
- Strawberries
Liposomal CoQ10 Supplements, Safety, & Side Effects
About CoQ10 Supplemental Doses
Because coenzyme Q10 levels are quite low in most foods, taking a supplement in addition to the right food is an excellent choice for many.
Doses range from 50 to 1200mg per day. However, most manufacturers of this supplement offer 100 to 200mg per dose. If you want to take higher doses, then it is recommended that you take smaller doses throughout the day.
Because CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it’s perfect to take with meals for the best results.
Side Effects
There are potential side effects, most of which lessen if you lower the dose. They include the following:
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Upper abdominal pain
Safety
Additionally, please note that research does not suggest taking this supplement if you are pregnant or lactating.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.