This unique nutrient receives attention for type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolism.

Coenzyme Q10 / CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 has another name, Ubiquinol, a reference to its ubiquitous presence in every cell throughout the body. The unfortunate popularity of “statin” medication for lowering blood cholesterol put CoQ10 on the map of research in the past decades because these medications problematically cause a drop in tissue CoQ10 levels. This biochemical result from cholesterol medications is likely behind the statin side effects of muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. CoQ10 supplementation is more indicated for people with elevated lipids, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose.

• According to researchers, “CoQ10 supplementation may improve blood pressure and long-term glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes.”
• Due to drug interactions, you might require CoQ10. Medical prescribing manuals recommend supplemental CoQ10 for those on beta-blockers and statin medications.
• Athletes at peak condition can generate slightly more peak performance if they take CoQ10 along with intensive training. Okay, I realize this study was on absolute peak performance in athletes, which does not relate to most of us, but it reinforces a supportive role for CoQ10 with exercise.

Food Sources of CoQ10: There is CoQ10 naturally in “muscular” meats; heart and tongue are uniquely rich in CoQ10, but are, not surprisingly, absent in most modern diets. Red meat and poultry typically provide all the CoQ10 in today’s modern American diet, but it only adds up to about 5 mg daily. CoQ10 is absorbed similarly from food and supplements.

There are no vegetarian sources of CoQ10.

5 Hodgson, J. M., et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycemic control: A controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov; 56(11):1137–42.

5 Hodgson, J. M., et al. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycemic control: A controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov; 56(11):1137–42.

7 Tiziani, A. Havard’s Nursing Guide to Drugs, 2013.

8 Dietmar, A., et al. Ubiquinol supplementation enhances peak power production in trained athletes: A double-blind, placebo controlled study. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:24.

9 Weber, C., et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the diet—daily intake and relative bioavailability. Mol Aspects Mes. 1997; 18 Suppl:S251–4.

Blood Code Supplemental Range for CoQ10 = 50–100 mg: Research was often for four- to twelve-week periods, and used 100 to 200 mg per day. A dose of 200 mg per day resulted in a threefold increase in blood CoQ10 levels in study subjects in a short period of time. A long-term daily supplement of 50 to 100 mg will raise blood levels adequately, and is recommended if you have high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and/or high blood lipids.