Nutrition Bytes

Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) has been used as an adjunctive therapy for various cardiovascular disorders for over three decades. As a powerful anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger, CoQ10 protects cells against DNA damage and oxidative stress. Its primary function in the body is as a key component of the electron transport chain, an essential element of ATP synthesis. This paper provides a brief overview of some of the indirect and direct evidence available on the effects of CoQ10 on cardiovascular health. In general, CoQ10 is a safe and well-tolerated nutritional supplement that has been shown to improve cardiovascular function in both experimental and clinical studies. However, more studies are needed to attain a clear recommendation on the use of CoQ10 as supplemental therapy in cardiovascular disease.