As recommended by Dr Chris Steele MBE - resident medical doctor on ITV’s This MorningWhat is Bio-Quinone Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiqinone) is a vitamin-like substance which plays a vital role in the body’s energy supply mechanism, acting in conjunction with enzymes (hence the name coenzyme Q10) to convert sugars and fat into energy.
Coenzyme Q10 is also important as an antioxidant within the body. Coenzyme quinones occur in several chemical forms, with coenzyme Q10 being the only form found in human tissues.
The human body is able to synthesize (in the liver) a limited amount of coenzyme Q10, with the remainder being obtained from the diet. Rich sources of coenzyme Q10 include fish (mackerel, salmon and sardines) and nuts.
Under normal circumstances, the body is able to maintain adequate levels of coenzyme Q10. However, Coenzyme Q10 levels decrease with age.
What does Bio-Quinone Q10 do?
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor of enzymes involved in the energy production process. Coenzyme Q10 is stored in mitochondria, structures found within cells responsible for the generation of energy (in the form of a molecule called ATP).
Tissues with a high-energy requirement (heart, liver, skeletal muscles) contain higher numbers of mitochondria within their cells.
Bio-Quinone Q10 benefits
Coenzyme Q10 is important within the body as a major fat-soluble antioxidant; protecting cell membranes from the damaging effects of free radicals, in a complementary manner to vitamin E.
Coenzyme Q10 also helps maintain healthy cardiovascular function and healthy immune function (cells involved in immune response have a high energy dependence).
