Coenzyme 10 is naturally produced by the body and works as an antioxidant. Its active form is called ubiquinol and appears to be most abundant in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. It’s stored in the mitochondria (see previous posts for more information on mitochondria and their extremely important roles) that are involved in pretty much every energetic process, reason why:

Mitochondria supports every body function by taking fat and nutrients and turn them into usable sources of energy. This requires CoQ10.
CoQ10 is also required to protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
CoQ10 can increase absorption of other nutrients by recycling them – f.e. it recycles Vitamin C and Vitamin E, making the most out of its use in the body!

CoQ10 production decreases as we age, reason why taking a supplement is not always a bad idea!

Some of CoQ10 benefits are:

1. Sustains natural energy, fights off fatigue (from exercise)
2. Reduces oxidative stress (reason why is so crucial for fertility and metabolism overall)
3. Improves heart heart
4. Slows down effect of ageing (reduces UV skin damage, improves fertility even after 40s, protects skeletal muscle and heart)
5. Helps maintaining optimal pH levels
6. Can treat fibromyalgia
7. Significantly improves male infertility by boosting sperm health

Best natural sources for CoQ10:

• Grass-fed beef organs (heart, liver, kidneys)
• Herring
• Rainbow trout
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Free-range chicken eggs and meat
• Oranges
• Strawberries

Keep in mind it absorbs better with a source of fat and you have higher chances of absorbing it if you keep a diverse, non-restrictive diet.