CoQ10 is a nutrient whose production tends to become down-regulated by two main sources: genetic mutations involved in its synthesis (a primary deficiency) and statins, which inhibit an enzyme (hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A) involved in the development of CoQ10 (considered a secondary deficiency) (Potgieter, Pretorius, & Pepper, 2013). Secondary deficiency is a common side-affect amongst individuals on cholesterol lowering medications (Potgieter et al., 2013). Thus, it is imperative that such populations remain vigilant monitoring and supplementing with CoQ10 levels while on statin medications. As a means of appreciating CoQ10 and maximizing its effectiveness, the following will consider its functions and methods of improving absorption.
CoQ10 is a nutrient that is present in aerobic organisms from the level of a mammal to a single bacterium. Interestingly, it is the only lipid produced endogenously (within the body), which exhibits a wide distribution among tissues and cells (Potgieter et al., 2013). CoQ10 functions, in a reduced form, as an anti-oxidant protecting such structures as low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and cellular membranes from oxidation. CoQ10 is also widely known for its function in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production; CoQ10 facilitates cellular respiration by acting as a cofactor during electron transport chain (ETC) activity and its influence is most notably observed in skeletal and cardiac muscle function (Potgieter et al., 2013).
Additionally, CoQ10 has been used in the treatment of neurologic, oncologic, immunologic, and cardiac disorders (Ochiai, Itagaki, Kurokawa, Kobayashi, Hirano, & Iseki, 2007). Moreover, CoQ10 can be recycled after it has served as an anti-oxidant to continue its function throughout the body (Potgieter et al., 2013). Having considered said micronutrient’s function, the following will consider optimizing its absorption.
Absorption of supplements and medications should be considered as some compounds are better absorbed in the absence of foods, while others are enhanced by the presence of a meal (Ochiai et al., 2007). CoQ10, though an important micronutrient, presents potential absorption challenges when ingested orally. Such is the case due to its larger molecular, hydrophobicity, and slow absorption rate (Ochiai et al., 2007). Ochiai et al. (2007) investigated the best means of CoQ10 delivery by way of animal studies via rat models.
One group of rats were assigned to the control group (fasted 14 hours prior to consuming CoQ10), while the experimental group were allowed free access to food. Each group of rats were given a single oral administration of CoQ10. Shortly thereafter, the rats from the control and experimental groups were fixed and 10 cm loops of the jejunum were ligated. Immediately thereafter, 2.5 mg/ml of CoQ10 was injected into each jejunum and plasma levels were monitored (Ochiai et al., 2007).
Results indicated that plasma CoQ10 was absorbed 3 times faster in the experimental group than the control group. Furthermore, peak concentration levels of CoQ10 was highest in the experimental group (Ochiai et al., 2007). Thus, rate of absorption and concentration levels of CoQ10 were highest in the rats that ate before ingesting said nutrient. Furthermore, Ochiai et al. (2007) considered the value of mixing CoQ10 with a lipid-based formulation (emulsion) and a suspension in both groups (fasted/fed rats).
Results suggested that the experimental group reached even higher absorption rates and peak concentrations of plasma CoQ10 when consuming said nutrient in an emulsion + feeding freely compared to a suspension formula (Ochiai et al., 2007). Thus, mixing CoQ10 with fat and feeding regularly maximized rate of absorption and peak plasma CoQ10 levels.
In conclusion, CoQ10 is a nutrient involved in ATP production, cellular respiration, and membrane integrity. Such a nutrient has also been used in the treatment of neurologic, oncologic, immunologic, and cardiac disorders. As such, it is imperative that (when required) all efforts are made to maximize CoQ10’s rate of absorption and peak plasma concentrations. The research of Ochiai et al. (2007) suggested that absorption is likely to be enhanced by the presence of a meal, to include fatty foods, upon oral consumption of said micronutrient.
References
Ochiai, A., Itagaki, S., Kurokawa, T., Kobayashi, M., Hirano, T., & Iseki, K. (2007). Improvement in intestinal Coenzyme Q10 absorption by food intake. The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 127(8), 1251-1254.
Potgieter, M., Pretorius, E., & Pepper, M. S., (2013). Primary and secondary coenzyme Q10 deficiency: The role of therapeutic supplementation. Nutrition Reviews, 71(3), 180-188.
-Michael McIsaac