Aging is a complex process that involves a number of biological changes that gradually make you susceptible to disease and death. Research shows that most men experience a slow decline in steroid synthesis and immune functioning with aging.[1] There is a gradual decline in serum testosterone levels due to the impaired testis production and insufficient secretion and stimulation of luteinizing hormone. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has been used in a range of pathological diseases.[2] This includes kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and infertility. Organs with a high rate of metabolism have the highest level of CoQ10, where the coenzyme acts as an energy transfer molecule.  As a significant lipid antioxidant, CoQ10 blocks free radicals and prevents any further modifications of proteins, genes, and DNA.[3]

How Effective is Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation?

Testosterone activates the androgen receptor by binding it in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue. It plays different roles in different parts of the body,[4] including

• improved protein synthesis in the liver
• enhancement of the muscle mass
• conversion into estradiol by aromatization, thus binding to estrogen receptors
• better cognitive function in the brain
• binding to the androgen receptor
• hair growth

A low level of testosterone is linked to infertility, bone loss, diabetes, and osteoporosis in men. Besides, low testosterone may also result in oxidative stress condition. Dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) might help supply antioxidants to the body. Additionally, a clinical study on mice found that CoQ10 supplementation could cause body weight gain. Studies show that the safe dose for coenzyme Q10 is 1.2 g (1200 mg) per day, although a dose of 3000 mg/day has also been used in some trials of shorter duration.[5]

Ideally, CoQ10 is safe and well-tolerated in patients suffering from early-stage Huntington disease. Since CoQ10 is primarily obtained through dietary fat ingestion, it might alter the result of DNA gene mutation. A number of studies have established a connection between Q10 and testosterone.[6] Coenzyme Q10 is linked to the ATP generation process, besides its potent role in antioxidant activity that is believed to have positive effects on the production of testosterone.

It is found that coenzyme Q10 supplementation played a role in the suppression of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.  Additionally, Q10 restores the antioxidant defense mechanism and prevents cellular damage from free radicals. This can further contribute to the production of testosterone by improving the function of Leydig cells.

While lower doses of coenzyme Q10 supplementation may not have much effect on testosterone production, a high dose might counteract the destructive effect of testosterone reduction.

In another study,[7] a group of subjects comprising older individuals, who were given CoQ10 and selenium, reported better physical performance, vitality, and quality of life. The research study stressed that CoQ10 supplementation might play a role in the prevention of chronic oxidative stress in elderly people.[8] Oxidative stress is linked to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

CoQ10 and Cardiovascular Health

Studies indicate that supplementation with CoQ10 significantly brings down systolic blood pressure. However, there are no major changes in other cardiovascular disease risk factors. Another meta-analysis study explores the role of CoQ10 plays in the prevention of complications in cardiac surgery. The study shows that the need for inotropic drugs is reduced in patients taking CoQ10 therapy. It is also reported that CoQ10 supplementation is helpful in ventricular arrhythmias post-surgery.[9]

Supplementation with CoQ10 may produce changes in blood lipid concentration, thus showing beneficial effects for hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Combining CoQ10 with red yeast rice, folic acid, berberina, and policosanol significantly reduces total cholesterol.

Kidney Disease and CoQ10 Supplementation

A clinical trial done on patients undergoing hemodialysis found that CoQ10 supplementation with high doses of 1200 mg per day had a lowering effect on F2-isoprostane plasma levels.[10] The lowered plasma levels indicate reduction in oxidative stress.

Neurodegenerative disease

Preclinical studies demonstrate the role of CoQ in preserving mitochondrial function. Research also highlights the role of CoQ in reducing the loss of dopaminergic neurons in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. Another study confirmed CoQ deficiency and high levels of lipoprotein oxidation in Parkinson's patients.

In animal studies, it is found that CoQ10 could prevent neuronal damage caused by atherosclerosis, ischemia, and toxic injury. CoQ10 supplementation is considered beneficial for those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.

Male Infertility

Often oxidative stress is linked to male infertility.[11] While CoQ10 supplementation is believed to reduce oxidative stress, it is also thought to improve semen parameters, sperm concentration, motility, and density.

CoQ10 deficiency may raise the risk of age-related chronic conditions.[12] CoQ10 supplementation improves mitochondrial function. It also improves antioxidant protection for diseased organs. CoQ10 also prevents the release of pro-inflammatory markers, providing anti-inflammatory benefits for several diseases related to aging.

 

References

[1] Banihani S. A. (2018). Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Testosterone. Biomolecules, 8(4), 172. doi:10.3390/biom8040172

[2] Saini R. (2011). Coenzyme Q10: The essential nutrient. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences, 3(3), 466–467. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84471

[3] Liu, H. T., Huang, Y. C., Cheng, S. B., Huang, Y. T., & Lin, P. T. (2016). Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant capacity and inflammation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after surgery: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition journal, 15(1), 85. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0205-6

[4] Tyagi, V., Scordo, M., Yoon, R. S., Liporace, F. A., & Greene, L. W. (2017). Revisiting the role of testosterone: Are we missing something?. Reviews in urology, 19(1), 16–24. doi:10.3909/riu0716

[5] Hernández-Camacho, J. D., Bernier, M., López-Lluch, G., & Navas, P. (2018). Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Aging and Disease. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 44. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00044

[6] Banihani S. A. (2018). Effect of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Testosterone. Biomolecules, 8(4), 172. doi:10.3390/biom8040172

[7] Alehagen, U., Alexander, J., Aaseth, J. (2016). Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Reduces Cardiovascular Mortality in Elderly with Low Selenium Status. A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Clinical Trial. PLoS One, 11(7):e0157541. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157541. eCollection 2016.

[8] Sohal, R.S. & Forster, M.J. (2007). Coenzyme Q, oxidative stress and aging. Mitochondrion. 2007 Jun; 7 Suppl:S103-11. Epub 2007 Mar 30.

[9] A. Kumar et al. (2009). Role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in cardiac disease, hypertension and

Meniere-like syndrome. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 124. 259–268 261

[10] Hernández-Camacho, J. D., Bernier, M., López-Lluch, G., & Navas, P. (2018). Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Aging and Disease. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 44. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00044

[11] Alahmar A. T. (2019). Role of Oxidative Stress in Male Infertility: An Updated Review. Journal of human reproductive sciences, 12(1), 4–18. doi:10.4103/jhrs.JHRS_150_18

[12] Quinzii, C. M., DiMauro, S., & Hirano, M. (2007). Human coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Neurochemical research, 32(4-5), 723–727. doi:10.1007/s11064-006-9190-z