Coenzyme Q10-based dietary supplements are among the formulations that can act in relation to various conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.
Dietary supplements represent an important resource for improving one's own health. In conjunction with a healthy diet, they help to bring physiological functions and parameters back into balance and have a positive effect on the entire organism.
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Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as vitamin Q, ubidekarenone or ubiquinone, is a ubiquitous molecule that is present in all cells of the body.
It is a fat-soluble organic compound found in the mitochondria, the organelles responsible for cellular respiration.
Its highest concentrations are found in the cells of the heart muscle, but it is also present in significant amounts in the liver, pancreas and kidneys.
Of biological importance, Coenzyme Q10 plays a very important role in health and general health.
It is involved in the transfer of electrons within the mitochondria and in a special mechanism (oxidative phosphorylation) in which it promotes the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is essential for numerous metabolic reactions in the body.
According to some studies, vitamin Q also has pronounced antioxidant properties.
Due to its role in cellular respiration, Coenzyme Q10 is crucial to maintaining appropriate levels of physical efficiency. Deficiency can impair energy production processes at the cellular level and is often associated with cardiovascular disease.
The term "statins" refers to a group of molecules (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin) that are used to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
As explained on the official website of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, "taking statins can reduce the total value of cholesterol, made up of the sum of LDL and HDL, by 30-40%".
The action of statins blocks an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the body.
In this way, drugs containing these molecules lower the levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, popularly called "bad" cholesterol.
Statins are also able to reduce blood triglycerides, although with less effectiveness. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory properties, protect artery walls and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Taking Coenzyme Q10 is associated with some physiologically beneficial properties for health, namely:
Although it is a safe compound, vitamin Q can cause some possible side effects (nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain) that occur when consumed in excess.
Regarding the main contraindications, the use of Coenzyme Q10 is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in children due to the lack of specific studies on the effects of the compound on such individuals.
In patients receiving antihypertensive, anticoagulant, and antitumor therapies, the use of ubiquinone-based dietary supplements should be evaluated by a physician.
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