o-enzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a fat-soluble substance, which is also known as ubiquinone. It is the central component that produces energy in mitochondria, which is the powerhouse of the cell. In the human body, the parts that require more energy, the highest levels of CoQ10 are found, such as the human brain, heart and kidney. However, ageing, genetic disorders or other diseases may cause the deficiency of this important nutrient. In this guide, you will know about the signs of its deficiency and the ways you can fix this issue.

What Is Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency?

Coenzyme Q10 is the primary coenzyme, and its deficiency is a disorder that can affect many parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys and muscles. In severe cases, patients with Coenzyme Q10 deficiency can experience acute muscle weakness and pain. This condition is then followed by brain dysfunction and failure of other parts of the body. Such problems can be seriously life-threatening. Therefore, they are considered serious. The deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 is common in people who are in their sixties. It can cause problems with brain coordination and balance and sometimes other neurological abnormalities. More than the required amount of coenzyme Q10 is also not suggested as it may have a significant impact on your blood pressure. If your question now is how much coq10 to lower blood pressure, taking 100mg or more than that for more than a month can affect your blood pressure.

Coenzyme Q10 is a tricky coenzyme, so it is important to start your coenzyme Q10 supplementation after consulting your doctor. Moreover, it is important to do a follow-up visit at least twice a month to keep an eye on the levels of coenzyme Q10. It will help you stay safe from its deficiency and increased levels in the blood.

What Are the Signs of Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency?

Although the severity of the deficiency and the symptoms vary widely with age, there are few symptoms and signs that are common. People with a minor deficiency of this important enzyme often experience physical fatigue and weakness in muscles. After performing physical activities, such as walking or running, the fatigue or muscle pain can get worse. These people may also experience difficulty in concentrating or memorising.

What Are the Potential Risks of Coq10?

Few neurological abnormalities, including poor muscle tone, involuntary muscle contraction, abnormal eye movement, loss of vision and hearing loss, are the severe symptoms one may experience after chronic deficiency of Coenzyme Q10. Unless the deficiency is timely treated with Coenzyme Q10 supplementation, the symptoms and neurological abnormalities can get worse with time. Lack of treatment can also result in kidney dysfunction called nephrotic syndrome, which happens without showing any symptoms of neurological abnormalities.

The visible symptoms of kidney failure due to Coenzyme Q10 deficiency are high cholesterol in the blood and abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Patients with such conditions also might experience blood in their urine, which is an alarming sign. If this condition does not get treated with supplementation and treatment, the affected individual will develop irreversible kidney failure.

How to Fix the Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 is the only antioxidant produced by our body and is present in every cell of our body. The production of this important enzyme is controlled in the same way as cholesterol synthesis is controlled. When a person is between the age of 20 to 30, the ability of the body to produce coenzyme Q10 is at its peak, which reduces with ageing. After our 30s, we need to rely more on external sources to get enough of CoQ10. Here are the sources that can cover the deficiency of coenzyme Q10, and you should consider them once you have crossed the age of 30.

Proper Diet

Animal protein sources are the effective sources of coenzyme Q10. You can get its adequate amount through vegetables, cereals and fruits. A high quantity of coenzyme Q10 is present in animal liver and heart. So, make sure to get enough vegetables, fruits and organic meat in your diet to keep up your levels of CoQ10.

Supplementation

Since coenzyme Q10 is produced by our bodies, we are not required to take enough supplementation before the age of 40. However, people who have its deficiency and are taking statins could benefit a lot from the supplementation of coenzyme Q10 to replenish their levels of CoQ10. To maintain an adequate level, your doctor might suggest you use highly absorbable CoQ10 because it helps your body function properly.

Final words

Coenzyme Q10 is an important antioxidant molecule produced by the body and gives energy to the cells. The parts with more energy requirements have the highest levels of this enzyme. However, ageing can reduce the levels of CoQ10, which can cause difficulties in performing bodily functions. Fortunately, supplements and a proper diet are the ways that can fulfil the deficiency of CoQ10.