Coenzyme Q10 for enhancing physical activity and extending the human life cycle.

Abstract

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is an enzyme family that plays a crucial role in maintaining the electron transport chain and antioxidant defense. CoQ10 is the most common form of CoQ in humans. A deficiency of CoQ10 occurs naturally with aging and may contribute to the development or progression of many diseases. Besides, certain drugs, in particular, statins and bisphosphonates, interfere with the enzymes responsible for CoQ10 biosynthesis and, thus, lead to CoQ10deficiency. This article aims to evaluate the cumulative studies and insights on the topic of CoQ10 functions in human health, focusing on a potential role in maintaining physical activity and extending the life cycle. Although supplementation with CoQ10offers many benefits to patients with cardiovascular disease, it appears to add little value to patients suffering from statin-associated muscular symptoms. This may be attributed to substantial heterogeneity in doses and treatment regimens used. Therefore, there is a need for further studies involving a greater number of patients to clarify the benefits of adjuvant therapy with CoQ10 in a range of health conditions and diseases.