Your body produces this naturally, but the amount is insufficient.

Key Takeaways
CoQ10 is essential for energy production and fights oxidative damage.
Supplementing with CoQ10 is crucial for health protection.
CoQ10 helps reduce oxidative stress and is beneficial for various conditions.
CoQ10 can help alleviate migraine headaches and improve oral health.
Research supports CoQ10's benefits for kidney function and overall health.
CoQ10 is a vital antioxidant that becomes depleted with age.
Consider taking CoQ10 as a preventive measure for various health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
References

Overview

Typically, substances that your body can produce naturally are not classified as vitamins.

However, certain essential nutrients are not adequately produced by your body, necessitating their intake through food or supplements.

CoQ10 is one such nutrient crucial for energy production in every cell and for combating oxidative damage that can lead to diseases.

As you reach your twenties, the production of CoQ10 by your body starts to decline. By the time you reach your eighties, cells in your body are producing only about half the amount of CoQ10 compared to when you were younger.¹

This indicates that supplementing with CoQ10 is crucial for maintaining good health. While CoQ10 is a popular supplement, many people may not be aware of all the reasons why it is so important.

Protecting Mitochondria

CoQ10 plays a vital role in the mitochondria, the organelles responsible for generating energy in cells. A cell typically contains around 200 mitochondria, but some cells can have up to 10,000.

Similar to how a fossil fuel power plant emits pollutants, mitochondria release oxidative free radicals during energy production. Accumulation of these radicals in a cell can cause damage and lead to illnesses, much like how continuous emission of smoke from a factory's chimney can harm a community's health.

CoQ10 acts as a critical component of the cell's defense system against oxidative stress, helping to control and maintain it at manageable levels. Studies demonstrate that supplementing with CoQ10 reinforces this protective function, especially in today's environment where many individuals consume processed foods, are overweight, and have high blood sugar levels.

For instance, research in Europe has shown that CoQ10 can help reduce oxidative stress in the liver and other organs for individuals with metabolic syndrome, which includes symptoms like high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, and abdominal weight gain. Furthermore, combining CoQ10 with some exercise has been found to have an even greater positive impact.²

This reduction in oxidative stress can potentially be life-saving.

The benefits of CoQ10 are extensive. A review study on the impact of CoQ10 on chronic kidney disease indicates that it can lower creatinine levels, a marker of kidney filtration efficiency.³

Preventing Headaches

CoQ10 can also help prevent migraine headaches.

Research conducted at the University of Maine suggests that migraines could result from the brain's response to elevated oxidative stress.⁴ According to researcher Jonathan Borkum, common migraine triggers such as disrupted sleep, air pollution, noise, stress, and certain foods increase oxidative stress in the brain.

Dr. Borkum states, "Oxidative stress is an indicator of imminent harm because several unfavorable conditions in the brain can lead to it."

Further research supports Dr. Borkum's findings and demonstrates that CoQ10 can provide relief from migraines.

In a study in France, it was found that taking a daily combination of 100 mg of CoQ10, 100 mg of feverfew (an herb known for alleviating headaches), 112.5 mg of magnesium, and 1.4 mg of vitamin B6 reduced the incidence of migraines by 60% in twelve weeks. Vitamin B6 aids in magnesium absorption.⁵

Unexpected Benefit

One of the surprising benefits of CoQ10 is its positive impact on dental health. Oral health issues tend to increase with age and are linked to various other health problems like cancer and heart disease. Research indicates that CoQ10 can help manage inflammation in the gums.⁶ Studies are also underway to determine if CoQ10 can expedite gum healing after tooth extraction.⁷

While CoQ10 may not be a miraculous solution for dental problems, it can offer assistance.

In conclusion, CoQ10 is an indispensable component of every cell's antioxidant system. Given that the body's production of CoQ10 decreases with age, there is no reason to overlook its supplementation.

Some individuals may experience mild side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues. However, these effects are unlikely to be directly caused by the supplement. If you suspect any adverse reactions to a supplement, it is advisable to reduce or discontinue its use.

References

Fadó R, Molins A, Rojas R, Casals N. Feeding the Brain: Effect of Nutrients on Cognition, Synaptic Function, and AMPA Receptors. Nutrients. 2022 Oct 5;14(19):4137. doi: 10.3390/nu14194137. PMID: 36235789; PMCID: PMC9572450.

Zhang R, Zhang M, Wang P. The intricate interplay between dietary habits and cognitive function: insights from the gut-brain axis. Front Nutr. 2025 Jan 29;12:1539355. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1539355. PMID: 39944956; PMCID: PMC11813792.

"Food for the Brain" initiative by the Food for the Brain Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on mental well-being and cognitive health.

6 Possible Causes of Brain Fog.

5 Causes of Brain Fog, Functional Medicine Meridian ID.

Brain Fog After Eating? These are the Worst Culprits.

How Your Diet Influences Brain Fog.

Brain Fog. Cleveland Clinic.

To Prevent Brain Fog at Work, Watch Wat (And How) You Eat.

Feeling Foggy? Here's How Nutrition Can Help.

Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity: What’s the difference, and why does it matter?

Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.