I have gotten a lot of questions on the road about Coenzyme Q10, known as CoQ10. Here is the scoop.
CoQ10 is a substance produced by your body that partially functions as an antioxidant, meaning it works to counteract the damage caused by free radicals. CoQ10 is present in small amounts in many common foods, particularly animal products, and it's also available in supplement form.
CoQ10 supplements are effective in erasing a CoQ10 deficiency, though this is rare. Some people believe that CoQ10 can help with heart disease by lowering blood pressure and/or cholesterol, but the studies that have shown these effects are small and more vigorous research is needed in order to substantiate such claims. The most significant findings have been with regard to blood pressure; however, CoQ10 can react with some medications, including blood thinners, and can reduce blood sugar, so it's absolutely necessary that you discuss CoQ10 supplements with your doctor before taking them. Some supplement with CoQ10 in order to increase energy, since CoQ10 has a role in the production of ATP, but this has not been empirically shown. Research on its effects on exercise performance is also inconclusive.