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

Background: 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 CoQ₁₀ deficiency.

Objectives: 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.

Results: Although supplementation with CoQ₁₀ offers 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.

Conclusion: 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.