Coenzyme Q10, or as it’s affectionately known in our world, CoQ10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is critical for brain, heart, nerve & muscle function. It is intricately involved in energy or ATP production in our mitochondria and is found in every cell of our body. Like most things that help us function optimally, production naturally declines with age.
One of the most common interactions I have with CoQ10 in practice is with patients on cholesterol lowering medications called statins, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors for those scientifically inclined. It is a well-known drug-induced nutrient depletion (DIND) that statins deplete CoQ10 in the body resulting in decreased ATP production notably in cells that are always working like our brains, hearts & muscles. Other arenas I will commonly recommend CoQ10 usage include cardiovascular, diabetic, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
A recent 2025 study in the journal Nutrients found that CoQ10 significantly increased muscular strength, gait & balance, & cardiovascular endurance in adults ranging from 65-75 years of age.
Yet another tool in the mitochondrial arsenal for us to consider as our time clocks tick on and last I checked, stopped for no one!