CoQ10: Your Body’s Unsung Hero (and Why WE Might Be Running Low)
Let’s be real: life is a lot. Between the air we breathe, the stress we carry, and the stuff in our food we can’t even pronounce, our bodies are under constant pressure. And honestly? Sometimes we just feel off—foggy, tired, or low-key inflamed.
That’s where this little nutrient called CoQ10 comes in.
It’s one of my go-to wellness must-haves—and here’s why it should be on your radar, too.
Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate associate. Therefore, I may earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely use and believe in.
So here’s the deal:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 for short) is our cell’s hype man. It lives in our mitochondria, and it helps our body turn food into usable energy, ATP. Bonus: It’s also a powerful antioxidant, so it helps protect your cells from damage.
Our body does make CoQ10 naturally, but as we get older, or if we’re under stress (so… always), or if we take certain medications (e.g., Statins), our levels start to dip, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and low-grade inflammation.
Pollution, Toxins & Why Our Cells Are Screaming
We’re all breathing in stuff we didn’t ask for—exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, even some of the products we use at home (e.g., candles, home plug-in fragrances, off-gases). All of that adds to your body’s oxidative stress load, which sounds crazy… because it is.
This kind of stress messes with our DNA, inflames our tissues, and can set the stage for all sorts of chronic issues — like heart disease, and autoimmune stuff.
But CoQ10? It’s like a shield. It helps calm the cellular chaos and reduce that internal wear-and-tear. A 2014 study even linked CoQ10’s antioxidant powers to protecting against pollution-induced DNA damage (Møller et al., 2014). Incredible, right?
CoQ10 vs. Chronic Inflammation
Feeling puffy, sore, or like your body’s always “on edge”? As discussed earlier, that’s chronic inflammation. Our body communicates to us constantly, it's just that we don’t always listen until it’s too late.
Studies have found that people with low CoQ10 levels tend to have higher markers of inflammation like CRP and IL-6, but here’s the exciting part: when people with conditions like heart disease or diabetes started supplementing with CoQ10, their inflammation dropped (Zhai et al., 2017; Lee et al., 2012). Like… actual lab results improved.
It makes me wonder: are the “chronic” diseases we see today actual symptoms of nutrient deficiencies? hmm 🤔
Who Might Benefit from CoQ10? (Spoiler: Probably You)
You don’t need a chronic illness to take CoQ10. If any of these apply, it might be time to add it to your routine:
You live in a city or smoggy area.
You’re always tired even with sleep.
You take statins, beta blockers, or antidepressants.
You’re over 35 years of age (natural production slows down).
You’re on a healing journey from burnout, inflammation, or hormonal chaos.
You just like optimizing your health (and want better skin, too).
Can’t I Just Get It from Food?
You absolutely can… but you’d have to eat a lot of organ meats. Like liver. Daily. So for most people, supplements are the way to go.
Look for:
Ubiquinol, not ubiquinone (Ubiquinol = the active form—it absorbs better, especially as we age)
100–200mg daily is a sweet spot for general wellness
Clean, filler-free brands - Don’t worry, keep reading, I’m going to share a few that I prefer.
Bottom Line: Don’t Sleep on CoQ10
Our cells are working so hard for us every single day. CoQ10 is like giving them a raise, a bonus, and a vacation—all in one. It boosts your energy, protects your heart, reduces inflammation, and helps your body bounce back from environmental stress.
It’s one of those quiet heroes in the wellness world—but once you start using it, you feel the difference.
CoQ10 Supplements I Recommend:
Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10 with Enhanced Mitochondrial Support, ubiquinol CoQ10, shilajit, potent heart health & cellular energy production support, ultra-absorbable, gluten-free, 60 softgel https://amzn.to/4j4wJQd
Pure Encapsulations CoQ10 120 mg - Coenzyme Q10 Supplement for Heart Health, Energy, Antioxidants, Brain & Memory Health - Cellular Health, Cognition & Cardiovascular Support - 60 Capsules https://amzn.to/3SdC2Sx
References (Because I’m Still a Nurse, Okay?)
Lee, B. J., et al. (2012). CoQ10, inflammation, and heart health. Nutrition, 28(7–8), 767–772.
Littarru, G. P., & Tiano, L. (2007). CoQ10’s antioxidant magic. Molecular Biotechnology, 37(1), 31–37.
Møller, P., et al. (2014). Pollution and oxidative stress. Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(5), 471–478.
Zhai, J., et al. (2017). CoQ10 vs. inflammation: Meta-analysis power. Nutrition, 33, 14–20.
Comment below if you use CoQ10 or have noticed any benefits.
Be Well,
Aaron Betton RN
