You’ve likely heard of Coenzyme Q10. You may have heard that it’s important, or not. And, you might be wondering what role it plays in the body. To my mind it’s important enough to dedicate a post to the topic.
I’ve posted frequently about mitochondria but in case you’re new to this discussion, mitochondria are tiny organelles found inside virtually every cell in the body. They’re best known for producing the energy that body organs and tissues need to function. Mitochondria also play a number of key roles including in the innate immune system, in calcium storage and in a form of housekeeping that helps to identify and remove damaged cells from the body, including those that are pre-cancerous.
In short, functional mitochondria are needed to provide energy and other vital functions to maintain healthy tissues and organs. When mitochondria are damaged by infection, aging, toxins, inflammation, stress or genetic mutations, the outcome is referred to as mitochondrial dysfunction.
While mitochondrial dysfunction has been demonstrated as a factor in disorders of aging, type-2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, recent studies of mitochondria in Long COVID patients, now demonstrate its relevance to this disorder as well.
In late 2023 the publication of a comprehensive study of mitochondrial genes in rodents and humans during COVID infections removed any question that mitochondrial dysfunction is a key component of acute and chronic COVID-19 (Long COVID) disease. For readers who want to dig more deeply, I recommend the hot link above.
Knowing that mitochondrial dysfunction is significantly involved in Long COVID symptoms and other post viral syndromes, it begs the question of what strategies might be effective in the quest to return to wellness?
This is where Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) comes into the discussion. Also known as ubiquinone and ubiquinol (a bioactive form), it is found within the mitochondria in all cells in the body. CoQ10 plays an important role in shuttling electrons along the electron transport chain, thus in making the energy molecule ATP.
A recent review article laid out a list of clinical trials in which CoQ10 was used to treat symptoms likely caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in relevant acute or long term viral infections, including Long COVID and ME/CFS. It’s not possible to determine how conditions may have varied between the various trials, so making decisions based on this analysis is premature when considering CoQ10 as a treatment or for prevention.
Overall however, based on knowledge of the need for CoQ10 for mitochondria to function, the author’s aims and efforts “to evaluate the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on chronic fatigue and pain symptoms as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of [Post Viral Fatigue Syndromes] PVFS” are welcome.
In an earlier post (TLC for Mitochondria), I discussed what supplements I’ve been taking to support my own recuperation from Long COVID. CoQ10 is on the list.
.
Hi Catherine,
The amount of CoQ10 needed may depend on the person's age and what type of Q10 is involved. Mitochondria need a number of nutrients to function optimally. If you haven't read it yet, read this https://longcovidjourney2wellness.substack.com/p/long-covid-tlc-for-mitochondria where I go into the bigger picture. Check the links. They refer back to peer review articles, some with good illustrations.
I am not familiar with Urolithin A, but will watch the video. There is also a product known as MitoQ which has been tested by a number of groups.
I'm taking CoQ10 too. I would be interested to know what amount others are taking. I was told by a health coach that it's ok to go to 200mg day. I was only taking about 60 - am tentatively increasing it now.
Also wondering if you or anyone here has tried Urolithin A for boosting mitochondria? I saw Terry Wahls talking about it and am tempted.. quite a big investment but maybe worth it depending on the results. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjVWPGopoPE (In this interview she also talks about alternatives to help mitochondrial health such exercise, getting hot/cold, being hungry for food.)