Coenzyme Q10 was first identified in 1957. At that time it was known as ubiquinone (from the term ubiquitous) because it is found everywhere in nature. It is found in all plant and animal cells making it easily obtained through the diet, but not in optimum levels. It is a catalyst for food metabolism working in conjunction with enzymes, thus the name "coenzyme". CoQ10 is essential to energy production and necessary for the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It functions in the transfer of energy and oxygen between blood and body cells and also between cell components, in other words it is essential for the body's cells, tissues and organs. CoQ10 is found in the highest concentrations in cells of the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas. CoQ10 works together with vitamin E and may protect it from damage. Current research indicates that it may play an important role in prevention of various cardiovascular diseases. In addition, research is being conducted to determine whether CoQ10 may be useful in supporting healthy immune function.CoQ10 has long been hailed as being beneficial in raising energy levels, but its effects on weight loss are less known.*
Karl Folkers, a biochemist has studied CoQ10 and found it to be low in half of people who are overweight. When people who were low in CoQ10 were given a supplement they lost more than twice the weight of people who were not low in CoQ10 given the same supplement. This suggests that if you are low in CoQ10, you might increase your weight loss by taking it as a supplement. Please note: coenzyme CoQ10 is not suitable for anyone with thyroid conditions.*
Nutritional supplementation can significantly enhance the production of ATP and the function of UCP3. It has recently been discovered that coenzyme CoQ10 is required for the function of UCP3. UCP3 is under the influence of leptin and thyroid control. UCP3 is dominant in muscle cells. Like the UCP1 in BAT, UCP3 has the ability to shift a cell out of regular aerobic energy production of ATP and into 100% heat production.*
A muscle cell needs to make energy in order to perform activity. The greater the activity, the more energy you need, you produce energy from calories. Carbohydrates go directly into your Krebs cycle engines and crank out ATP; fats go through beta-oxidation on their way to ATP production.*
For a top athlete fuel comes in and efficiently makes energy out of whatever type of calorie it is, the cell energy production systems are top notch. There is no significant activation of UCP3 even during intense muscle activity. Conditioned muscle is very effective at using any type of calorie to make energy, 100% ATP.*
However, an average fit person who is generally healthy is involved in some aerobic exercise requiring ongoing production of energy. At first, energy output is adequate; there was no trouble making energy from the sugar that was already stored in the muscle. The liver will also release glycogen to fuel the activity. After 30 minutes the fuel is gone, now UCP3 activates to dispose of fat as energy. There is more fat coming into the cell than it can use and if it is not going to get used it will pile up in the cell. Thus leptin activates UCP3 to defend the cell from fat poisoning, creating heat not ATP.*
Let us assume for a moment that one has sluggish and tired muscle cells, an unfit person who is most likely overweight. These cells struggle to make muscle energy (ATP), which is reflected, in weak and unfit feeling muscles. Fatigue, a tired or irritable head, and a lack of sustainable energy. Due to low energy the individual craves food and eats plenty but cannot transform it into energy. They create heat but no ATP.*
It has also been discovered that a lack of antioxidants in general "stress out" UCP3 and make it not work well, since UCP3 actually helps coordinate a cell's antioxidant defence system in harmony with antioxidant nutrients. Virtually all-overweight people are low in antioxidants. It has long been known that B vitamins, Krebs cycle intermediates - especially malic acid, magnesium, and coenzyme Q10 are needed for cellular energy production (ATP Synthesis).*
References
Coenzyme Q10. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Last update 30 August 2013, http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com
Coenzyme Q10 Monograph. Altern Med Rev 2007;12(2):159-168. http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/12/2/159.pdf
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.