CoQ10 or CoenzymeQ10 is a lipid-soluble component that occurs naturally in the mitochondria of most energy-producing cells. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and also used in the formation of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. As an atioxidant, CoQ10 can neutralize naturally occurring free radicals as well as those that we are exposed to in our environment.
Poor Cardiovascular Function
Low levels of CoQ10 can cause muscle weakness and sluggishness that involves the heart and other parts of the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 prevents blood clots and improves the body's ability to create energy within the blood cells.
It has been shown that people who suffer from heart failure have lower than normal levels of CoQ10. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, it begins to pool in other parts of the body such as the lungs and then legs. People who received extra amounts of CoQ10 were less likely to die after a heart attack, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fatigue
CoQ10 is involved in the production of adenosine triphosphate, which fuels many of the body's primary functions. ATP is vital to the manufacture of protein and the contraction of muscle tissue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If CoQ10 levels drop below normal, these processes can slow down or become affected in other ways.
CoQ10 deficiencies may also reduce the effectiveness of the blood to carry nutrients and oxygen to parts of the body, causing weakness. Antioxidants can saturate the blood and leave little room for the things the body needs to remain active. This causes fatigue and in some cases, fibromyalgia symptoms. Adding CoQ10 supplements to the diet can neutralize antioxidants and help the body to flush them out.
Weakness
Muscular deterioration and even some types of muscular dystrophies an occur when the biochemical processes begin to malfunction, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because CoQ10 is a main chemical compound necessary for the production of protein, deficiencies can cause muscles to become frail and weak.
This overall lack of energy and chemical response in the muscle can cause weakness and muscle degeneration. Adding CoQ10 to the diet removes antioxidants, boosts energy and strengthens the cardiovascular system. As the cardiovascular system becomes stronger, it carries more nutrients to the tissues in the body, which in turn supply more energy. The muscles can regain strength, and exercise becomes easier.
Mental Retardation
Cerebellar atrophy and ataxia are present in many patients suffering from CoQ10 deficiency, according to the National Library of Medicine. This results in delayed motor skills, epilepsy and mental retardation. These conditions normally begin in infancy up to adolescence. The National Library of Medicine quotes several studies that were published in "Neurology" magazine in 2001 through 2006 that discuss the connection between mental retardation and CoQ10 deficiency. It also links this deficiency with muscle weakness and a variety of other problems associated with these neurological issues.
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