Fatigue is more than needing a nap or a few cups of coffee to get through the day. Fatigue is a lack of energy and motivation that is not corrected with rest. Your body naturally produces coenzyme Q10, necessary for the body's production of energy. CoQ10 decreases naturally with age, but can be decreased further due to disease. Increasing CoQ10 intake from foods or supplements may improve symptoms of fatigue.
About Coenzyme Q10
Almost all chemical process in the body depend on a molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. CoQ10 is a necessary co-factor in the production of ATP. CoQ10 can also act as an antioxidant, protecting the body from free radicals and other toxins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplementation with CoQ10 can boost energy, improve immune function and boost the body's antioxidant capacity.
Low CoQ10 Levels
According to MayoClinic.com, your body's ability to produce CoQ10 decreases with age. Certain medical conditions can further deplete CoQ10 from the body: cardiovascular disease, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Although increasing CoQ10 intake raises levels in the body, it is unclear whether this can overcome the biological processes that led to low CoQ10.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be a sign of an underlying disease, although your doctor may diagnose you with chronic fatigue syndrome if all other possibilities have been eliminated. A characteristic of fatigue, medically speaking, is that it is not corrected by sleep, good nutrition or reducing stress.There are many physical and psychological causes of fatigue. Though CoQ10 can help give you an energy boost, low CoQ10 may not be the source of your fatigue. According to MayoClinic.com, early studies show that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, although further research is needed.
CoQ10 in Foods
Most people obtain adequate levels of CoQ10 from their diet. The richest sources of CoQ10 include oily fish, such as salmon and tuna, organ meats and whole grains. Since your body can synthesize CoQ10 itself, there is no recommended daily intake from foods.
Safety of Supplements
According to MayoClinic.com, doses of 50 to 1,200 mg of CoQ10 have been used in studies. CoQ10 supplementation is generally considered safe. Consult with your doctor before starting a CoQ10 regimen, especially in high doses. CoQ10 may interfere with blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications and blood thinners.
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