Ubiquinone is the collective definition for a family of organic biological molecules that are important for the production of cellular energy. In addition to absorption from nutritional sources, ubiquinone is manufactured by special enzymes in your body, making ubiquinone deficiencies rare. Mild to moderate ubiquinone deficiencies may never display any observable clinical symptoms. Uncommon genetic deficiencies can present severe symptoms, including major cognitive disorders and muscle dysfunction.
Biological Role of Ubiquinone
Naturally synthesized and nutritional ubiquinone is better known as coenzyme Q10, coq10 or Co Q10. Biologically, ubiquinones play an important role in cellular mitochondria, which are the energy-producing machinery for all of the individual cells in your body. According to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, ubiquinones play an essential role in chemical oxidation and reduction reactions in the mitochondria to generate the energy molecule known as adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. In addition to ATP production, ubiquinones also act as powerful antioxidants in your body.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical disorder that is characterized by excessive tiredness that cannot be controlled with sleep or rest and cannot be linked to other medical problems. According to an article published in a 2000 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review," coenzyme Q10 deficiency has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. Dietary supplementation with coenzyme Q10 was able to improve the clinical symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in 90 percent of patients enrolled in a controlled study.
Friedreich's Ataxia
Deficiencies in both coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E are symptoms of Friedreich's ataxia, a genetic disease that leads to severe neurological problems. According to PubMed Health, sufferers of Friedreich's ataxia can experience symptoms including loss of reflex and coordination, muscle weakness, abnormal speech, blurred vision, hearing loss, tremors and numbness. While there is no cure for this disease, supplementation with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E can improve some of the symptoms. According to a clinical trial published in the December 2008 issue of the "European Journal of Neurology," individuals with Friedreich's ataxia responded well to dietary supplementation of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E.
Genetic Deficiency
Genetic disorders that cause coenzyme Q10 deficiencies are so rare that there are only a handful of documented cases. According to a report published in the April 2007 issue of "Neurochemical Research," symptoms of this rare disorder include mental impairment, generalized weakness and fatigue, seizures, hearing loss and growth retardation. In all of these cases of coenzyme Q10 deficiencies caused by genetic abnormalities, oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10 improved all symptoms.
Warnings
Even if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with coenzyme Q10 deficiencies, do not attempt to self-medicate yourself with over-the-counter supplements. Always seek the advice and medical guidance of your doctor before inadvertently causing harm to yourself.
References
- Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute; Coenzyme Q10; February 2007
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Nutritional Strategies for Treating Chronic; Melvyn R. Werbach; 2000
- PubMed Health; Friedreich's ataxia; November 2010
- "European Journal of Neurology"; Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E deficiency in Friedreich's ataxia: predictor of efficacy of vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 therapy; J. M. Cooper et al.; December 2008
- "Neurochemical Research"; Catarina M. Quinzii et al.; April 2007
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