Co-enzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone): It's Implication in Improving the Life Style of the Elderly

Abstract

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) (1) is lipid-soluble and an important mitochondrial redox component, endogenously produced antioxidant in the human organisms. CoQ10 (1) plays an important role in the production of cellular energy, strengthens the immune system and acts as a free radical scavenger. Aging, poor eating habits, infections and stress affect the amounts of CoQ10 (1) in the humans. As human beings age, they begin to lose the ability to synthesize CoQ10 (1) from food resulting in its deficiency. CoQ10 (1) facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria by participating in redox reactions within the electron transport chain. Cardiovascular disease deaths in elders are 80% in males and 75% in females. The average age of death from cardiovascular diseases in the developing world is 68 years and in developed world it is 80 years. Cardiovascular disease onset is 7-10 years earlier in men as compared to women. A low level of myocardial CoQ10 (1) is related to the severity of heart failure. Long-term CoQ10 (1) treatment of patients with chronic heart failure is safe and reduces major adverse cardiovascular complications.