How does coenzyme q10 slow down the aging process?

 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential endogenously synthesized molecule that links different metabolic pathways to mitochondrial energy production thanks to its location in the mitochondrial inner membrane and its redox capacity, which also provide it with the capability to work as an antioxidant

7

.  The aging process includes impairment in mitochondrial function, a reduction in anti-oxidant activity, and an increase in oxidative stress, marked by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Oxidative damage to macromolecules including DNA and electron transport proteins likely increases ROS production resulting in further damage. This oxidative theory of cell aging is supported by the fact that

2

:

• Mitochondrial function has long been recognized to decline during aging concomitant with the appearance of ROS.
• Somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and respiratory chain dysfunction accompany normal aging.
• The first direct experimental evidence that increased mtDNA mutation levels contribute to progeroid phenotypes came from the mtDNA mutator mouse.

CoQ10 levels fall with aging in humans, but this is not seen in all species or all tissues. It is unknown whether lower CoQ10 levels contribute to aging or are a consequence of aging

2

.  According to ConsumerLab, levels of CoQ10 in the blood actually increase from young adulthood through middle age, peaking at around age 60, at which time levels begin to slightly decrease. Meanwhile, CoQ10 levels in brain and heart tissue do decrease with age. However, after age 60, less CoQ10 gets converted in the body into its active form, ubiquinol

3

.CoQ10 supplementation has shown benefits as an anti-aging agent, especially under certain conditions associated with increased oxidative stress. Also, CoQ10 has shown therapeutic benefits in aging-related disorders, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

7

.  A study published in Nature suggests that improving the anti-aging activity of CoQ10 through protransfersome-loaded emulgel can help repair damaged skin, especially the skin dermis layer

12

.In conclusion, CoQ10 plays a crucial role in mediating and amplifying the oxidative stress that drives the aging process. Although CoQ10 levels decline in some tissues in humans and rodents during aging, CoQ10 supplementation has shown benefits as an anti-aging agent, especially under certain conditions associated with increased oxidative stress.

Citations:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5551541/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627360/

[3] https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/do-coq10-levels-really-decrease-with-age/coq10-age/

[4] https://www.nia.nih.gov/about/aging-strategic-directions-research/understanding-dynamics-aging

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3582127/

[6] https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-oxidative-stress

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770889/

[8] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-coenzyme-q10/art-20362602

[9] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6118639/

[11] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324863

[12] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-04708-4

[13] https://natalist.com/blogs/learn/what-age-should-you-start-taking-coq10

[14] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

[15] https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00191-2

[16] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.00694/full

[17] https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/how-does-coenzyme-q10-slow-down-the-aging-process/amp/

[18] https://www.researchgate.net/figure/CoQ10-levels-decrease-in-the-epidermis-between-the-ages-of-30-and-80-years-R-2-0802_fig5_12883553

[19] https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people%E2%80%99s-health-issues/the-aging-body/overview-of-aging

[20] https://www.jci.org/articles/view/64125

[21] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/oxidative-stress

[22] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0047637421000932

[23] https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/1/2

[24] https://www.britannica.com/science/aging-life-process

[25] https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/pdf/S1097-2765(16)00081-2.pdf

[26] https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/2/201

[27] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.00044/full

[28] https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/normal-aging-changes-and-symptoms

[29] https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/8/2/40

[30] https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress

[31] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.813772/full

[32] https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/60564

[33] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.12793

[34] https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress-your-faqs-answered

[35] https://blog.insidetracker.com/evidence-behind-resveratrol-coq10-effects-aging