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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Specialistalso ubiquinone
What it isCoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound found in mitochondrial membranes throughout the body. The body synthesizes it through the mevalonate pathway — the same pathway statins inhibit.
DoesShuttles electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain to make ATP and serves as a potent membrane antioxidant.
GoodAdequate CoQ10 supports energy production, cardiac, and antioxidant defense.
BadLow CoQ10 contributes to fatigue, muscle pain, and cardiovascular issues. Statins suppress CoQ10 synthesis. Levels decline with age.
- Standard
- 0.4–1.6 µg/mL.
- Optimal
- 1.1–1.8 µg/mL (higher is good within range)
- Modifiers
- Falls with statins, age; absorption better with fat.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- —
- Diet
- Organ meats, fatty fish, beef, peanuts; modest amounts only.
- Supplements
- Ubiquinol (the reduced, more bioavailable form, 100–200mg/day) — particularly on statins or after age 50.
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- — --
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Vitamins