Aleksandra Karmańska, Natalia Rękawiecka, Bolesław Karwowski

Coenzyme Q10 – metabolism, supplementation, bioavailability

 

2025-02-05

Research subject. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenylbenzoquinone, also referred to as ubiquinone or ubidecarenone, plays a key role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In high concentrations, it is found in tissues requiring increased amounts of energy: heart, kidneys and muscles. The efficiency of coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis is reduced in the elderly, so its supplementation may be beneficial.

Aim of the study. This paper discusses issues concerning:

• the importance of coenzyme Q10 in the human organism its participation in oxidative phosphorylation processes, ferroptosis and the influence on oxidoreductive processes;
• the various stages of absorption and metabolism in the body;
• factors influencing primary and secondary coenzyme deficiency;
• bioavailability of preparations present on the pharmaceutical market;
• differences in supplementation of the two forms of coenzyme ubiquinone and ubiquinol;
• methods used to clinically assess coenzyme levels in the body.

Materials and methods. The publication used databases: PubMed, Medline, Science Direct (Elsevier), and Google Scholar, and keywords  coenzyme Q10, bioavailability, metabolism, ubiquinone, ubiquinol, and absorption. The literature review included original articles and review papers in English covering the years 1994-2024. An approach based on an analysis of the cited literature in the selected articles was used to find other scientific studies.

Results. CoQ10 deficiency can result from genetic defects, oxidative stress-related diseases type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and aging. Some drugs, including statins, widely used among others by the elderly, can inhibit endogenous CoQ10 synthesis.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves mitochondrial function and provides antioxidant protection for organs and tissues affected by pathological conditions. New advanced coenzyme Q10 delivery systems have been used to increase solubility and bioavailability; optimization of formulation is a major therapeutic goal.

Conclusions. 1. The absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 supplements may vary, depending on the formulation used. 2. There are large inter‑individual differences in the absorption of CoQ10 -the absorption of the preparations depends on the individual's ability to absorb the coenzyme.

Keywords: bioavailability, coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol, ubiquinone.

© Farm Pol, 2024, 80(9): 645–656