Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and L-carnitine are vital nutrients that play crucial roles in energy production and cellular health. While often overlooked, these compounds have significant implications for heart health, athletic performance, and overall well-being.

What are Q10 and L-carnitine?
- CoQ10: A powerful antioxidant found in every cell of the body, essential for energy production within the mitochondria.
- L-Carnitine: An amino acid-like compound crucial for transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
Why are they important?
- Energy Production: Both Q10 and L-carnitine are critical for cellular energy production, a process that declines with age.
- Antioxidant Protection: Q10 acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Heart Health: Both compounds play vital roles in maintaining heart health, with benefits observed in conditions like heart failure, angina, and arrhythmias.
- Athletic Performance: Q10 and L-carnitine can enhance athletic performance by improving energy production, reducing muscle fatigue, and aiding recovery.
- Immune Function: By supporting cellular energy and protecting against oxidative stress, Q10 and L-carnitine contribute to a healthy immune system.
Depletion of Q10 and L-carnitine:
- Age-Related Decline: Production of both compounds declines with age, contributing to age-related health issues.
- Lifestyle Factors: Factors like heavy alcohol consumption and liver disease can further deplete Q10 and L-carnitine levels.
Q10 and L-carnitine for Optimal Health:
- Heart Health: Supplementation with Q10 and L-carnitine has shown promise in improving heart function in patients with heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.
- Athletic Performance: Athletes can benefit from supplementation to enhance endurance, improve recovery, and reduce muscle fatigue.
- Anti-Aging: By supporting mitochondrial function and combating oxidative stress, Q10 and L-carnitine may play a role in slowing down the aging process.
- Immune Support: These nutrients can help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.

Important Considerations:
- Quality of Supplementation: Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands.
- Dosage: Optimal dosages may vary depending on individual needs and health conditions.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Conclusion
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and L-carnitine are vital nutrients that play crucial roles in numerous physiological processes. By supporting cellular energy production, protecting against oxidative stress, and enhancing cardiovascular function, these compounds offer significant health benefits. While further research is needed, available evidence suggests that supplementation with Q10 and L-carnitine may be beneficial for individuals seeking to improve their overall health, enhance athletic performance, and support healthy ageing.
References
- Kamei M et al, Intl J Vit Nut Res 56:57 1986
- Hodges S et al, Biofactors 9:365-370, 1999
- Mitchell P, J Theoret Biol 62:327-367, 1976
- Littaru, GP, Energy & Defence, Facts and Perspectives on Coenzyme Q10 in Biology and Medicine, Casa Editrice Scientifica Internazionale Rome, 1994
- Buznakow E et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Q10, Eds. Folkers K e al, Vol 3, Elsevier, Amersterdam 1988; pp311-323
- Langsjoen H et al, Am J Cardiology 65:521-523, 1990
- Langsjoen PH et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82:4240-4244, 1985
- Morisco C et al, Clin Investig 71: S134-136 1993
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed and Biophys Res Comm, 199(3):1504-1508, 1994
- Nylander M et al, Proc 8th Intl Sympsm Q10, Stockholm 1993
- Hanioka T et al, Ibid
- Yamabe H et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 6, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1991; pp535-540,
- Zeppilli P et al, Ibid, pp 541-546
- Fiorella P et al, Ibid, pp513-520
- Hansen IL et al, Res Commun Chem Path Pharm 14:4:729-738, 1976
- Nylander M, Biomed 4:6-11, 1991
- Shizukuishi S et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Q10: 5:359-368, 1986
- Wilkinson EG et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Q10: 1:251-266, 1977
- Wilkinson EG et al, Res Commun Chem Path Pharm 14:4:715-719, 1976
- Wilkinson EG et al, Res Commun Chem Path Pharm 12:1:111-123, 1975
- Stocker R, Antioxidants & Disease Prevention: Biochem, Nut & Pharmacol Aspects, ILSI Intl Symposium, Stockholm June/July 1993; pp45-46
- Ingold KU et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:45-49, 1993
- Stocker R et al, Antioxidants, Vitamins & Beta Carotene in Disease Prevention, 2nd Intl Conf, Berlin 1994; Abs p17
- Ernster L et al, BioFactors 3:241-248, 1992
- Forsmark P et al, FEBS Letters 285:39-43, 1991
- Takayanagi R et al, Biochemical J 192:853-860, 1980
- Takeshige K, Minakami S, J Biochem 77:1067-1073, 1975
- Takeshige K et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects Of CoQ10, Vol 2, Eds.Folkers K, Yamamura , Elsevier, Amsterdam 1980; pp15-26
- Mellors A, Tappel AL, J Biol Chem 241:4353-4356, 1966
- Bäckström D et al, Biochim Biophys Acta 197:108-111, 1970
- King TE, CoQ: Biochem, Bioenergetics & Clin Actions ofUbiquinone, Ed. Lenaz G, Wiley, NY 1985; p391
- Kröger A, Klingenberg M, Eur J Biochem 34:358-368, 1973
- Mellors A, Tappel AL, Lipids 1:282-284, 1966
- Yuziriha T et al, Biochim Biophys Acta 759:286, 1983
- Karlsson J et al, Klinische Wochenschr 71:S84-91, 1993
- Mohr D et al, Biochim Biophys Acta 1126:247-254, 1992
- Tomono Y et al, Intl J Clin Pharmacol Tox 24:536-541, 1986
- Kishi H et al, Biochem & Clin Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 4, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1984; pp131-142
- Lucker PF et al, Ibid, pp143-151
- Greenberg SM et al, Med Clin N Am 72:243-258, 1988
- Folkers K et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82:4513-4516, 1985
- Beyer RE et al, Mech of Ageing & Dev 32:267-281, 1985
- Apelqvist EL et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 6,Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1991; pp141-150
- Lenaz G et al, Ibid, pp11-18
- Valls V et al, Biomarkers of Ageing; Expression and Regulation,Eds. Licastro F & Calderra CM, CLUEB, Bologna 1992; pp389-396
- Kalen A et al, Lipids 24:579-584, 1989
- Beyer RE, Free Rad Biol Med 5:297-303, 1988
- Beyer RE et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of CoQ 10, Vol 5, Eds. Folkers K , Yamamua Y, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1986; pp17-24
- Lenaz G et al, Klinische Wochenschr 71:S71-75, 1993
- Judy WV et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 5, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1986; pp315-323
- Hofman-Bang C et al, J Am College Cardiol 19:216A, 1992
- Lampertico M, Comis S, Klinische Wochenschr 71:S129-133, 1993
- Morisco B et al, Clin Invest 71 (8 Suppl):S134-S136, 1993
- Permanetter B et al, Eur Heart J 13:1528-1533, 1992
- Wilson MF et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 6, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier Amsterdam, 1991; pp339-348
- Baggio E et al, Klinische Wochenschr 71:S145-149, 1993
- Oda T, Ibid, S150-154
- Karlsson J et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 6, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier Amsterdam, 1991
- Karlsson J et al, Eur Heart J 13:758-762, 1992
- Karlson J et al, Highlights in Ubiquinone Research, Eds. Lenaz G,Barnabei O, Rabbi A, Battino M, Taylor & Francis, London,1990
- Karlsson J et al, Ann Med 23:339-344, 1991
- Karlsson J, Advances in Myochemistry, Ed. Benzi G, Libbey, London, 1987
- Kiessling K-H et al, Coronary Artery Disease & Physical Fitness, Eds. Larsen OA, Malmborg RO, Munksgaard, Copenhagen 1970
- Kiessling K-H et al, Clin Science 44:547-554, 1973
- Ernster L et al, Eur J Biochem 9:299-310, 1969
- Folkers K et al, Intl J Vit Res 40:380-390, 1970
- Littaru GP et al, Proc Natl Acad Science 68:2332-2335, 1971
- Folkers K et al, J Molec Med 2:431-460, 1977
- Iwamoto Y et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 3, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1981; pp109-119
- Ernster L, Forsmark-Andrea P, Clin Investig 71:560-565, 1993
- Awata N et al, Biomed and Clinical Aspects of CoQ10, Vol 2, Eds. Folkers K et al, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1980; pp247-253
- Cacciapuoti F, Gentille S, Ibid Vol 6, 1991; pp481-488
- Kawajiri K, Fujii-Kuriyama Y, Jpn J Cancer Res 82:1325-1335, 1991
- Tawfiq N et al, Eur J Cancer Prev 3:285-292, 1994
- Jollier P et al, Intl J Clin Pharmacol Ther 36:506-509, 1998
- Ernster L, Stockholm Univ: personal communication
- Weber C et al, Molec Asp Med 15:S97-S102, 1995
- Folkers K et al, Molec Asp Med 15:S281-285, 1995
- Bargossi AM et al, Molec Asp Med 15:S187-193, 1995
- Shigenaga MK et al, Proc Natl Acad Science 91:23 (Nov 8 1994; pp10771-10778)
- Chello M et al, Ann Thoracic Surg 58(5):1427-1432, 1994
- Vina J et al, Antioxidants, Vitamins & Beta Carotene in Disease Prevention, 2nd Intl Conf, Berlin 1994; Abs p95
- Adembri C et al, Histology & Histopathology 9(4):683-690, 1994
- Gugger ET, Erdman JW, Antioxidants, Vitamins & Beta Carotene in Disease Prevention, 2nd Intl Conf, Berlin 1994; Abs p53
- Gonzales R et al, Cancer Research 44:4137-4139, 1984
- Baum RM, Chem Eng News 20-26, Apr 9 1984
- Ernster L, Dallner G, Biochim Biophys Acta 1271(1):195-204, 1995
- Alleva R et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 92:9388-9391, 1995
- Lockwood K et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 212:172-177, 1995
- Folkers K et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 192:241-245, 1993
- Harman D, Age 18:51-62, 1995
- Laaksonen R et al, Eur J Applied Physiol & Occupational Physiol 72:95-100, 1995
- Stocker R, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q, 9th Intl Symposium, Ancona, May 16-19, 1996; Abs pp16-17
- Bowry WV et al, J Biol Chem 270:5756-5763, 1995
- Alleva R et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q, 9th Intl Symposium, Ancona, May 16-19, 1996; Abs pp18-19
- Mortensen SA et al, Ibid, Abs p25
- Langsjoen PH et al, Ibid, Abs p26
- Oda T, Ibid, Abs p27
- Soja AM, Mortensen SA, Ibid, Abs p29
- Tarui S et al, Ibid, Abs p35
- Ogasawara et al, Neurology 35:372, 1985
- Ogasawara et al, Neurology 36:45, 1986
- Suzuki Y et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q, 9th Intl Symposium, Ancona, May 16-19, 1996; Abs p36
- Wakabayashi T et al, Ibid, Abs p9
- Sohal RS, Ibid, Abs p13
- Lönnrot K et al, Ibid, Abs p53
- Linane AW, Ibid, Abs pp45-46
- Alho H et al, Ibid, Abs p20
- Lewin A, Ibid, Abs p47
- Kalen A et al, Biochim Biophys Acta 926:70-78, 1987
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed Biophys Res Comm, 199(3):1504-1508,
- Lockwood K et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 212:172-177, 1995
- Folkers K et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 192:241-245, 1993
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, 9th Intl Symposium, Ancona May 16-19, 1996; Abs p50
- Beyer RE et al, Ibid, Abs p3-4
- Crane FL, Navas P, Ibid, Abs p1
- Lenaz G, Ibid, Abs p5
- Nohl H, Ibid, Abs p6
- Navas P, Villalba JM, Ibid, Abs p2
- Kishi T et al, Ibid, Abs p12
- Fritz IB, Advances Lipid Research 1:285-334, 1963
- Greenhaff P, personal communication
- Casey AD et al, Am J Physiol 271:E31-E37, 1996
- Greenhaff PL et al, Am J Physiol 266:E725-E730, 1994
- Greenhaff PL et al, Clin Science 84:565-571, 1993
- Harris RC et al, Clin Science 83:367-374, 1992
- Green AL et al, Acta Physiol Scanda, 158:2 195-202, 1996
- Green Al et al, Am J Physiol 271:E821-E826, 1996
- Hogan MC et al, Med & Sci in Sports & Exercise 27:371-377, 1995
- McVeigh J, Lopaschuk GD, Am J Physiol 259:H1079-H1085, 1990
- Jos OD et al, Cardiovasc Research 10:427-436, 1976
- Higgins AJ et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 100:291-296, 1981
- Dyck DJ et al, Am J Physiol 265:E852-E859, 1993
- Putman CT et al, Am J Physiol 268:E1007-E1017, 1995
- Timmons JA et al, J Clin Investig 97:879-883, 1996
- Colombani P et al, Eur J Applied Physiol & Occupational Physiol 73:434-439, 1996
- Lukaski HC et al, Am J Clin Nut 63:954-965, 1996
- Malm C et al, Acta Physiol Scandinavica 157:511-512, 1996
- Heinomen OJ, Sports Med 22:109-132, 1996
- Hallmark MA et al, Med & Science in Sports & Exercise 28:139-144, 1996
- Singh RB et al, Cardiovasc Drugs & Therapy 12:347-353, 1998
- Scheinen A, Mäkinen KK, Acta Odont Scand 33:590, 1975
- Khambanorida S et al, J Bio Buccale 11:255, 1983
- Scheinen A et al, Oral Health 71:33, 1981
- Mäkinen KK, J Dent Res 74:1904-1923, 1995
- Mäkinen KK, personal communication
- Bliznakov EG, Proc Natl Acad Science, 70:390-394 1973
- Bliznakov EG, Biomed Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, 1:73-84, 1984
- Bliznakov EG, Macrophages and Lymphocytes, Pt A:361-369, 1980
- Folkers K et al, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 192:214-245, 1997
- Ihse I et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, 8th Intl Symposium,1993; Abs p48
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, 8th Intl Symposium,1993; Abs p49
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed Biophys Res Comm 212:172-177, 1995
- Lockwood K et al, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, 9th Intl Symposium,1996; Abs p50
- Gugger ET, Erdman JW, Antioxidants, Vitamins & Beta Carotene in Disease Prevention, 2nd Intl Conf, Berlin 1994; Abs p53
- Kobayashi A et al, Japan Circ J 56:86-94, 1992
- Ghidini O et al, Intl J Clin Pharm Ther Tox 26:217-220, 1988
- Pepine C et al, The Carnitine System: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Cardiovascular Diseases, Eds De Jong JW, Ferrari R,Kluwer Acad Publishers, The Netherlands 1995, Chapter 16
- Rizzon P et al, The Carnitine System: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Cardiovascular Diseases, Eds De Jong JW, Ferrari R, Kluwer Acad Publishers, The Netherlands 1995, Chapter 17 160
- Costa M et al, Andrologia 26:155-159, 1994
- Vitali G et al, Drugs Exptl Clin Res 21:157-159, 1995
- Campaniello E et al, 4th Int Congress of Andrology, Firenze, 1989
- Loumbakis P et al, Eur Urol 30:255, 1996
- Marconi C et al, Eur J Appl Physiol 54:131-135, 1985
- Dragan GI et al, Rev Roum Morphol Embryol Physiol Physiologie 24:23-28, 1987
- Gorostiaga EM et al, Int J Sports Med 10:169-174, 1989
- Siliprandi N et al, Biochem Biophys Acta 1034:17-21, 1990
- Vecchiet L et al, Eur J Appl Physiol 61:486-490, 1990
- Paulson DJ et al, The Carnitine System: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Cardiovascular Diseases, Eds. De Jong JW, Ferrari R, Kluwer Acad Publishers, The Netherlands 1995, Chapter 13
- Singh RB et al, Postgrad Med J 72:45-50, 1996
- Cherchi A et al, Intl J Clin Pharm Ther Tox 23:569-572, 1985
- Kamikawa T et al, Japan Heart J 25:587-597, 1984
- Cacciatore L et al, Drugs Exp Clin Res 17(4):255-235, 1991
- Jacoba KGC et al, Clin Drug Invest 11:90-96, 1996
- Luppa D et al, Carnitine – Pathobiochemical Basis and Clinical Applications, Eds. Seim H, Loster H, Ponte Press, Germany, 1996
- Cerretelli P et al, Intl J Sports Med 11:1-14, 1990
- Swart I et al, Nut Research 17:405, 1997
- Angelini C et al, Adv Clin Enzymol 4:103-110, 1986
- Giamberardino MA et al, Intl J Sports Med 17:320-324, 1996
- Bremer J, The Carnitine System: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Cardiovascular Diseases, Eds. De Jong JW, Ferrari R, Kluwer Acad Publishers, The Netherlands 1995, Chapter 2
- Ramsey AC et al, Caries Research 9:13, 1975
- Onisi M, J Dental Health 5:138-139, 1985
- Cao J et al, Dental Health 31:86-89, 1987
- Ikuza S, Dentistry 67:770-778, 1980
- Paolino VJ et al, Am Assoc Dent Research 488 (abs), 1980
- Wu-Yuan CD et al, J Dent Research 67:51-55, 1988
- Itoh T, Nihon U J Oral Science 17:115-126,1991
- Otake S et al, Caries Research 25:438-443, 1991
- Sakanaka S et al, Agric Biol Chem 54:2925-2959, 1990
- Weiss EI, J Am Dent Assoc 129:1719-1723, 1998
- Vanfraecham HP, Folkers K, Biomed & Clin Aspects of Q10,Eds. Folkers K, Yamamura Y, Vol 3, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1981; pp235-241