Isn't it universally accepted that as we hit middle age, we don't have the same energy levels we once did? We often find ourselves reminiscing about those days when pulling an all-nighter and then heading straight to work was a breeze. Gradually, however, we come to realize just how much we cherish a good night's sleep, and the idea of going to bed early becomes genuinely appealing.
When writing about nutrition, I frequently mention that "levels decline with age." This applies to nutrients, hormones, and bodily secretions, as they all diminish over time. One of the most notable of these is the vitamin-like nutrient, coenzyme Q10.
Known as ubiquinone, CoQ10 isn't classified as a vitamin since the body can produce it. It plays a crucial role in energy generation within every cell and serves as a significant fat-soluble antioxidant.
How you make energy
The food you consume is converted into energy, which is eventually transformed into a unit known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This transformation takes place within the mitochondria of each cell through a mechanism called the electron transport chain, a process in which CoQ10 plays a crucial role.
When CoQ10 levels drop, so does ATP, leading to a dip in energy. Unfortunately, our bodies hit peak production of CoQ10 between ages 20 and 25. By the time we reach 65, our energy output is cut in half compared to when we were 25. It's no surprise we feel the urge to hit the sack early.
Peak production happens at around 25 years old. After this peak, production gradually decreases, so that by the time a person reaches 65, their production level is roughly half of what it was at 25.
Peak production happens at about 25 years old, and then it gradually decreases. By the time a person reaches 65, their production level is roughly half of what it was at 25.
Due to its crucial role in cellular metabolism, the organs and tissues requiring the most energy—the heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain—are the ones most susceptible to CoQ10 deficiency. A lack of CoQ10 has been associated with various conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic fatigue.
A severe deficiency can weaken the heart muscle and, over time, this can potentially lead to heart failure.
Distribution of CoQ10 in the body.
Since CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant inside the cell, it helps neutralize harmful free radicals generated by oxidation. These free radicals are linked to various degenerative diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, and dementia, so gathering as many antioxidants as possible is crucial.
