The brain comprises an average of 2% of the body's weight, but consumes as much as 20% of the energy it uses. The high energy demand means that any metabolic disorder can take its toll on brain health and performance. Deterioration of the work of this organ is nothing pleasant - it will annoy any of us. Whether we work mentally, want to be brilliant when chatting, or just want to feel good and full of vigor - the brain needs coenzyme Q10. Its deficiency increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. In this article, we'll discuss how coenzyme Q10 specifically affects the nervous system, and how you can put this knowledge into practice.
- Properties of coenzyme Q10 for the brain
- Coenzyme Q10 and neurodegenerative diseases - neuroprotective effects
- Summary
Properties of coenzyme Q10 for the brain
Coenzyme Q10 can help maintain brain function. Its action is to maintain an efficient energy supply for neurons. By participating in cellular respiration, Q10 contributes to the production of ATP, the high-energy molecules that provide fuel for cells, including nerve cells.
Keeping inflammation under control at all times is also needed for brain health. Acute, physiological inflammation is good because it helps us fight off ongoing dangers, but low-level chronic inflammation can be extremely degenerative, especially for the nervous system. Coenzyme Q10 affects the course of inflammatory reactions in various ways. It influences the expression of relevant genes, provides energy for immune cell activation, etc.
Coenzyme Q10 and neurodegenerative diseases - neuroprotective effects
Neurodegenerative diseases mostly affect seniors, but their causes appear at much earlier stages of life. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation of nervous tissue - these are the most common factors underlying neurodegeneration.
Researchers have noted that various neurodegenerative diseases are associated with lower serum levels of coenzyme Q10, indicating lower antioxidant capacity, which in turn leads to greater oxidative damage and cell death. Thus, assessing serum coenzyme Q10 levels may be useful for predicting the development of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia.
In in vitro studies, it has been noted that coenzyme Q10 has a neuroprotective function, as it is able to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane when nerve cells experience oxidative stress. This reduces dysfunction and the risk of cell death, which is characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases.
In animal models, it has been noted that the use of coenzyme Q10 helps protect cells from oxidative damage in a model of Parkinson's disease and reduces beta-amyloid plaques in a model of Alzheimer's disease. In some clinical trials conducted on patients with neurodegenerative diseases, coenzyme Q10 was able to improve daily functioning or delay the deterioration of their condition.
Effects on energy metabolism, reduction of oxidative stress and neuroprotective potential are reasons why coenzyme Q10 is commonly included in supplement plans aimed at slowing aging.
Summary
The neuroprotective properties of coenzyme Q10 have been noted in many animal and cell culture studies. Good quality studies on large groups of humans are needed, but already the use of coenzyme Q10 for brain health is gaining popularity. Coenzyme Q10 supports the functioning of organs with the highest metabolic activity, and the brain benefits from its effects to the fullest.
The properties of coenzyme Q10 can be used for preventive health to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and symptoms resulting from brain inflammation and excessive oxidative stress.
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