What is Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinone (serum)? High and low values | Lab results explained

CoQ10 (ubiquinone) is synthesized in almost all cells and membranes. It is vital for electron transfer within the mitochondrial respiratory chain to create energy in the form of ATP. 

It is an important lipophilic intracellular antioxidant. Endogenous production of CoQ10 decreases with age. Low levels are implicated in age-related and chronic disease due to mitochondrial dysfunction and/or low antioxidant activity.

Supplementation with CoQ10 has been shown to prevent, and provide improvement in, neurologic conditions like Huntington’s disease, migraines, and Parkinson’s disease. It’s been extensively studied and used in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes.

Supplementation is also associated with improved proinflammatory cytokine TNF-a levels.

Coenzyme Q10 decreases with use of statin medications used to lower cholesterol via inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for cholesterol as well as CoQ10 biosynthesis. This resultant CoQ10 deficiency may contribute to the development of myopathy and muscle symptoms seen commonly with statin use. Treatment with CoQ10 has been found to ameliorate these symptoms and improve well-being and functioning in daily life.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31687097/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24389208/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663894/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531491/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0170172
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/JAHA.118.009835
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257126/

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR COENZYME Q10, UBIQUINONE (SERUM) RESULT IS TOO LOW?

CoQ10 deficiency occurs with age. 

Coenzyme Q10 also decreases with use of statin medications used to lower cholesterol via inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is responsible for cholesterol as well as CoQ10 biosynthesis. This resultant CoQ10 deficiency may contribute to the development of myopathy and muscle symptoms seen commonly with statin use. Treatment with CoQ10 has been found to ameliorate these symptoms and improve well-being and functioning in daily life.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF YOUR COENZYME Q10, UBIQUINONE (SERUM) RESULT IS TOO HIGH?

– In general, elevated CoQ10 is seen in patients who are supplementing, however, there is no known upper level for toxicity.

– CoQ10 tends to be well-tolerated with a low toxicity profile.

– Elevated plasma CoQ10 levels have been associated with hypothyroidism.

Disclaimer:

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

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