What is CoQ10
Also known as Ubiquinone, Ubidecarenone and Coenzyme Q10. It is fat soluble, acts as an antioxidant, and is an important part in the process of creating energy in the body as well as cell maintenance. CoQ10 is naturally produced by the body and is present throughout. It is also present in small amounts in a large variety of foods.
How It Gets Depleted
Through various methods, including aging, taking medication, especially Statin (to reduce cholesterol) and/or Beta-blockers (to reduce high blood pressure), as well as exposure to free radicals (i.e. UV rays, smoking, pollution).
Possible Benefits
Increase Sperm Count
Still early days in research, however there are some indications that CoQ10 may help increase male sperm count.
Increased Energy
Since CoQ10 is essential to the cell’s ability to create energy, supplementing the body with more of it may help increase energy levels
Anti-Aging
If you subscribe to the mitochondrial theory of aging, then CoQ10 may aid in maintaining youthfulness and/or increasing life span by reducing damage done in the cell as it creates energy. This may happen because CoQ10 may help the cell’s mitochondria burn fuel more efficiently.
Slowing Neuro-Degeneration
Accumulated oxidant stress leads to creation and deposition of an abnormal protein called amyloid β-peptide, which is itself a trigger for more oxidation and inflammation, ultimately leading to Alzheimer’s Disease. CoQ10 may reduce oxidative stress and amyloid β-peptide deposition in the brain.
It may also the onset of Parkinson’s Disease, though results are still inconclusive.
Research is also ongoing about how CoQ10 may prevent or even positively affect other major brain related problems due to its function as an active antioxidant in the brain.
Migraines
The Canadian Headache Society has listed CoQ10 among the 11 most effective “drugs” for preventing migraines.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Multiple studies have shown that CoQ10 is able to reduce blood pressure in Diabetics and people with clinical hypertention. This benefit also works for prevention of Pre-Eclampsia, or the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Heart Problems
Multiple studies have shown CoQ10 to be beneficial to people with Congestive Heart Failure, a condition where the heart slowly weakens, causing weak circulation and shortness of breath, and Cardiomyopathy another condition where the heart slowly becomes diseased.
It may also be beneficial when recovering from heart attacks, reducing related incidents and even preventing relapses.
Warnings
CoQ10 may inhibit the effects of warfarin (Coumadin). A small double blind study found nothing conclusive, but it may still be prudent to avoid.
People with severe heart problem should consult with qualified doctors before considering supplementing with CoQ10. Those with diabetes should note that CoQ10 may reduce blood sugar levels. Those with HIV should also avoid if possible.
Apart from the above, it seems to be safe, even in larger doses of up to 2,400mg/day. Year long studies also show little significant side effects.
As always, consult a doctor if unsure.
Prices around Singapore
For comparisons sake, here are some products that can be found around Singapore. Are they cheaper? See for yourself. Click to enlarge some example deals.
Where to buy
Below are the prices from iHerb. With the comparisons below, you can see why CheapSupplement.com.sg recommends iHerb for all your supplement and organic purchases.
Doctor’s Best
High Absorption CoQ10, with BioPerine
High Absorption CoQ10 contains pure, vegetarian coenzyme Q10. With BioPerine, an herbal extract derived from black pepper fruit. Preliminary studies have shown that BioPerine increases CoQ10 absorption.
Softgels are oil based, with and rosemary oil, in an olive oil base.
Lazada.sg: 100mg, 120 veggie caps, S$33.50
iHerb: 100mg, 60 veggie caps US$9.63 (S$ 13.07) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 120 veggie caps US$14.95 (S$ 20.29) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 360 veggie caps US$33.75 (S$ 45.80) or less
iHerb: 200mg, 60 veggie caps US$16.07 (S$ 21.81) or less
iHerb: 200mg, 180 veggie caps US$37.50 (S$ 50.89) or less
iHerb: 400mg, 60 veggie caps US$28.11 (S$ 38.15) or less
iHerb: 400mg, 180 veggie caps US$66.96 (S$ 90.87) or less
iHerb: 600mg, 60 veggie caps US$36.87 (S$ 50.04) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 60 softgels US$10.17 (S$ 13.80) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 120 softgels US$14.95 (S$ 20.29) or less
iHerb: 200mg, 60 softgels US$17.14 (S$ 23.26) or less
Now Foods
CoQ10
NOW CoQ10 is Pharmaceutical Grade (USP). NOW CoQ10 products contain only the 100% natural, all-trans form of CoQ10 produced by fermentation.
TSW.com.sg: 30mg, 120 capsules, S$28
iHerb: 60mg + fish oil, 120 softgels US$21.66 (S$ 29.39) or less
iHerb: 50mg, 200 softgels US$34.41 (S$ 46.70) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 150 softgels US$35.68 (S$ 48.42) or less
iHerb: 400mg, 60 softgels US$44.61 (S$ 60.54) or less
iHerb: 600mg, 60 softgels US$63.73 (S$ 86.49) or less
iHerb: 200mg, 90 chewable lozenges US$34.41 (S$ 46.70) or less
iHerb: 100% Pure Powder, 28g (1oz) US$47.80 (S$ 64.87) or less
Life Extension
Super-Absorbable CoQ10, 100 mg
100 Softgels
Patent-pending absorption technique. Provides the ubiquinone form of CoQ10 in a super-emulsified formulation. d-Limonene is a natural compound in orange oil that disperses and breaks down the CoQ10 particles, which reduces their size and makes CoQ10 more absorbable by the body.
iHerb: US$34.50 (S$ 46.82) or less
Nordic Naturals
Ultimate Omega + 100mg CoQ10, 1000 mg
60 softgels
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega + CoQ10 includes a blend of highly concentrated omega-3 fatty acids and CoQ10 to support cardiovascular health and cellular energy levels, and to provide antioxidant protection.
Watsons: S$82.70 (or S$55.13 each, after 3 for 2 discount)
iHerb: US$33.11 (S$ 44.93) or less
Solgar
CoQ-10, Megasorb (Kaneka Q10)
Kaneka Q10. Gluten, Wheat & Dairy Free. CoQ-10 promotes heart function and supports healthy aging. This formulation is offered in an oil-based softgel to promote optimal absorption and assimilation.
iHerb: 60mg, 120 softgels US$28.88 (S$ 39.19) or less
iHerb: 100mg, 90 softgels US$35.60 (S$ 48.31) or less
Remember, there are 4 additional ways to save!:
- 5% Discount: New and existing iHerb customers get 5% Discount with promo code ‘ZEL439‘!
- Just use the links here to auto-apply the iherb promo code, or manually enter it when you checkout
- Free Shipping: Get Free Shipping if the order is more than S$ 81.42 (US$60)!
- 5% Loyalty Rebate: Get an additional 5% loyalty rebate that can be used on your next order within 60 days!
- Avoid GST: Just make sure the total value of the order (including shipping) is less than S$400!
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Reference: LifeExtention, WebMD, ConsumerLab, Wikipedia, theAsianParent