Do you often experience feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and fatigue? While these can be signs of anxiety, they also indicate a potential deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10—an antioxidant your body produces naturally. If you are trying to determine whether your symptoms are anxiety or something else, then this article is for you.
Understand the signs of a CoQ10 deficiency and how it correlates with anxiousness. Learn why you should include a CoQ10 supplement and the factors you should consider when choosing the right CoQ10 supplement for your health. Use the links below to jump ahead to different topics on the page.
Are You Experiencing CoQ10 Deficiency?
Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is vital in both mitochondrial and extra-mitochondrial cell functions. As a lipid-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 increases fatty acid β-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation to generate cellular energy (ATP), as well as mediating the expression of several genes.* With a critical role in cellular metabolism, it is not surprising that a deficiency of CoQ10 is associated with various adverse health conditions.
A CoQ10 deficiency can affect any body part, but particularly the brain, muscles, heart, and kidney tissues, owing to the high energy demands in these organs. A CoQ10 deficiency can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in brain cells, which is associated with anxiety. As a result, CoQ10 deficiency and anxiousness are much more closely related than previously thought.*
Factors Causing A CoQ10 Deficiency
A CoQ10 deficiency is categorized into primary and secondary deficiencies. A primary CoQ10 deficiency is caused by genetic mutations; whereas, a secondary deficiency results from different conditions of the heart, kidney, liver, and other vital organs and specific pharmacotherapies, such as statins. The following table highlights the three potential factors leading to a CoQ10 deficiency1.
Factors Causing A CoQ10 Deficiency |
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Reduced dietary intake |
The normal range of CoQ10 concentration in plasma is 0.8 – 1.2 mg/L. CoQ10 intake in the form of organ meat, soy oil, sardines, and peanuts helps maintain the endogenous level of the antioxidant. Reduced dietary intake can result in a CoQ10 deficiency. |
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Impaired biosynthesis |
CoQ10 is naturally produced in the liver. Aging and various health conditions can lead to a gradual decrease in CoQ10 synthesis and an increase in its degradation. A deficit due to impaired biosynthesis cannot be compensated for by diet and results in a CoQ10 deficiency. |
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Increased usage of CoQ10 in the body |
Certain health conditions can result in an increased usage of CoQ10 by cells, thereby depleting the overall CoQ10 level in plasma and resulting in a CoQ10 deficiency. |
How are CoQ10 Deficiency and Anxiousness Related?
The perception of threat activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering an acute stress response of ‘fight’ or ‘flight.’ Being consistently anxious is a state of uneasiness and enhanced vigilance in the absence of an immediate threat. Cognitive and behavioral distress responses frequently accompany consistent anxious feelings.
Although the exact pathophysiology of having these feelings of anxiousness is not clearly understood, much effort has been made to explore the underlying reasons. Research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing factor to the underlying mechanisms2. In brain tissues, a CoQ10 deficiency can cause ataxia—a state of impaired balance or coordination. Prolonged ataxia can often cause intense feelings of anxiousness, highlighting the correlation between a CoQ10 deficiency and feeling anxious.
Including a CoQ10 Supplement in Your Diet to Address non-GAD Anxiousness*
CoQ10 supplementation has been found to address several conditions associated with primary and secondary CoQ10 deficiencies.* The following table highlights how a CoQ10 supplement helps manage these situations.*
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CoQ10 Supplementation to Address Long-Term Anxiousness – How is Long-Term Anxiousness different from GAD? |
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Positive effects on cognitive impairment related to mitochondrial dysfunction: There is a hypothesis that a CoQ10 deficiency can contribute to mitochondrial impairments, which is reflected through cognitive, affective, and energy disturbances. A study has explored the potential interaction of mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in inflammatory cytokines as contributing factors3. CoQ10 supplementation has shown positive effects on cognitive impairment and fatigue in several neurological conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction4.* |
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CoQ10 supplementation and functioning of the cerebellum: Clinical studies have shown the role of CoQ10 supplementation (300 – 3,000 mg/ day) in enhancing the functioning of the cerebellum—a vital component in the human brain that regulates motor movement and controls balance5.* |
Types of CoQ10 Supplements
Commercially available CoQ10 supplements are mostly chewable tablets, capsules, liquid syrups, and oral sprays. It is worth noting that when supplemental CoQ10 is produced through yeast fermentation, it is obtained as crystals that are not well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The poor absorption of CoQ10 in the intestines affects its efficacy through the oral route.
The poor absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 in oral supplements is due to:
- The molecular weight of CoQ10: A relatively high molecular weight of CoQ10 adversely affects its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Limited solubility: Although CoQ10 is a lipophilic compound, it displays limited solubility in lipids and is insoluble in water.
- Instability: The frequent inter-conversion of CoQ10 between the oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol) forms also adversely affects its absorption in the body.
Ubiquinone or Ubiquinol?
CoQ10 exists in three oxidation states:
- The fully oxidized Ubiquinone form (CoQ10)
- The fully reduced Ubiquinol form (CoQ10H2)
- The radical Ubisemiquinone intermediate (CoQ10H.)
Both the ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms coexist in the body and regenerate each other through sequential redox reactions. Ubisemiquinone is a highly unstable, intermediate form of CoQ10. There has been much debate about the most effective form of CoQ10 supplementation.
Regardless of the initial dietary form of CoQ10 (ubiquinone or ubiquinol), it remains in the blood and lymphatic fluid in the ubiquinol form.
It is worth noting that several clinical studies have established that there is no significant difference between the bioavailability of ubiquinone and ubiquinol supplements6.
How to Choose the Best CoQ10 Supplement?
The process of CoQ10 absorption is complex, and there is variability in the bioavailability of CoQ10 supplements depending on their formulations. It is essential that CoQ10 crystals produced through yeast fermentation are dispersed into single CoQ10 molecules to enable optimal bioavailability. Research3 indicates that in the absence of such crystal dispersion in supplemental CoQ10 formulations, bioavailability is limited by 75 percent.
CoQ10 absorption is subjective, and the level of CoQ10 in the blood following the intake of oral supplements can vary widely depending on the individual and the type of formulation. When selecting a CoQ10 supplement to promote your mental well-being,* you should consider the following factors:
- Bioavailability: The bioavailability of a CoQ10 supplement largely depends on carrier lipids and the solubilization of the formulation. The proportion and addition of preservatives, such as vitamin C, to supplement formulations can also affect the bioavailability of CoQ10.
- Absorption: For enhanced absorption of a CoQ10 supplement, the polymorphic crystals should be disassociated to single CoQ10 molecules throughout the formulation’s shelf life.
CoQ10 Supplement Formulations to Promote Mental Well-being*
The bioavailability and absorption of CoQ10 depend on the supplement’s formulation. The limited ability of CoQ10 to cross the blood-brain barrier affects the responsiveness of certain neurological conditions to CoQ10 supplementation. Several novel approaches have been implemented to enhance the solubility and absorption of CoQ10 formulations, including:
- Nanoparticles
- Solid dispersion systems
- Microcapsules
- Cyclodextrin inclusion compounds
- Nano-liposomes
For neurological conditions associated with a CoQ10 deficiency, the analogs of CoQ10 precursors—such as β-resorcylic acid (β-RA)—have been explored in an attempt to enhance endogenous CoQ10 biosynthesis. Among the novel approaches, encasing CoQ10 with cyclodextrins has been found to significantly enhance CoQ10 absorption and bioavailability, suggesting this delivery process is superior to oral formulations that feature only uncomplexed CoQ107.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About CoQ10 Deficiency
Can a CoQ10 supplement help stabilize mood?
Several neurological conditions are linked to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although studies have explored the role of CoQ10 as an antioxidant to promote mental and emotional well-being, its role as a mood stabilizer is still being investigated.
Can I take a CoQ10 supplement with a prescription medication for mental health?
Although the safety profile of CoQ10 is well established, there might be potential contraindications when combined with a prescription medication. Consult with your healthcare provider before including a CoQ10 supplement in your diet to promote mental health.
How do I choose the best CoQ10 supplement?
The efficacy of a CoQ10 supplement is determined in part by the delivery technology used in the formulation. Tesseract’s CoQ10 Pro® is an innovative supplement formulation that uses the proprietary CyLoc® – DexKey® nutrient delivery nanotechnology for unparalleled absorption of CoQ10 in the intestinal tract. The unprecedented absorption of CoQ10 enables micro-dosing, meaning you can take CoQ10 in much lower amounts than previously required to accomplish the desired therapeutic benefits to support your mental health.*
The power of Tesseract supplements lies in enhancing palatability, maximizing absorption and bioavailability, and micro-dosing of multiple nutrients in a single, highly effective capsule. Shop products on our website and learn more about how they can help support neurological health.*.*
Citations:
1Manzar, Haider et al. International journal of molecular sciences vol. 21,23 9299. 6 Dec. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21239299
2Liu L, et al. Translational psychiatry vol. 13,1 216. 21 Jun. 2023, doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02518-y
3Mantle, David, and Alex Dybring. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 386. 5 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/antiox9050386
4Bagheri, Shokufeh et al. Frontiers in neuroscience vol. 17 1188839. 23 Jun. 2023, doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1188839
5Mantle, David et al.Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 11,1 2. 21 Dec. 2021, doi:10.3390/antiox11010002
6López-Lluch G, et al. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) vol. 57 (2019): 133-140. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2018.05.020
7Pastor-Maldonado, Carmen J et al. vol. 21,22 8432. 10 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/ijms21228432
