Immunity
Coenzyme Q10: An Effective Nutrient For Boosting Immunity
May 14, 2017Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) is a substance, which helps the body in converting food into energy. CoQ10 is an effective nutrient for boosting immunity because it is a natural anti-oxidant. It forms an important line of defense against the creation of too many free radicals in our body. If left uncontrolled, free radicals can damage the cells of our immune system.
3 Ways CoQ10 Protects Our Immune System
- Reduces the damage caused by free radicals to immune cells.
- Reduces the damage caused by free radicals to the complex communication pathways of the different cells of the immune system.
- Save immune cells known as macrophages from being damaged by their own agents of destruction. Macrophages are responsible for destroying pathogens or disease-producing agents.
Causes of Deficiency in CoQ10
Under normal circumstances, our body produces enough CoQ10 to meet its needs. However, a deficiency in CoQ10 occurs due to:
- The process of ageing: As the body ages, it produces less CoQ10.
- A nutritional deficiency: CoQ10 needs a combination of seven vitamins (vitamin B2 – riboflavin, vitamin B3 – niacinamide, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C and pantothenic acid) to be synthesized by the body.
- Drug-nutrient depletion: The body may lose CoQ10 as a side effect of some drugs. For instance, depletion of CoQ10 is one of the side effects of Metformin as also Glimepiride, both anti-diabetic drugs.
- Increased requirement of CoQ10: This could happen due to an illness or injury.
- Genetic defect in the body: Such a defect could prevent the body from naturally synthesizing CoQ10.
While the human body synthesizes CoQ10 naturally, you can also get it from external sources. Sources of CoQ10 include salmon, beef, chicken, peanuts, sesame seeds, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower etc. Additionally, you can also opt for CoQ10 supplements. Consult your doctor to find out the required dosage of CoQ10 supplements for your needs.
Apart from CoQ10, there are a whole range of foods, which are useful for boosting the immune system. Read our article on immune system boosters to find more.
Mahesh is a hormone health counsellor & holistic health expert. He has a Mastery Certification in Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis from the US, is certified in Functional Nutrition from Washington State University and uses a wide array of healing modalities to guide his clients to vibrant health and well-being.
Latest posts by Mahesh Jayaraman (see all)
- Getting Pregnant: Your Foundational Health is Most Important - February 15, 2022
- Getting Pregnant after 35 – You CAN do it! - February 1, 2022
- Fertility Testing for Men and Couples Decoded - January 29, 2022
References:
Benjamin Associates LLC. (2014). Free Radicals, Antioxidants, & The Immune System. Retrieved from Immune Disorders: http://immunedisorders.homestead.com/radicals.html
Folkers, K., Hanioka, T., Xia, L. J., Jr, J. T., & Langsjoen, P. (1991). Coenzyme Q10 increases T4/T8 ratios of lymphocytes in ordinary subjects and relevance to patients having the AIDS related complex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun., 786-91.
Folkers, K., Morita, M., & Jr., J. M. (1993). The activities of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B6 for immune responses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun., 88-92.
Langsjoen, P. H. (2008, March 6). Introduction to Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved from Gibson Research Corporation: https://www.grc.com/sr6dev/misc/coq10/coenzyme%20q10.pdf
Prakash, S., Sunitha, J., & Hans, M. (2010). Role of coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases. Indian J Pharmacol, 334-337.
Ravaglia, G., Forti, P., Maioli, F., Bastagli, L., Facchini, A., Mariani, E., . . . Lenaz, G. (2000). Effect of micronutrient status on natural killer cell immune function in healthy free-living subjects aged ≥90 y. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Sharma, H., & Clark, C. (1998). Free Radicals. In H. Sharma, & C. Clark, Contemporary Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchil Livingstone.
