CoQ10 is an essential fat soluble nutrient and key to maintaining healthy mitochondria, the main source of the body’s cellular energy.  Specifically, CoQ10 is one of the most powerful intracellular antioxidants, protecting DNA, membrane proteins, and mitochondrial phospholipids from oxidative damage (Molecular Biotechnology, 2007). The levels of this essential nutrient are decreased through the aging process, as well as with certain medication use.  Statins, the popular cholesterol-lowering drugs, have been found to decrease levels by as much as 40% (Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1993).  The good news, is that CoQ10 can be obtained through diet, supplementation, as well as tissue synthesis.  CoQ10 supplementation has been found to increase CoQ10 levels in the platlets, white blood cells, and plasma, which, in turn, was found to effectively decrease signs of damaged DNA, even up to 12 weeks after discontinuing the supplementation (International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2007). CoQ10 is also proving to be a valuable tool in dealing with cardiovascular disease processes, such as endothelial dysfunction. In a recent meta-analysis, supplementation with CoQ10 was found to effectively improve endothelial function (Atherosclerosis, 2012). This is one powerful nutrient!