CoQ10 and Aging
There is no single cause identified for aging. While the primary focus of aging research is on cellular damage due to oxidative stress, other theories include progressive failure of maintenance and repair mechanisms, damage to DNA, and that cells lose their ability to divide over time. However, all theories about the aging process include oxidative stress as part of the mechanism.
As a result, there is a substantial and growing body of evidence indicating that aging is largely due to oxidative stress: molecular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are very small, highly reactive molecules including oxygen ions, free radicals, and peroxides, also known as pro-oxidants. They are formed as natural by-products of normal metabolism. They are also purposefully created by the body’s immune system to neutralize invading viruses and bacteria. These reactive oxygen species increase oxidative stress causing progressive damage to cellular structure and function resulting in the decline of the body associated with aging. Evidence for the oxidative stress theory of aging comes from studying organisms known to have increased life span and enhanced responsiveness to oxidative stress.
Cells are normally able to defend themselves against damage induce by these pro-oxidants through the use of naturally occurring antioxidants. Among these antioxidants are vitamins E and C, and coenzyme Q10. However, with aging, there is a progressive loss of natural antioxidants resulting in an imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the pro-oxidants.
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant because it is a scavenger of oxidizing free radicals. The highest production of coenzyme Q10 by the body occurs at about 20 years of age. After that, the levels of coenzyme Q10 decrease with age, stress and certain disease states. This decline in levels of coenzyme Q10 with age may play a role in the tissue damage and diseases that are associated with aging.