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Description: Coenzyme Q10 (or ubiquinone) is an important
rate-limiting nutrient that is a cofactor in the mitochondrial electron
transport chain, the biochemical pathway in cellular respiration from which
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and metabolic energy is derived. Since nearly all
cellular activities are dependent upon energy, coenzyme Q10 is essential for
the health of all human tissues and organs.
Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally-occurring antioxidant nutrient which
retards free radical formation in biological systems. Coenzyme Q10 resembles
vitamin E and vitamin K in chemical structure. Biochemically, it functions much
like vitamin E in that it participates in certain antioxidant and free radical
reactions. Healthy humans who consume a well-balanced diet have the ability to
synthesize coenzyme Q10. Unhealthy individuals, those on lipid lowering drugs
and those consuming an inadequate diet may not synthesize coenzyme Q10 in sufficient
quantity.
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