This essential nutrient is also known as "ubiquinone," which comes from the word ubiquitous meaning existing everywhere. This is an appropriate name for a nutrient that is found almost everywhere.

Coenzyme Q10 is an important ingredient in the process in the mitochondria that converts the energy in carbohydrates and fatty acids into the fuel. This fuel is necessary to drive cellular activity in the body.

In addition to the important process which provides energy, CoQ10 also stabilizes cell membranes and acts as an antioxidant. In this capacity, it destroys free radicals, the unstable molecules that can cause damage to normal cells in the body. If the body does not have adequate levels of CoQ10 in the body there could be a risk of cardiovascular disease. Without sufficient coQ10 the heart may not have enough energy to pump blood effectively.

Those taking statin drugs may have lower levels of CoQ10 in the body.

Adult dosage for CoQ10 is usually between 30-100 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with approval form your doctor). Most of the research studies conducted on heart conditions have used 60-150 mg of CoQ10 per day.

Studies indicate that preventive dosage for patients with cardiovascular concerns or those taking one of the statin drugs to lower cholesterol, is between 30 mg and 150 mg/day, while cancer patients or those with compromised immunity may require a higher dosage.