On this list of supplements that really shine is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

Here’s what it’s crucial that you know about it.

What is CoQ10?

Gretchen Lidicker, M.S.

CoQ10 is afat-soluble antioxidant1found in almost every cell of your body.

What does CoQ10 do?

Health benefits of CoQ10.

Heather Moday, M.D.

However, the effects of CoQ10 do not end at energy production.

These mitochondria power the biochemical reactions in your cells."

Energy production and CoQ10 are intricately connected.

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Can manage heart disease.

In other words: Talking to your doctor about CoQ10 does have some scientific validity behind it.

Can help with blood pressure.

Another meta-analysis found that CoQ10 had theability to lower blood pressure5in patients with hypertension.

Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement regime.

Can help with fertility.

According to one meta-analysis, CoQ10 mightimprove semen quality and sperm count7in men struggling with fertility.

Perhaps that’s because male sperm issusceptible to oxidative stress,8and CoQ10 does have potent antioxidant effects.

Can improve side effects from statin drugs.

Can support brain health.

Can help with migraines.

Can manage gum disease.

One study in particular shows that patients who supplemented with CoQ10 hadreduced gingival inflammation15than the control group.

CoQ10 Side effect & interactions.

(Another reason to always talk to your doctor first.)

How to choose a CoQ10 supplement.

You are not alone!

Or keep these guidelines in mind to find one that you trust.

Is your supplement in the most bioavailable form for your condition, and is the dosage correct?

Ubiquinone must be converted to ubiquinol in the body before it’s absorbed.

Storage and expiration date.

A great supplement won’t contain artificial colors or artificial sweeteners.

Many supplements also have organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, or other declarations right on the bottle.

A third-party certification is when a company has an independent organization monitor the quality control of their product.

Generally, if a company does this, they will have anNSF stickerright on the label.

Just verify they are doing what they can to be transparent about the way they monitor quality.

Another way to evaluate a specific supplement is to check out the Consumer Labwebsite.

They test different supplements for quality and potency and give them a pass-or-fail score.

CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so typically it’s best take it as a capsule with a meal.

But because it cancause insomnia for some18, experts may advise you avoid taking it at night.

Foods high in CoQ10.

So what foods are highest in this nutrient?

The takeaway.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant with a range of health benefits.