This just in from Global Market Insights, Inc.: the international market for coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) market worth is estimated to grow upwards of $1 billion by 2024.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a substance that the human body makes naturally. Cells use it to generate energy. CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant to help fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.
CoQ10 comes in two forms: ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form, and ubiquinone, the oxidized form, which the body partially converts to ubiquinol. In general, coenzymes support enzymes in their various biochemical functions. CoQ10 is a vital participant in the chain of metabolic chemical reactions that generate energy within cells. It is found in every cell of the body, but is present in higher concentrations in organs with higher energy requirements such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
Although foods such as broccoli, greens, nuts, fish, shellfish, pork, chicken and beef, are good sources of CoQ10, it has been estimated they deliver only about 2 to 5 mg of CoQ10 daily, not enough to sustain adequate blood levels of CoQ10, so supplements are often recommended, especially in relation to heart health.
Statins and Coenzyme Q10:
Today over one in five Americans between the ages of 40 and 75 take a statin to prevent an initial heart attack or stroke. Statins are drugs that can help lower cholesterol. Statins may also help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in plaques on artery walls, preventing further blockage in blood vessels and heart attacks.
However, the main side effect of taking statins is the depletion of the body’s CoQ10 levels. High-quality CoQ10 supplementation makes it possible to keep taking statins while avoiding a dangerous side effect, whose symptoms are often myopathy (or muscle pain.)
According to the CoQ10 Association, coenzyme Q10 is the fourth most consumed specialty supplement in North America. This antioxidant nutrient is one of the most health-changing supplements for cardiovascular patients and, with statin use on the rise, CoQ10 has experienced double-digit growth for the past 20 years.
In another recent study, use of high potency/high dosage statin drugs in older patients appears to increase the risk of developing type II diabetes. Research indicates though that diabetics who supplement with CoQ10 can gain improvements in blood sugar and other measures, suggesting the multiple benefits of CoQ10 supplementation for statin users.
But CoQ10 supplementation does more than just combat the side effects of statin use or other heart medications. It may play a role in preventing heart disease in and of itself. Some studies have shown that it also slows the progression of early stage Parkinson’s disease, prevents migraines, wards off gum disease, improves male fertility, strengthens the immune system and more.
Supply and Demand
In an article, “CoQ10 for Dietary Supplements Market Update,” written by Kimberly J. Decker and published in Nutritional Outlook on May 18, 2017, there are two key factors driving CoQ10 demand, according to Scott Steinford, executive director of the CoQ10. First, is improving margins at retail, and second, is lower ingredient costs. However low prices don’t encourage suppliers to invest in the scientific research that supports and expands the market for their CoQ10 products. Current low pricing threatens further impact quality and supply. In the article Steinford states, “The CoQ10 Association encourages manufacturers to maintain their focus on quality, science and education, and not strictly on pricing.”
There is no established ideal dose of CoQ10. Studies have used doses of CoQ10 ranging from 50 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams in adults, sometimes split into several doses over the course of a day. A typical daily dose is 100 milligrams to 200 milligrams. Those who take CoQ10 should get dosage advise from a doctor or dietician to help meet their needs.
Sources:
- http://www.healthline.com/health/coq10-and-statins
- https://www.gminsights.com/pressrelease/coenzyme-q10-coq10-market
- http://coq10association.org
- http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/780243/Statins-diabetes-risk-pensioners-increased-heart-disease
- http://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/trends-business/coq10-dietary-supplements-market-update