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Several studies are been carried out to study the process of fat storage and its depletion process in the body. The sole aim of these studies is to help people who are keen on losing the fat contents in their bodies. One such study has led to the discovery of Co-enzyme Q10. This co-enzyme Q10 has got a major role to play in the weight loss according to these studies.
What is the biochemistry of co-enzyme Q10?
Co-enzyme Q10 is also called ubiquinone or Vitamin Q, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q. It is generally abbreviated as CoQ10, CoQ, Q10, or Q. It is a vitamin like substance which has got a major role to play in the reactions that occur in the mitochondria. Therefore it is present in all the cells that have mitochondria. Anyways the cells that do not have mitochondria like red blood cells or erythrocytes and eye lens cells lack this Co-enzyme Q10.
Dr. Frederick Crane of Wisconsin, U.S.A., was the first one to isolate this co-enzyme from beef heart mitochondria in 1957. It is a fat soluble compound.
What are the sources of Co-enzyme Q10?
Co-enzyme Q10 is primarily found in fish and meat. Other major sources of this compound are fresh sardines and mackerel, the heart, liver and meat of beef, lamb and pork along with eggs. Spinach, broccoli, rice bran, soy beans, nuts (hazel, pistachio), peanuts, wheat germ and whole grains are the vegetable sources of Co-enzyme Q10. Vegetables have fewer amounts when compared to that of vegetables. Foods that are raw, fresh and unprocessed have high levels of this compound. Generally, milling, canning, preserving, freezing, etc, destroys the coenzyme.
Is Co-enzyme Q10 synthesized in the body?
Yes, body produces a part of the Co-enzyme Q10 that we need. Its synthesis in the body requires an amino acid called tyrosine apart from 8 types of vitamins and several trace elements. The rest is taken up by the dietary sources. So, consuming foods rich in this compound is a must to remain healthy.
What is the role of Co-enzyme Q10 in the body?
As the name ubiquinone itself suggests it is present ubiquitously through out the body. Basically, a coenzyme is necessary to trigger the activity of the enzymes. Enzymes remain in an inactive stage without these coenzymes. So, a co-enzyme plays a very crucial role in the body’s metabolism.
Co-enzyme Q10 acts as a coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes (complexes I, II and III) apart from various other enzymes in the cell. Mitochondria play a major role in the synthesis of the energy in the form of ATP from several fatty acids and carbohydrates. All the food we consume gets converted into energy in these power houses of the cells. So, the activity of the mitochondrial enzymes is a must for the breakdown of the fats. And this is brought by the co-enzyme Q10. So, co-enzyme Q10 is necessary for the lipid metabolism.
What is the role of Co-enzyme Q10 in the weight loss?
Absence of the Co-enzyme Q10 in the body makes the mitochondrial enzymes inactive and the metabolism of the fats and carbohydrates stops. As a result, the person starts putting on weight. Intake of Co-enzyme Q10 boosts the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism process and the carbohydrates and fats are burnt away in the mitochondria to produce energy. This way it can help in weight loss that is deposited in the body. A wide variety of products are available in the markets that contain Co-enzyme Q10.
Is Co-enzyme Q10 alone sufficient to promote weight loss?
No, Co-enzyme Q10 alone cannot promote weight loss. It must be taken along with several other supplements. And it is recommended to take the supplements of Co-enzyme Q10 only if your body has its deficiency. Good diet and exercises along with Co-enzyme Q10 can help to lose weight very easily. But people who are not deficient of Co-enzyme Q10 have shown less desirable results. So, intake of the supplements is helpful only in the case of the people who have the deficiency of Co-enzyme Q10. One can intake Co-enzyme Q10 either from the natural sources or from the chemical supplements that are available in the market. It is generally recommended to go for the natural sources.
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