Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential body chemical for producing energy in the mitochondria of every cell in the body (shown red in the diagram), and is also a vital antioxidant. Young people are able to make enough of it in their own bodies, but this production declines after the age of about 25, and older people may therefore be deficient, and not be able to generate the energy needed in all cells. This becomes especially important in cells that need a lot of energy, such as heart and muscle cells. It is not widely available in the diet, and may be taken as a supplement.