Coenzyme Q10 + Magnesium

[Nutrition Adviser Product Information]

Rationale

Both coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and magnesium play an essential part in the process that produces energy on a cellular level. CoQ10 is involved in the Electron Transport Chain, the final part of the 'Krebs cycle', whilst magnesium is required for the initial process, referred to as glycolysis, where glucose is prepared for entering the 'Krebs cycle'. In addition, magnesium is required as an enzyme co-factor for the production of ATP within mitochondria. A lack of either CoQ10 or magnesium, can act as a limiting factor in the production of energy. The average diet in the UK contains magnesium levels that fall below the recommended daily Reference Nutrient Intakes, as laid down by the Department of Health. A combination of both CoQ10 and magnesium provide an ideal formula for those that look to improve their energy levels.

Description of coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 (2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone) is also known as ubiquinone. The word 'ubiquinone' comes from the same latin route as 'ubiquitous'. (1)

CoQ10 has a similar chemical structure to vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. However, as CoQ10 can be synthesised in the body it is not strictly speaking a vitamin.

CoQ10 is in every plant and animal cell. Mackerel, salmon and sardines contain the highest amount of CoQ10.

Function of coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a co-factor in the electron-transport chain, a series of oxidation-reduction reactions, which yields adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the basic energy molecule of the cells.

It is now well established that CoQ10 plays a part in the process of biological energy transduction. In addition, CoQ10 has been shown to increase antioxidant protection in the lipid part of membranes (2). Due to the involvement of CoQ10 with ATP synthesis, this substance is essential for the health of all human tissues and organs. CoQ10 seems to affect primarily the cells that are metabolically most active, such as those of the heart, gastric mucosa, gingiva and the immune system (3,4).

Whilst the body is able to synthesise CoQ10, a shortfall may occur. This could be due to the ageing process, nutrient deficiencies or certain physiological changes that may adversely affect the utilisation of CoQ10, thus increasing the requirement of this substance (4).

Low cellular levels of Coenzyme Q10 have been associated with the following conditions:-

• Muscular dystrophy
• Cardiovascular disease
• Congestive heartfFailure
• High blood pressure
• Cardiomyopathy
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Coronary Artery Bypass surgery
• Angina
• Diabetus mellitus
• Periodontal disease
• Immune deficiency
• Weight loss
• In addition it may act as a performance-enhancing agent in athletes

The mineral magnesium

Magnesium is classified as an essential mineral. It is designated as a macro mineral as more than 100 mg of magnesium are required on a daily basis for optimal health. The Department of Health outlines in its Report on Health and Social Subjects, 1991, that the household diet in the UK provides on average 294 mg per day of which 33 % is obtained from cereals and 18 % green vegetables. (5)

The best sources of magnesium are whole foods, such as whole grains, seeds, nuts and tofu. Green leafy vegetables also contain good levels of magnesium. It appears that these foods are not consumed in sufficient quantities in the UK, with the National Food Surveys (carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Foods) repeatedly indicating a lower daily intake of magnesium than the recommended UK Reference Nutrient Intakes.

Function of magnesium

The mineral magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body overall and the second most common mineral found intra-cellularly after potassium. The major holding store for magnesium in the body is bone, which comprises approximately 60% of the overall body content. The rest is found within the soft tissue cells, where it functions mainly to stabilise the structure of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) in ATP-dependent enzyme reactions. Approximately 300 metabolic enzyme reactions require magnesium including those involved in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, essential for energy production. Others include various phosphatases and reactions in protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Magnesium (Mg2+) also plays a role either in opposition or in tandem with calcium in neuromuscular functions. (6,7)

The more metabolically active a cell the higher its magnesium content. In addition, magnesium is required for the conversion of essential fatty acids into hormone-like substances that have many controlling functions within the body. (7)

References:

1. Steven Greenberg & William H. Frischman, Co-Enzyme Q10: A New Drug for Cardiovascular Disease, J. Clin Pharmacol, 1990, 30: 596-608

2. F. L. Crane, Programme and Abstracts, Seventh International Symposium on the Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q10, Sep. 18 and 19 1992, Copenhagen, Denmark.

3. Monograph for Coenzyme Q10, Alternative Medicine Review, Volume 3, Number 12, 1998, pp 58-61

4. G. Lenaz (Editor), Coenzyme Q10/Biochemistry, Bioenergetics and Clinical Applications of Ubiquinone, John Wiley & Sons, 1985 p. 436

5. Department of Health, Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom, Report on Health and Social Subjects 41, HMSO, 1991

6. M. C. Linder (Ed.), Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolism with Clinical Application - Second Edition, Prentice-Hall International Inc., 1991

7. M. F. Ryan, The role of magnesium in clinical biochemistry: an overview, Ann. Clin. Biochem, 1991, 28: pp 19-26