CoQ10 is a vitamin-like oil soluble substance which is naturally produced by the mitochondria in our cells. Also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, or coenzyme Q10, this substance plays a role in the electron transport chain and participates in aerobic cellular respiration, generating energy in the form of ATP.

Tissue levels of CoQ10 level declines with age and those who are on cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins are likely to have lower levels of CoQ10 than healthy individuals as statins compete with CoQ10 in the metabolic pathway. Symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency include weakness, fatigue and headache. The use of CoQ10 supplements has been approved in Japan since 1974 and it is generally prescribed by medical doctors as an adjunct treatment for heart condition, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.