Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone and ubidecarenone, is often described as a vitamin or at least a vitamin-like substance. However, it is not strictly a vitamin as it can be synthesised in the liver. CoQ10 is synthesised from the amino acid tyrosine (this synthesis in turn requires other vitamins and minerals) but is also absorbed from a wide variety of foods.
As with other vitamins and dietary supplements the strongest case for use can be made in conditions where deficiency is associated with disease and where supplementation corrects or prevents the disease. It is more difficult to establish benefit in health maintenance and disease prevention. In common with other naturally-occurring antioxidant compounds, many claims are made for benefit through antioxidant activity.
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