Role for Coenzyme Q₁₀ in the Aging Process: Potential Benefits of Q₁₀ Supplementation

The ODS co-funded a workshop organized by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) on the role of coenzyme Q₁₀ and the aging process. Discussions focused on the role of coenzyme Q₁₀ as a synergistic antioxidant, the regulatory role of Q₁₀ by nitric oxide in the mitochondria, and the long-term effects of coenzyme Q₁₀ supplementation. New data and insight provided a possible role of Q₁₀ in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and in cardiovascular diseases. However, the group concurred that much is still to be learned about basic biochemical pathways and metabolism and bioavailability of Q₁₀. The workshop was held from August 31-September 1, 1998.