If you do intense exercise you might be interested in a short exchange I had today with Grok on behalf of a client.
Got a mate who runs marathons. He has two scheduled within a space of 6 weeks. I know marathons strain the heart so I asked if he took CoQ10. He said no, what is it? In 500 words or less, please help me answer his question with particular reference to his level of exertion.
Grok.com replied:
CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is a naturally occurring compound in your body that acts like a vitamin. It’s essential for producing energy in cells (via ATP) and functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against cellular damage from free radicals.
Your heart relies heavily on CoQ10 because it’s an energy-intensive organ. Intense exercise like marathons increases oxidative stress and inflammation, which can strain the heart muscle and deplete CoQ10 levels. Running two marathons in just six weeks amps up this demand—your body faces cumulative fatigue, muscle damage, and potential cardiovascular stress from repeated high exertion.
Studies show CoQ10 supplementation may help athletes by reducing oxidative stress, boosting antioxidant activity, and lowering inflammation markers like TNF-a and IL-6 in runners. It could improve heart health, regulate blood pressure, reduce fatigue, and enhance recovery, allowing better performance and less strain during back-to-back events. For endurance athletes, it’s linked to better physical output and metabolism support.
Typical doses for athletes range from 100-300 mg daily, often in ubiquinol form for better absorption. However, benefits vary; it’s not a magic pill. If you’re on statins or have heart issues, CoQ10 might interact—always consult a doctor before starting. Overall, for your marathon schedule, it could be a smart addition to support heart resilience and energy.
I get mine from iHerb. Interestingly enough they have a 20% off special on it at present. Here’s my affiliate link. It may also get you a discount: