Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may not grab headlines the way other nutrients do, but it’s just as critical for overall health. While most of us get enough through our diet, some people may benefit from a CoQ10 supplement. Here, we cover what CoQ10 does, how much you need, and what to know about supplements.What Is Coenzyme Q10?CoQ10 is a substance that helps convert the food you consume into energy for your body, according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.[1] Per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that can be found in almost every cell in your body, with high concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.[2]How It WorksCoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant that can be found in almost every cell in your body, with high concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas.[2]CoQ10 is an essential nutrient that plays a significant role in many processes, as cells rely heavily on energy to function. As an antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 may prevent or delay some types of cell damage that are believed to play a role in disease.[2] This makes CoQ10 a potentially helpful substance for promoting overall health.Who Should Take Coenzyme Q10 Supplements?According to MedlinePlus, CoQ10 deficiencies are uncommon, affecting fewer than 1 in 100,000 people.[3] That said, some people tend to have lower levels of CoQ10 and may benefit from a supplement, in particular, older adults and people with fibromyalgia or heart disease, says Monique Richard, RDN, an integrative registered dietitian-nutritionist in Johnson City, Tennessee, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. People who take statins (cholesterol-lowering medications) have also been found to have lower levels of CoQ10 and may be good candidates for supplements, the Mayo Clinic notes.[4]Studies have examined CoQ10’s possible role in managing a variety of other health conditions, including:Lou Gehrig’s diseaseDown syndromeHuntington’s diseaseMale infertilityBut the research is too limited to draw any conclusions or to warrant recommending CoQ10 supplements for groups affected by these health-related issues.[1]