Is CoQ10 Worth Taking After 40? Here’s My Take as a Chiropractor in Dorchester
Why I Often Recommend CoQ10 for Energy, Recovery & Heart Health
Let’s be real—getting older can sneak up on you. The energy you used to have just doesn’t show up like it used to. I see it all the time with clients here at Alive Chiropractic in Poundbury—people in their 40s, 50s and beyond who feel tired, mentally foggy, or just not themselves.
A supplement that often comes up in conversation? Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10. And for good reason.
What Actually Is CoQ10?
CoQ10 is a substance your body naturally makes. It lives in all your cells—especially in places like the heart, brain, liver, and muscles—anywhere that needs a lot of energy. Think of it like a little spark plug that helps your body turn food into usable energy.
It also acts as a cell protector, helping shield your tissues from the wear and tear of stress, aging, and inflammation.
Thing is, your natural levels drop off after about 35 or 40, especially if you’re under chronic stress or taking certain meds like statins.
What Can CoQ10 Actually Do for You?
Here’s what I’ve seen and what the research supports:
⚡ More Get-Up-And-Go
Feeling wiped all the time? Low CoQ10 could be part of the picture. Supplementing helps some people bounce back from burnout or just feel more “switched on” during the day.
❤️ Supports a Strong Heart
CoQ10 helps with blood flow and pressure regulation. It’s also been shown to support heart function, especially in people with existing heart conditions. If you’re on statins, it’s basically non-negotiable—they deplete CoQ10, and supplementing can help ease muscle aches and support energy.
🧠 Sharper Thinking
Because the brain eats up so much energy, it’s sensitive to dips in CoQ10. Some studies suggest it can improve focus, memory, and mental clarity—particularly if brain fog is part of your daily battle.
💪 Better Exercise Recovery
If you’re getting back into training or notice you don’t bounce back like you used to, CoQ10 might help. It’s been linked with less soreness and more stamina, particularly in older adults or those new to strength training.
🧬 Cell-Level Protection
This is where the anti-aging stuff comes in. CoQ10 works as an antioxidant, helping reduce the damage that slowly builds up in your body from things like stress, toxins, and time.
Who Might Want to Consider CoQ10?
I usually talk to people about CoQ10 if they’re:
Over 40 and feeling more tired than they used to
Taking statins or beta blockers
Struggling with brain fog, fatigue, or slow recovery
Managing heart issues or blood pressure
Keen to age well and stay active
We sometimes include it as part of a tailored supplement plan for clients here at Alive, especially for recovery, vitality, and brain health.
What the Research Says
A major 2013 study showed that people with heart failure taking 100–200mg of CoQ10 had fewer hospital visits and better function overall.
Another review found it lowered systolic blood pressure by around 11 points on average.
It’s even been shown to reduce migraine frequency and support fertility in both men and women.
How to Take It (Without Wasting Your Money)
Best form? Ubiquinol. It’s the more absorbable version—especially important if you’re over 40.
How much? 100 to 200mg a day, ideally taken with food (since it’s fat-soluble).
Best time? Morning or early afternoon. Too late in the day and it can keep you up.
Side effects? Rare, but some people get mild tummy upset. Start slow if you’re unsure.
If you’re on medication—especially blood thinners—it’s always worth checking with your GP first.
A Few Misconceptions I Hear All the Time
❌ “CoQ10 is just for heart disease.” – Actually, it can help with energy, focus, and recovery for pretty much anyone over 40.
❌ “I eat well, so I don’t need supplements.” – Good food helps, but CoQ10 production drops with age. Diet alone won’t always cover it.
❌ “All CoQ10 is the same.” – Not true. Ubiquinol is far more effective than the cheaper versions on supermarket shelves.
Why I Recommend CoQ10 in My Clinic
My approach at Alive isn’t just about adjusting spines—it’s about supporting your whole system so it can heal, move, and function better. CoQ10 fits in nicely with that, especially if you’re tired, inflamed, or feeling the early signs of aging.
Plenty of our clients around Dorchester, Weymouth, and Bridport feel sharper, stronger, and more energetic once it becomes part of their daily routine.
Want Help Personalising Your Plan?
If you’re curious about CoQ10 or other supplements, I offer 1-to-1 reviews at the clinic. We’ll look at what’s going on in your body, what might be missing, and how we can support your energy, clarity, and recovery without overcomplicating things.
Bottom Line: Should You Be Taking It?
If you’re over 40 and feel like your energy, brainpower, or recovery have taken a dip, CoQ10 might be worth trying. It’s safe, well-researched, and makes a noticeable difference for many.
If you’re based in Dorchester, Poundbury, Weymouth, or nearby, and want to feel like yourself again—or maybe even better—let’s talk. This stuff doesn’t have to be complicated. And you don’t have to guess alone.
