HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

How Your CD36 Gene Can Affect Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Levels

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a fat soluble nutrient your cells use to create energy and to protect against oxidative damage. Because it is fat soluble, CoQ10’s absorption and transport depend on how your body handles dietary fats. The CD36 gene helps regulate fat uptake and transport in tissues. Variations in CD36 can influence how efficiently you absorb and move fat soluble compounds, including CoQ10. That can change how your body responds when you take CoQ10 supplements or eat CoQ10 rich foods.

Why this matters

  • CoQ10 supports cellular energy production and antioxidant defense, important for muscles, brain, and heart health.
  • If your CD36-driven fat handling is different from average, supplements may raise your blood CoQ10 more or less than expected.
  • Knowing your genotype can help personalize diet, supplement, and lifestyle choices to support energy and overall wellness.

Practical Recommendations

Below are clear, consumer-friendly strategies to support CoQ10 status. These suggestions are educational and not medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements or making major changes to diet or lifestyle.

Diet

  • Include natural CoQ10 foods: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), organ meats, and some nuts and seeds.
  • Eat healthy fats at meals to improve CoQ10 absorption: olive oil, avocado, olives, fatty fish, and nuts.
  • Combine CoQ10 containing foods with a source of dietary fat. Because CoQ10 is fat soluble, having a meal with fats helps absorption.
  • Limit processed fats and excessive refined carbohydrates which can interfere with optimal fat metabolism.

Supplement Guidance

  • If considering a CoQ10 supplement, choose ubiquinone or ubiquinol formulations from reputable manufacturers and follow dosing guidance from your healthcare provider.
  • Take CoQ10 with a meal that contains healthy fats to enhance absorption.
  • Discuss your medications with your clinician before starting CoQ10. Some drugs can interact with CoQ10 or change how it is processed.

Lifestyle

  • Exercise regularly. Physical activity supports mitochondrial function and can improve how your body uses CoQ10.
  • Manage stress with sleep, relaxation techniques, and balanced routines. Chronic stress can increase oxidative needs that CoQ10 helps meet.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol. Both can increase oxidative stress and lower antioxidant reserves.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body fat can alter fat handling and influence fat soluble nutrient bioavailability.

Monitoring and Testing

  • Talk to your healthcare provider about blood testing if you are taking high dose CoQ10 or have health conditions that affect absorption.
  • Keep a symptom and response log if you start CoQ10 supplements to help your clinician assess benefit and dose.

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles: AA genotype (rs1761667)

Your AA genotype indicates you carry two copies of the effect allele in the CD36 gene. Research shows that people with this genotype may achieve higher serum CoQ10 levels when taking supplements. That suggests you may respond particularly well to CoQ10 supplementation, with a greater rise in circulating CoQ10 compared to other genotypes.

Potential benefits you might notice

  • Improved cellular energy production and reduced fatigue for some people
  • Enhanced antioxidant protection that supports cardiovascular and muscle health
  • Potential greater measurable increase in blood CoQ10 after supplementation

What to consider

  • Supplement with CoQ10 alongside a healthy fat containing meal to maximize absorption.
  • Start with a moderate dose advised by your healthcare provider and reassess symptoms or blood levels if recommended.
  • Combine supplements with diet and lifestyle habits that support mitochondrial health, such as regular exercise and stress management.
1 effect allele: AG genotype (rs1761667)

Your AG genotype means you carry one copy of the effect allele. Many people with this genotype show an intermediate response to CoQ10 supplementation. Studies suggest you may achieve higher serum CoQ10 levels with supplementation compared to some other genotypes, though on average the increase may be less than what is seen in people with two effect alleles.

Potential benefits you might notice

  • Better energy and recovery from physical activity for some individuals
  • Additional antioxidant support when combined with a healthy lifestyle
  • Moderate rise in blood CoQ10 from supplements, especially when taken with dietary fat

What to consider

  • Take CoQ10 with a meal that contains healthy fats and follow dosing advice from your clinician.
  • Use lifestyle measures that support CoQ10 needs: regular activity, adequate sleep, and stress reduction.
  • If you do not notice benefit, discuss dose adjustment or blood testing with your healthcare provider.
0 effect alleles: GG genotype (rs1761667)

Your GG genotype indicates two copies of the non effect allele at CD36. This pattern is associated with typical or average CoQ10 processing and absorption through the CD36 pathway. You are likely to have a standard response to dietary CoQ10 and to supplementation.

Potential benefits you might notice

  • Maintaining CoQ10 through diet and lifestyle can support normal energy production and antioxidant protection
  • Supplements can still be effective but you may not see the enhanced serum increases observed in some other genotypes

What to consider

  • Focus on consistent dietary sources of CoQ10 and healthy fats to support absorption.
  • Consider moderate supplementation if recommended by your healthcare provider, especially if you have conditions or medications that lower CoQ10.
  • Adopt habits that support mitochondria and antioxidant capacity: exercise, sleep, limited alcohol, and no smoking.

Final Notes and Important Disclaimer

This information is educational and describes how CD36 genetic variation may influence CoQ10 absorption and response to supplements. It is not medical advice. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, changing medications, or making significant diet or lifestyle changes. Your clinician can help interpret genetic results in the context of your medical history, current medications, and overall health goals.