HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

CoQ10 and the COQ8A Gene: What Your Genotype Means for Energy and Cellular Health

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a small molecule that plays a big role in your cells. It helps mitochondria produce energy and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. The COQ8A gene makes a protein that helps build CoQ10. Variations in this gene can influence how well your body makes or uses CoQ10 and may affect energy levels, endurance, and cellular resilience.

This article explains what the COQ8A rs578189699 genotypes mean, how they can influence CoQ10 status, and practical steps you can take to support mitochondrial health through diet, supplements, lifestyle, and basic monitoring. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results and before starting any new supplement or treatment.

Why CoQ10 Matters

  • Energy production: CoQ10 is essential for cellular energy generation, particularly in organs with high energy needs like the heart, brain, and muscles.
  • Antioxidant protection: CoQ10 helps neutralize free radicals and supports cellular repair processes.
  • Mitochondrial health: Adequate CoQ10 supports efficient mitochondria, which can improve stamina, cognitive clarity, and recovery from physical stress.

Supporting CoQ10 Through Diet and Lifestyle

Regardless of genotype, lifestyle choices influence CoQ10 status. Focus on the following:

  • Dietary sources: Eat fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), organ meats (liver), lean meats, nuts (peanuts, pistachios), seeds, and some vegetables to increase natural CoQ10 intake.
  • Co-nutrients: Consume foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, and selenium to support CoQ10 synthesis and antioxidant networks. Examples: whole grains, leafy greens, citrus fruits, Brazil nuts, and eggs.
  • Regular exercise: Moderate aerobic and resistance training support mitochondrial function and CoQ10 use. Avoid chronic overtraining without adequate recovery.
  • Sleep and stress: Prioritize restorative sleep and stress management because chronic stress and sleep loss can impair mitochondrial health.
  • Avoid toxins: Smoking and excessive alcohol increase oxidative stress and can deplete CoQ10.

Supplement Considerations

Some people use CoQ10 supplements, often in the ubiquinone or ubiquinol forms. Typical reasons to consider supplementation include low energy, statin use, or confirmed CoQ10 deficiency. Dose ranges commonly used are 100 to 300 mg daily, but your healthcare provider can recommend the right form and dose based on your health, medications, and genetic findings.

When to Talk to Your Provider

  • If you have persistent unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or exercise intolerance.
  • If you are taking statin medications, which can lower CoQ10 in some people.
  • If your genetic result suggests a possible impact on CoQ10 synthesis and you want personalized testing or treatment.
  • For family planning questions if you are a carrier of a rare variant.

Genetic Interpretation

Two effect alleles (TT) — higher likelihood of reduced CoQ10 production

If your genotype at rs578189699 is TT, you carry two copies of a rare variant in the COQ8A gene associated with reduced CoQ10 synthesis. This result suggests a greater predisposition toward lower CoQ10 levels, which can influence cellular energy production and antioxidant capacity.

  • Potential implications: increased fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, or greater susceptibility to oxidative stress in tissues with high energy demand.
  • Actionable steps:
    • Discuss targeted testing with your healthcare provider. Blood tests for CoQ10 can help assess current status.
    • Consider dietary strategies that increase CoQ10 and its cofactors: fatty fish, organ meats, nuts, seeds, whole grains, citrus, and selenium-rich foods.
    • Talk with your provider about CoQ10 supplementation and the optimal form and dose for you. Monitoring while supplementing is helpful.
    • Optimize lifestyle: regular moderate exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
  • Family planning: because this is a rare variant, discuss reproductive implications with genetic counseling if relevant.
One effect allele (CT) — carrier of a rare variant

If your genotype is CT, you carry one copy of the rare T variant and one typical copy of COQ8A. Carriers often have enough gene function to maintain normal CoQ10 synthesis, but this information is useful for personal health awareness and family planning.

  • Potential implications: most carriers do not experience severe CoQ10 deficiency symptoms, but awareness is useful if you have unexplained fatigue or are taking medications that affect CoQ10.
  • Actionable steps:
    • Maintain a CoQ10 supportive diet and healthy lifestyle as outlined above.
    • If you experience symptoms, discuss CoQ10 testing and possible supplementation with your provider.
    • For family planning, consider partner testing or genetic counseling if you are concerned about passing a variant to children.
Zero effect alleles (CC) — typical COQ8A function

If your genotype is CC, you have two copies of the typical allele at this position. This result suggests normal COQ8A function at this site, supporting typical CoQ10 production.

  • Potential implications: genetics at this position do not indicate an increased risk for CoQ10 deficiency. However lifestyle, medications, and other genes can still affect CoQ10 status.
  • Actionable steps:
    • Continue with a balanced diet rich in CoQ10 sources and cofactors.
    • Maintain exercise, sleep, and stress management habits to support mitochondrial health.
    • If you start statins or notice persistent fatigue, consult your provider about CoQ10 monitoring or supplementation.

Monitoring and Tests to Discuss with Your Provider

  • Plasma or serum CoQ10 measurement to determine current status.
  • Basic metabolic and thyroid panels to rule out other causes of fatigue.
  • Cardiac or neuromuscular evaluation if symptoms suggest organ-specific involvement.

Final Notes and Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information to help you understand possible predispositions related to CoQ10 and mitochondrial health. This information is educational and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, starting supplements, or pursuing diagnostic testing. Your provider can integrate your genetic result with your medical history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory tests to create a personalized plan.