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Understanding PDSS1 and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10, often called CoQ10, is a nutrient your cells use to generate energy and protect themselves from oxidative damage. The PDSS1 gene helps build an enzyme that carries out the early steps of CoQ10 production. Changes in PDSS1 can affect how well your body makes CoQ10, which may influence energy levels, muscle function, and cellular resilience.

Why PDSS1 matters for your health

CoQ10 sits at the junction of energy production and antioxidant defense. When PDSS1 does not work optimally because of a genetic variation, cells may produce less CoQ10. That can translate to subtle or more noticeable effects on stamina, recovery, and how cells respond to stress. Most people with a single altered gene copy will not have a severe deficiency, but they may have a reduced reserve, especially when exposed to stressors such as aging, certain medications, or chronic illness.

Genetic interpretations

Two effect alleles (TT at rs863224162)

If your genotype is TT, you carry two copies of a rare PDSS1 variant. This result suggests a significant reduction in your body’s ability to produce CoQ10 through the normal biosynthetic pathway. Cells may have less CoQ10 available for energy generation and antioxidant protection. Clinically this could be linked to increased fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, or greater sensitivity to cellular stress. It is reasonable to take focused steps to support CoQ10 levels.

  • Consider clinical evaluation and discussion with your healthcare provider to assess symptoms and need for testing.
  • Measure relevant labs if advised. Possible tests include fasting metabolic profile, creatine kinase if muscle symptoms are present, and plasma CoQ10 when clinically appropriate.
  • Discuss therapeutic CoQ10 supplementation with your provider. Dosing commonly ranges from 100 mg to 300 mg daily depending on needs, with higher doses used under medical supervision.
  • Prioritize nutrient-dense foods that support CoQ10 synthesis: fatty fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Optimize supporting nutrients: adequate B vitamins, vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium can help mitochondrial and antioxidant function.
  • Adopt lifestyle steps to reduce additional stress on mitochondria: avoid smoking, limit excessive alcohol, manage infections and inflammation, and maintain regular sleep and stress management routines.
  • Coordinate care if taking medications known to lower CoQ10, for example certain cholesterol-lowering drugs, and discuss alternatives or supplement strategies with your clinician.
One effect allele (GT at rs863224162)

If your genotype is GT, you are a carrier of a rare PDSS1 variant. You have one working copy of the gene and one altered copy. In most carriers this is enough to maintain adequate CoQ10 production under normal conditions, but function may be reduced relative to the most common genotype. You may be more vulnerable to low CoQ10 when exposed to additional challenges such as aging, illness, or certain medications.

  • Monitor energy levels and recovery from exercise. Note any new or worsening muscle weakness or fatigue and discuss with your provider if symptoms appear.
  • Maintain a CoQ10 supportive diet: fatty fish, lean organ meats in moderation, whole grains, legumes, and foods rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, and selenium.
  • Consider routine use of a low to moderate dose CoQ10 supplement, especially with advancing age or if using medications that can lower CoQ10. Typical over the counter doses range from 50 mg to 200 mg daily; review with your clinician.
  • Support mitochondrial health through regular moderate exercise, good sleep hygiene, stress reduction practices, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
  • Discuss targeted lab testing or supplement plans with a healthcare professional if you have symptoms or other risk factors for low CoQ10.
Zero effect alleles (GG at rs863224162)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and indicates the PDSS1 gene functions as expected for CoQ10 production. You should be able to produce CoQ10 efficiently via the normal pathway. Still, maintaining CoQ10 through diet and lifestyle supports long term cellular energy and antioxidant capacity.

  • Continue a balanced diet with CoQ10 supportive foods: fatty fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and foods rich in B vitamins and vitamin C.
  • Consider CoQ10 supplementation with advancing age, during periods of high physical stress, or if advised by your healthcare provider.
  • Maintain healthy habits that protect mitochondrial function: regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
  • If you take medications known to reduce CoQ10 levels, discuss monitoring and supplementation with your prescriber.

Diet and supplements to support CoQ10

  • Foods: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), organ meats (liver), lean meats, whole grains, soybeans, nuts, and seeds.
  • Vitamins and minerals: ensure adequate intake of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and selenium to support mitochondrial enzymes and antioxidant systems.
  • CoQ10 supplement: ubiquinone or ubiquinol forms are available. Ubiquinol may be better absorbed in older adults. Dose and form are best chosen with input from your healthcare provider.
  • Timing: take CoQ10 with a meal containing fat to improve absorption.

Lifestyle habits that help

  • Exercise regularly with a mix of aerobic and resistance training to stimulate mitochondrial function and muscle health.
  • Prioritize sleep and aim for consistent sleep schedules to support cellular repair.
  • Manage stress with practices such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or gentle movement.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake to reduce oxidative and metabolic burden.
  • Address chronic conditions and infections promptly with your healthcare provider to reduce ongoing stress on mitochondria.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

  • Persistent unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or decreased exercise tolerance.
  • If you are taking medications that may reduce CoQ10 or affect mitochondrial health.
  • Before starting high dose CoQ10 or any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.
  • To request targeted laboratory testing or a referral to a specialist when needed.

Important disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and does not provide medical advice. This information is not a diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or medical care.