This amazing nutrient was first discovered by Dr. Karl Folkers, three decades ago. It was first tested on humans in Japan, where it is now one of the top-selling dietary supplements. Coenzymes should not be confused with enzymes. Coenzymes are relatively small molecules compared to enzymes, and thus, are not inactivated by stomach acids and are readily absorbed intact and totally functional. Vitamins often form the major part of coenzymes in the body.
Many enzymes work only in the presence of a smaller organic molecule called a coenzyme.
Enzymes are catalysts that speed reactions that might take place very slowly or not take place at all, if it were not for the presence of the coenzymes. All live foods contain one form or another of Coenzyme Q1 through Coenzyme Q10. This compound is so ubiquitous that it was first named ubiquinone. Humans require Coenzyme Q10. Japanese and European physicians are quite aware of the role of this nutrient as an adjunct in treating heart disease.