Coenzyme A

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Coenzymes are basic organic compounds that interact with enzymes to help catalyze reactions. The enzyme has an active site where it catalyzes the reaction of the substrate, but the coenzyme binds to other areas of the enzyme, changes its shape and helps it to better respond to its functions. From a chemical point of view coenzyme A belongs to the thiol group. This means that it contains sulfur and hydrogen.

Coenzyme A is an essential coenzyme. The body produces it and cannot live without it. Coenzyme A facilitates more than 100 chemical reactions. Coenzyme A is considered to be an auxiliary molecule, a chemical needed to activate certain enzymes and proteins or important chemical reactions.

According to some experts, coenzyme A is a helper molecule that facilitates the oxidation pathway. This process leads to the formation of acetyl coenzyme A - an important chemical that is used to produce fatty acids in a living cell. Without this very important process, there will be no production of fatty acids (compounds that maintain the integrity of the cell membrane - a protective coating on each cell).

Coenzyme A is produced in the cells of the liver and other important organs. The highest concentrations of it are in the heart, kidneys, brain, adrenal glands and skeletal muscles.

Functions of coenzyme A

Many scientific studies show that coenzyme A is the "main enzyme" - in fact it is the most active enzyme in the metabolism of processes in the body. Coenzyme A is a very important catalyst that is needed for the use of coenzyme Q for the production of metabolic enzymes. In addition, it is believed to play an important role in the body's ability to cope with stress and strengthen the immune system.

One of the most important functions of coenzyme A is to start the energy cycle in the body, referred to as the Krebs cycle, during which about 90% of the body's energy is produced. Coenzyme A is essential for the production of hydrocortisone, an anti-stress hormone.

Benefits of Coenzyme A

Coenzyme A reduces the negative effects of stress and slows down the aging process. As we all know, stress is responsible for the three main causes of death in recent years - cancer, stroke and heart attacks. Stress weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections and other problems. To fight stress, the body produces hormones known as glucocorticoids. Too frequent separation reduces the reserves of coenzyme A in the body.

It strengthens the immune system and is vital for the formation and repair of cartilage and fibrous connective tissue. Coenzyme A is also very important for reducing stress because, as mentioned, it produces the anti-stress hormone.

Coenzyme A is very important for active athletes because it provides key nutrients to the body needed to release anaerobic energy, which is important during intense exercise.

There is also good news for menopausal women. During this period of life, every woman suffers from various changes that cause fat storage, increased depression and anxiety. Coenzyme A unlocks these fat deposits and helps them turn into energy.

Coenzyme A deficiency

The lack of coenzyme A is unfavorable for the body. It can lead to a weakening of the immune system, increased stress and all the consequences that these two negative events bring.

Sources of coenzyme A

No food sources of coenzyme A have been found. The body's cells produce it from three elements - adenosine triphosphate, cysteine and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). Fortunately, each of these three components can be obtained through food or nutritional supplements.

Among the main sources of vitamin B5 are baker's and brewer's yeast, liver, kidneys, lactic acid products, peanuts, whole grain porridge, bran, oatmeal, dark turkey, green parts of plants. Other sources of vitamin B5 are fish, meat, poultry, whole grain bread, royal jelly.