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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  Coenzyme A (CoA) is manufactured by cells in your body from vitamin B5 and plays a pivotal role in the metabolic processes which sustain life. Every organ in your body contains CoA and makes use of it in some way, shape or form. A sizeable chunk of the energy your body needs to function is produced with the aid of CoA. It is a major player in the conversion of glucose which is necessary in your body for cellular energy and fuel for your brain. CoA is an active participant in the metabolism of fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as being a vital component in the production of hydrocortisone, the anti-stress hormone. Your cell membranes rely on CoA to assist with the conversion of fatty acids in your body as, without fatty acids (the compounds that maintain the integrity of the cell's membrane) the protective covering of each living cell would be compromised. Adequate levels of CoA in our body also provide us with glowing skin, shiny hair, supple joints and better muscle tone. Some studies even suggest that coenzyme A is as important as, if not more so than, its counterpart coenzyme Q10 as, without CoA, CoQ10 cannot function. A Short Physiology Lesson – Cellular Respiration Cellular respiration is what cells do to break up carbohydrates, fats and proteins into a food that the cell can use as energy.  A series of three things have to happen in order to complete cellular respiration, much like three things have to happen in order before you can have a cup of tea. First, the kettle has to boil. Second, you have to put a tea bag into a cup. Thirdly, you need to pour the boiling water over the tea bag, et voila, you have a cup of tea. The series of three things that have to happen, or the events of the three main metabolic pathways (a series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell) that are involved in cellular respiration are: 1) glycolysis (the breakdown of glucose), 2) the Krebs Cycle (central part of cellular respiration), and 3) the electron transport chain. It's a little complicated to understand at first but, as it's the basis of all cellular energy, it might be worth reading over once or twice. And, it will give you a fairly comprehensive picture of just how important coenzyme A is to the body. Indeed, it helps produce around ninety percent of all the energy the body needs to function.  Coenzyme A is a major contributor to cellular respiration. As a matter of fact, it is the donor that gets the Krebs cycle started. When you eat carbohydrates, they are broken down through glycolysis into pyruvic acid. This point is known as a key intersection in several metabolic pathways as pyruvic acid can then be transformed into many different things, one of which is Acetyl Coenzyme A. Coenzyme A then enters the Krebs Cycle, or Citric Acid Cycle (the 2 terms are used interchangeably). This is a cycle of donating and losing carbon atoms, all in the cause of creating ATP. At the end of the cycle, the oxaloacetic acid waits for coenzyme A to donate another 2 carbon atoms and the whole thing starts again. At The Center is the Krebs Cycles The Krebs Cycle is the key to turning food into energy. It goes through a lot of individual steps, but basically it takes in acetyl-CoA (manufactured from glucose) to form citric acid, which is very high in energy. The citric acid gradually loses that energy, partly as CO2 (a waste product) , and goes on to produce ATP which is used to power many of the actual operations in the body. The remaining bits are then used to reconstruct the oxaloacetate molecule, waiting to get more acetyl Co-A to begin the whole cycle over again. The electron transport chain is where the action is for ATP production. Hydrogen atoms, removed during the first two metabolic phases (glycolysis and Krebs) are loaded with energy. These hydrogens are delivered to protein carriers in the electron transport chain. There, the hydrogen atoms are split into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons (e-). The electrons cascade down the protein carriers (like rolling down a hill) going from carrier to carrier, each new carrier being lower in energy than the last. They give off their energy in a series of steps in small enough amounts to enable the cell to make ATP. The end product is water and a large amount of ATP. The beauty of this chain system is that relatively small amounts of energy are lost as heat and light. Given its many roles, coenzyme A is used up at an alarming rate and needs to be continually replaced. The highest concentrations in the body are found in the heart, kidneys, brain, adrenal glands and skeletal muscles. As you age, CoA levels in your body begin to decline because as your metabolism slows, your body is unable to manufacture a much. The nutrients that your body needs to make coenzyme A are vitamin B5 and cysteine (an amino acid). As there are no food sources of coenzyme A, (the cells of the body manufacture CoA) you should consider including the following sources of vitamin B5 in your diet; beef, eggs, fresh vegetables, kidney, legumes, mushrooms, nuts, pork and whole wheat products. Cysteine is formed from L-methionine in the body. Vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate are necessary for cysteine synthesis, which may not take place as it should in the presence of chronic disease. B6 can be found in eggs, fish, meat, chicken, bananas, broccoli, brown rice and cantaloupe. B12 can be found in eggs, kidney, milk, dairy and seafood. Folate can be found in barley, beef, green leafy vegetables, lentils, oranges, salmon and whole wheat products. Coenzyme A is also vital for the production of hydrocortisone, the anti-stress hormone. Stress can manifest itself in many unpleasant ways, and some of the symptoms of an over-stressed existence match the symptoms of coenzyme A deficiency, including depression, anxiety, an impaired sense of balance, irritability, fatigue, an abnormal need for sleep and a deterioration of the immune system. Coenzyme A can be used to reduce all of these symptoms. Another symptom of an over-stressed body is its lack of energy. If you recall, coenzyme A is all about energy for your body. A lack of coenzyme A can block the energy cycle and lead to a variety of metabolic disorders. As the Helper Molecule, coenzyme A is necessary for the proper functioning of other important enzymes and coenzymes, such as coenzyme Q-10. Without coenzyme A, Q-10 cannot function. This is significant given the connection between CoQ10 and cardiovascular issues, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV. Coenzyme A also initiates fatty acid metabolism, strengthens the immune system, facilitates the repair of DNA and aids in the manufacture of connective tissue. Without adequate supplies of coenzyme A, cholesterol levels can take an upward swing as the enzyme plays a key role in the metabolic process which regulates cholesterol levels. CoA also activates white blood cells in the presence of foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses. References: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fourth Edition, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Wikipedia Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, Seventh Edition, Elaine N. Marieb Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 10 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns. Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein. |
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