How Coenzyme Q10 works depends on how it is being used. In general, this remarkable compound works by converting food and supplements (as needed) into "packets of fuel" known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that energize cells. The body can only store very little ATP at a time. CoQ10 helps to renew the supply. Although our bodies have the ability to make CoQ10, as we ingest it from foods such as codfish, egg yolk, mackerel, salmon, sardines, wheat germ, and whole grains, certain factors deplete it: illness; physical, mental, and emotional activity; all forms of stress; and aging. To get 30 mg of CoQ10, you need one pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and one half pounds of peanuts. As you know, our body must continually generate energy to support life from every cell, the mitochondria. Numerous studies mentioned here show that oral supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 will restore any depleted CoQ10 in cells and tissues through the mitochondria, where they boost cellular energy production and sustainability. In addition, Coq10 also functions as an antioxidant which is very important in its clinical effects. In other words, CoQ10 can prevent the production of harmful free radicals, which are released by cells at times of stress, including during heart surgery. According to Dr. Franklin Rosenfeldt of Monash University's Department of Surgery, a patient's chances of recovering from surgery are improved if the production of free radicals is suppressed.