Carnitine and coenzyme Q10: biochemical properties and functions, synergism and complementary action.

The mechanisms by which carnitine and coenzyme Q10 intervene in the energetic metabolism are described. In particular, the metabolic stages in which the action of carnitine is complementary to the action of coenzyme Q10 are illustrated. The synergism of the pharmacological and therapeutic actions that is found when these compounds are administered together is explained on the basis of their biochemical and metabolic complementarity.