What's the difference between a cofactor and a coenzyme

I once heard the difference was cofactors were inorganic while coenzymes were organic (i.e. contain carbon).
But I've just been told that not all cofactors are inorganic, so I'm pretty confused.


Is there any difference in their functions in the body, perhaps? Or do both just help enzymes?

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough in my answer earlier. You can't really compare a cofactor with a coenzyme, as a coenzyme is a TYPE OF cofactor. This is like asking "What is the difference between a poodle and a dog?". That can't be answered, as a poodle IS a dog, just as a coenzyme IS a cofactor.

Cofactors can be inorganic or organic. One type of organic cofactor is a coenzyme.

A coenzyme is one type of organic cofactor. The other type of organic cofactor is called a prosthetic group.

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