Coenzyme Q10 is a substance made by our bodies
and obtained in the diet, mainly in oily fish (that also contain EPA), organ meats, and
whole grains. Ubiquinone may soon be called a fat-soluble vitamin as it is shown to be
essential and also to create problems when deficient. There are ten types of CoQ; CoQ10 is
the main active one in humans, which works along with certain enzymes to support the
body's bioenergetic functions. CoQ10 is an electron carrier and is important to many body
energy systems, particularly in the cell mitochondria, which are known as the energy
factories, where it aids in generating ATP. CoQ10 acts as a mild metabolic
stimulant and may facilitate weight loss. It also appears to be a mild immune stimulant.
This substance has been shown to help heart function by enhancing the pumping action and
electrical functioning, as well as helping to lower blood pressure. CoQ10 seems to be
related to vitamin E and is supportive of its functions, including those in the
mitochondria.
Preliminary research regarding the use of coenzyme Q10 in patients with heart failure has produced
very positive findings. Most of these patients describe some improvement; this supplement
probably improves energy production in the heart muscle cells. It is possible that CoQ10
will be helpful in other cardiovascular functional problems, whether electrical
arrhythmias or cardiac muscular dysfunction.
The amount of CoQ10 needed for effectiveness is
approximately 10‚20 mg. twice daily. Taking at least 600‚800 IU of vitamin E
daily, along with the basic nutrients, including vitamin C, niacin, and other
cholesterol-lowering substances, such as EPA, is probably a good idea as well for
cardiovascular problems. Look for more research and medical use for coenzyme Q10.
coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like antioxidant compound,
similar to vitamin K, and essential to energy production in the body’s cells.
Coenzyme Q10 is also called ubiquinone, because it is found in every cell of the body.
CoQ10 is the subject of a very large body of
published clinical research directed at preventing various diseases of the cardiovascular
system, or alleviating their symptoms.
Benefits and
uses: Most of the extensive published clinical research on Coenzyme Q10 has
focused on cardiovascular disease (NOTE: Supplemental Coenzyme Q10 may take several months
to show beneficial results in heart conditions.):
 | Used in conjunction with standard treatments, CoQ10
has dramatically improved therapeutic outcomes in clinical studies of congestive heart
failure. |
| Angina patients taking 150 mg per day of CoQ10 report
a greater ability to exercise without problems. |
| CoQ10 is clinically demonstrated to substantially
improve angina pectoris, arrythmias, and hypertension. |
| Oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the blood is a key
factor in development of cardiovascular disease, and CoQ10 prevents it even more
effectively than vitamin E. |
| CoQ10 has shown significant benefit in clinical
trials treating obesity, muscular dystrophy, periodontal disease, and diabetes mellitus
(adult onset diabetes). |
| CoQ10 has been shown to help reduce the adverse side
effects of cardiotoxic chemotherapy drugs (e.g., adriamycin, athralines)
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Product Recommendations |
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- Daily supplements of 30 to 100
mg. daily have been known to restore health by re-establishing steady and efficient energy
production to heart tissue. CoQ10 is also used for Health, Immunity, Aging, and Athletic
Performance. CoQ10 can possess up to a five times greater antioxidant effect in certain
tissues, specifically heart tissue.
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Daily requirement:
Because healthy, well-nourished bodies can manufacture ample amounts of CoQ10 internally,
it is not considered an essential dietary nutrient. Consequently, no recommended daily
intake has been established for CoQ10. However, peoples’ ability to extract CoQ10
from foods declines substantially with age.
Deficiency risk factors:
CoQ10 deficiencies are found in many people suffering from cardiovascular disease,
congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroid heart failure, primary
hypertension, breast cancer, muscular dystrophy, and obesity. Meat eaters tend to have
lower blood levels of CoQ10, compared with vegetarians. Acclaimed vitamin researcher Dr.
Karl Folkers has demonstrated that the average American diet is lacking in many of the
nutrients needed to manufacture CoQ10 internally—and that the average American’s
internal stores of CoQ10 falls short of optimal levels. In recognition of his work on
CoQ10, Dr. Folkers received the Presidential Science Award in 1990.
Optimal intake:
Participants in most clinical trials have received from 30 to 100 mg per day, with doses
up to 300 mg needed in cases of severe heart disease. CoQ10 is indicated when taking
cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, which interfere with manufacture of CoQ10.
Food sources: CoQ10
is found in spinach, broccoli, nuts, meat, and fish..The richest food sources are organ
meats, beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts.
Recent findings:
CoQ10 may have potential in preventing or treating brain diseases like Alzhiemer’s,
according to an animal study conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital
and Harvard Medical School.
Safety: People
with congestive heart failure taking CoQ10 should NOT stop taking it suddenly since sudden
withdrawal may exacerbate the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
