Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as coQ10 or ubiquinone, is a natural, oil-soluble chemical compound that is mainly found in the mitochondria - which acts as the main power producer for your cells and creates usable energy. Most people typically get their coQ10 from eating  oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains. CoQ10 creates a very important molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy source which is responsible for energizing your heart and body.

WHAT DOES CoQ10 DO FOR YOU?

CoQ10 is packed with benefits!  There are so many things that this enzyme does for your health such as eliminating fatigue, energizing the body, and improves heart health.

-Produce More Energy

CoQ10 supplies roughly 93% of the body’s working energy supply on a day-to-day basis. One of the main functions coQ10 has is helping to convert food into energy.  It has also been known to increase stamina, boost athletic performance and improve exercise tolerance.

-Heart Health

Because coQ10 creates energy it is extremely vital in maintaining heart health.  It has powerful antioxidant properties which basically create an added protection when it comes to heart health. Vitamin E and coQ10 are two of the best supplements for your body when it comes to fighting off heart-damaging free radicals.

The main concentration of this enzyme is located in the heart. CoQ10 is one of the best heart disease combatants that exists.  It has been noted that people with heart failure have extremely low levels of coQ10 in their heart cells and plasma molecules. This beneficial enzyme is important in helping to oxidize circulating LDL (bad cholesterol levels) which can ultimately aid in the prevention of major heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Because coQ10 is an energy producer it helps strength the heart muscle which causes it to pump stronger and have more energy.

Another extremely important benefit is the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Studies have shown that taking coQ10 has helped reduce blood pressure.

-Antioxidant Booster & Immune System Support

This powerful enzyme has the added ability to provide your body defense against oxidation stress to your cells, tissues, and organs which will help you fight off disease and sickness.  Most people over the age of 30 begin to lose coQ10 levels which makes them more susceptible to free radicals.  By taking a coQ10 supplement you are protecting yourself by recharging antioxidant levels which protect against harmful free radicals and in turn you aid your immune system.

-Reduce Signs Of Aging

CoQ10 helps keep blood levels high which in turn protects against cell damage that can come from aging. Studies show that people who regularly take a coQ10 supplement may help increase collagen and elastin in the skin.  This keeps skin from wrinkling and helps maintain its’ firmness.  In fact, many wrinkle creams use coQ10 in their formula and claim that it is one of the main ingredients in helping to prevent skin from aging.

-Supports Mind & Nervous System

Because this important enzyme is key to proper cell function and activity it has been known to help prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies of people with Parkinson’s disease have shown that taking a coQ10 supplement had a significant reduction in disability. Also, by reducing the stress on cells and general fatigue symptoms, coQ10 greatly aids in nervous system support.  It is an important resource when it comes to fighting against free radical damage that is typically associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

-Other Benefits

  • Diabetes support
  • Gum (periodontal) disease
  • Improve male fertility
  • Prevents migraines
  • Helps fight and prevent cancer, especially breast cancer
  • Protect the heart from heart-damaging side effects related to prescription drugs
  • Aids in weight loss
  • Can help prevent kidney failure
  • Heart attack prevention and recovery
  • Slow tumor growth
  • Improve athletic performance
  • Fight against chronic fatigue

CoQ10 Dosage

This can depend on a number of factors but most people, who are in good health, should take 30 – 200 mg a day. Children under 18 should not take coQ10 unless otherwise instructed by a physician. Higher dosages may be recommended by a health care specialist for people who are older, suffer from Parkinson’s disease, are at heart disease/failure risk, Mitochondrial disorder, or are recovering from a heart attack. Because coQ10 is fat-soluble it should be taken after eating so your body can better absorb it.  It should also be noted that coQ10 supplements should be taken throughout the day so that it is continually cycling through the body.  Taking coQ10 at night may help the body better use the enzyme. CoQ10 is not a supplement that has immediate effects on the body.  It can take up to 2 months for the body to properly use the coQ10 and for a person to start noticing results.

CoQ10 Side Effects And Possible Interactions

Negative side effects are uncommon and rare but there are possible reactions.  It has been documented that, on rare occasion, people have experienced a drop in blood pressure which can lead to dizziness or fainting. If you are taking, or plan on taking a coQ10 supplement, and have irregular blood pressure levels or are concerned about it, then it may be best to have regular blood pressure check-ups. Some people have experienced allergic reactions to coQ10 supplements which manifest themselves in the form of itchy rashes, hives, swelling of hands/feet and lips and shortness of breath.  Extremely high doses of coQ10 may result in headaches, heartburn and insomnia.

Taking an antioxidant supplement along with any prescribed medications should always be done under the care and supervision of a health care specialist. CoQ10 may interact with chemotherapy medications, blood pressure medications, and blood-thinning medications.

CoQ10 History

CoQ10 was discovered was discovered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Enzyme Institute in 1957 by Prof. Frederick L. Crane.  After additional study Karl Folkers and Gian Paolo Littarru discovered that people with heart disease were lacking coQ10 levels.

In the 1980′s the amount of research and studies using coQ10 were greatly increased due to the increased quantities of coQ10.  Since then numerous studies of coQ10 have occurred most directly relating to its’ benefits in cardiovascular health.