What
is CoQ10?
What is CoQ10?
By: Dr. George Obikoya
Coenzyme Q-10 has been established as one of the
most intensively studied cardio protective nutrients. It is vital
for the generation of all cellular energy for muscles, enzyme actions
and respiration. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can contribute to
your health and overall energy and stamina. It is a powerful antioxidant
and acts as a cell - membrane stabilizer against free radicals.
Coenzyme Q-10 is a quinone that functions as an electron transfer
agent between cytochromes in the Krebs or energy cycle. In its version
known as coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinol, this nutrient has become
well known as a product that will increase your cellular energy.
CoQ10 is an enzyme found in all cells of the body. It occurs naturally,
and is the co-factor in the electron transport chain between cells.
CoQ10 is located in the mitochondria, tiny power plants found in
every cell in the body, and effectively supports their energy producing
pathways to help fuel the body's daily activity. If you lack CoQ10,
your body's most important source of cellular energy is depleted,
and many medical conditions are aggravated. It is most concentrated
in the heart and liver, and is a vital component in the mitochondria,
the body's metabolic factories. The best source for CoQ10 is in
a high-quality liquid multivitamin.
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant, scavenging free radicals, sitting
in the membranes with Vitamin E which it recycles to keep it most
active. Studies have shown that it helps combat various forms of
cardiovascular disease, and reduces the number and size of certain
tumors and is useful in treating gum disease. Yet, it was not well
known or understood for until lately.
CoQ10’s discovery dates back to 1957. CoQ10 is not a vitamin. Vitamins
are nutrients that cannot be manufactured by the body, but must
be ingested. CoQ10 is manufactured by the body, but rarely in sufficient
amounts to confer significant health benefits. Therefore, CoQ10
is "vitamin-like" and needs to be taken as a nutritional
supplement.
CoQ10 is widely recommended to repair heart damage and to boost
the function of the heart, as well as in preventative use to safeguard
against heart attacks and valve damage. It has also been shown to
be beneficial in breast and lung cancer, as well as helping to maintain
cognitive function.
CoQ10 reduces many of the serious side effects of cholesterol and
other prescription drugs such as beta blockers. It also reduces
the effects of aging. It helps in the recovery from a wide range
of heart problems including angina pectoris, congestive heart failure
and mitral valve prolapse and with reducing blood pressure and blood
lipids. CoQ10 assists chronic fatigue sufferers when administered
at higher doses and helps you build and strengthen your immune system.
CoQ10 also helps in stabilizing your blood pressure and it helps
your brain function optimally.
CoQ10 taken at 100mg a day increases aerobic activity and protects
your heart muscle. While coenzyme Q does occur naturally in all
fruits and vegetables, it is difficult to get enough of it on a
daily basis from food alone. Men who have proven coronary heart
disease should consider taking 300mg of coenzyme Q a day, as should
women with breast cancer. This dosage has been shown to increase
survival times in women with that disease. CoQ10 has been found
to be effective for treating congestive heart failure in double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial. Its efficacy for angina is not yet as
firmly proven, although studies are quite promising.
Medications used to lower cholesterol lower plasma concentrations
of CoQ10. Oral anti-diabetic medications can also potentially inhibit
the effects of CoQ10.
CoQ10 has also been found to be useful in treating Parkinson’s disease,
the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's
disease affecting approximately 1% of the population older than
50 years. Note that you should not consult your doctor before takeing
CoQ01o if you have liver or kidney disease or if you suffer from
diabetes. CoQ10) is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant.
Taken orally, coenzyme Q-10 may help treat congestive heart failure
and delay the progression of Parkinson's disease. It may also be
useful in treating diseases including muscular dystrophy, AIDS,
hypertension, and mitochondrial diseases. There is recent evidence
that it may also increase sperm motility. Unfortunately, sometimes
touted for enhancing athletic performance, this hasn't been well
demonstrated yet. In summary, CoQ10 has a wide assortment of incredible
benefits. The only downside is the cost - CoQ10 can sometimes be
a tad expensive. CoQ10 supplements are preferable in liquid form
because liquids absorb 5 times better than pills.
A good multivitamin is the foundation of health
and nutrition. Take a look at our scientific reviews of many of
the popular brands for factors such as ingredients, areas of improvement,
quality level, and overall value. If you are looking for a high
quality liquid multivitamin, we suggest that you take a look at
the Multivitamin
Product Comparisons.
VITAPLEN COMPLETE™ contains 100 mg of our patented Coenzyme CoQ10 Electrolyte Blend---and 165 scientifically formulated nutrients--all in a highly absorbable liquid formula.
References
Ebadi M, Govitrapong P, Sharma S, et al Ubiquinone (coenzyme q10))
and mitochondria in oxidative stress of Parkinson's disease. Biol
Signals Recept 2001;10:224-253.
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