|
| CO-Q10 |
Other Names: Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10, Ubiquinone, Vitamin Q.
CoQ10, or Coenzymes Q10, is a vitamin-like substance synthetsized in the body from dietary phenylalanine that is naturally found in most animals and plants.
There are 10 common coenzymes Q's, but coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in human tissue. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and essential part of mitochondria, the source for energy (ATP)
in nearly every cell in your body. This fat-soluble nutrient has been researched since 1957 and is considered by some to be a "conditionally essential vitamin." It is one of the
most doctor-recommended nutritional supplements in the U.S. and has been manufactured in Japan since 1974. CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring compound found in every cell in the body.
CoQ10's alternate name, ubiquinone, comes from the word ubiquitous, which means "found everywhere."
|
| |
| In 1957 CoQ10 was first manufactured by extracting and isolating CoQ10 from beef hearts. In 1960 Karl Folkers synthesized CoQ10 from tobacco leaves. Today, CoQ10 is primarily produced by synthesis/fermentation process. It is the same process used to make Vitamin B-12. Since 1960 Japanese manufacturers have dominated the CoQ10 production and still have dozens of international patents on their methods of manufacture. |
| Although CoQ10 is beneficial in many health aspects, its primary nutritional use is to support energy metabolism. The heart has very high energy demands and very high concentrations of CoQ10. Extensive Japanese research has shown CoQ10 to be an effective dietary supplement with diverse cardiovascular benefits. In 1977, Karl Folkers, Watanabe and Kaji made a critique of the published research regarding CoQ10 from the previous ten years. The numerous Japanese publications were translated into English summaries which included data from 110 physicians and 41 medical institutions in Japan. |
| As a result of the overwhelmingly positive reports, including 2 clinical double-blind trials, the Japanese Government granted approval in 1974 for CoQ10 to be marketed. The widespread use of CoQ10 by physicians in Japan steadily increased to such a high level that by 1982, CoQ10 became one of the most widely used products by the entire Japanese Pharmaceutical industry. |
| |
| People with heart failure have been found to have lower levels of CoQ10 in heart muscle cells. Double-blind research suggests that CoQ10 may reduce symptoms related to heart failure, such as shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping, and swelling. CoQ10 is thought to increase energy production in the heart muscle, increasing the strength of the pumping action. |
| CoQ10 may also be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Studies by Yamagami (1975, 1986) AND Digiesi (1990) indicated that CoQ10 may be a "significant" adjunct as a dietary supplement. |
| Lower levels of CoQ10 have also been observed in people with Parkinson's disease. Preliminary research has found that increasing CoQ10 may increase levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is thought to be lowered in people with Parkinson's disease. It has also been suggested that CoQ10 might protect brain cells from damage by free radicals. |
| Statin Drugs May Lower CoQ10 Levels. Some research suggests that statin drugs, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol, may interfere with the body's production of CoQ10. However, research on the use of CoQ10 supplements in people taking statins is still on, and it is not routinely recommended in combination with statin therapy. |
| In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, 74 people with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 100 mg CoQ10 twice daily, 200 mg per day of fenofibrate (a lipid regulating drug), both or neither for 12 weeks. CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved blood pressure and glycemic control.
CoQ10 may be considered an anti-aging supplement because its levels decline up to 80% in the body as we age. Because CoQ10 declines in the body over time, it is linked to fundamental aging processes and may be a causative factor in aging itself. E.Bliznaker showed that female mice increased their lifespan 56% while under CoQ10 supplementation.
CoQ10 is involved in energy production in all types of people. Without CoQ10, you would not have enough energy to stay alive! Because of the importance of CoQ10 in aerobic energy production, it is quite popular among serious athletes and sports enthusiasts.
|
| Dosage |
| » |
A typical CoQ10 dosage is 30 to 90 mg per day, taken in divided doses, but the recommended amount can be as high as 200 mg per day. |
| » |
CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so it is better absorbed when taken with a meal that contains oil or fat. |
| » |
The clinical effect is not immediate and may take up to eight weeks.
CoQ10 is used in combination with standard treatment, not to replace it. |
| » |
CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should get their sugar checked more often. CoQ10 may also lower blood pressure. |
| |
|
|
|
|
