CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like nutrient that is vital to the production of energy. As one of the electron carriers in the electron transport system, it helps cells utilize oxygen. If you have ever wondered how we get energy from food, or why we have to breathe oxygen, it is because the body strips food of electrons and transports them to an electron acceptor, which is oxygen. CoQ10 facilitates this process, providing one of the “spark plugs” for the creation of cellular energy.
Numerous therapeutic effects of coenzyme Q10 have been reported, most notably in areas where oxygen transport is critical, for instance heart disease, aging and periodontal disease. Since an adequate supply of oxygen is necessary for tissue repair and immune function, many applications have been reported in these areas. Additionally, Co Q10 has therapeutic potential because of its antioxidant properties (fights damaging free radicals). CoQ10 has a wide variety of functions and applications in the body.
Clinical Applications
Because it is a component of energy production in all cells, CoQ10 has many possible clinical applications, including (but not limited to):
- Aging
- Alzheimer's disease
- Angina pectoris
- Brain function
- Breast cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic illness
- Congestive heart failure
- Energy production
- High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
- Immune function
- Memory
- Muscular dystrophy
- Oxidant stress
Click here to get more details about the clinical applications of CoQ10
How CoQ10 Works
- Essential co-factor in cellular metabolism, especially oxidative respiration.
- In ischemic tissues, functions as free radical scavenger and/or membrane stabilizer.
- Mobile component of mitochondrial membrane.
- Animal studies indicate increased levels are adaptively induced by endurance exercise.
- The body can synthesize Co-enzyme Q10 endogenously but individualized needs may exceed rate of synthesis.
Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency States
- Without Coenzyme Q10, we would not have enough energy to fuel the physiological reactions we need to survive. If coenzyme Q10 levels fall to 75%, illness may result. A reduction to 25% may lead to death.
- Deficiencies are most likely in tissue that is metabolically very active: heart muscle, tissues of the immune system, gum tissue.
- Deficiency may result from nutritional deficiencies or genetic defects.
- Synthesis tends to decline with age.
Dietary Sources of CoQ10
- Found in every plant and animal cell.
- May be inadequate to meet needs of patients with clinical pathologies.
- Plasma levels in vegetarians are twice that of non-vegetarians.
Co Q10 Dosage
Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30-90 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician).
Most of the research on heart conditions has used 90–150 mg of Co Q10 per day. Congestive heart failure may require as much as 2 mg / kg body weight 4 times daily.
People with cancer who consider taking much higher amounts should discuss this issue with a doctor before supplementing. There are several anecdotal reports of large amounts of Co Q 10 resulting in improvements in certain types of cancer. For example, breast cancer: might take up to 300 to 400 mg 4 times daily. Consult with one of our physicians if you have a health condition that could be helped by CoenzymeQ10.
CoQ10 is best taken with meals to improve absorption.
CoQ10 Side Effects
CoenzymeQ10 is safe and well tolerated, with no significant side effects. No studies have been done to document safety during pregnancy and lactation.
Coenzyme Q10 Drug Interactions
Ubiquinone causes no known adverse interactions with any pharmaceutical or nutrient. Activity of carnitine and pantethine may be enhanced by CoQ10.
Coenzyme Q10 supplementation may mitigate some of the adverse effects of:
- Cholesterol-lowering agents that interfere with synthesis of Co Q10 -- lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin.
- Beta-blockers: propranolol can inhibit Q10-dependent enzymes.
- Psychotropic drugs: CoQ10 may reduce cardiac side effects of tricyclics and phenothiazines.
Co-enzymeQ10 may reduce the effect of warfarin. If you taking warfarin, take CoQ10 only under the direction of your doctor.
To order Coenzyme Q10 by phone, please call toll-free 877-347-8600.
