Why to take Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplements

Coenzyme Q10 is a substance found in the cells of the human body, necessary for cellular respiration and the production of energy. Co Q10 is an oil-soluble quinone, also called ubiquinone (which means “found everywhere”, referring to its presence in all of the body’s cells) or Vitamin Q. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency is associated with aging, as well as with various pathologies, like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cardiac ischemia, angina pectoris, gum disease and Parkinson’s disease. Its role in the energy production of the body involves various processes like APT and biosynthesis, which support the body’s vital functions.

Aging

The importance of CoQ10 in bioenergetics (the study of energy flow through living systems) which supports so many vital functions, implicates that its deficiency can be logically associated with a large variety of pathologies. That said, it’s also clear how important this compound is in terms of the body’s energy and immune system even when no particular pathology is involved. Getting older, particularly after the age of 35, the body produces less CoQ10, which can lead to having a weakened immune system and feeling less energetic. In other words, the fact that the body produces less CoQ10 when getting older could be linked to the aging process itself.

Clinical tests have proved that CoQ10 is able to increase the production of antibodies, as well as shrink chemically induced tumors and that the presence of viruses lowers CoQ10 levels. What is even more impressing, is that researchers believe that treating with Coenzyme Q10 could greatly extend human lifespans. CoQ10 might also protect brain cells from damage by free radicals, just like antioxidants. Reason enough for anyone to take CoQ10 supplements, but lets take a look at what it can do for people suffering from the following pathologies.*

• Cardiac insufficiency (heart failure)

Many patients with heart failure have Coenzyme Q10 deficiency at myocardial level (the myocardium is the heart’s muscular wall). Case studies have proved the benefits of a daily 30 mg oral dose of CoQ10 for patients within two weeks. The patients’ improvements were related to shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as a significant reduction of the heart’s left atrium (patients with cardiac insufficiency can have an enlarged atrium, due to the overload of the cardiac muscle).

• Cardiomyopathy

Case studies have shown a significant improvement of myocardial function at a clinical level with a daily oral dose of 100 mg of CoQ10.

• Cardiac ischemia

CoQ10 improves and stabilizes the membranes decreasing the aggregation of red globules, thereby lowering the stickiness of the blood. Many patients have a low cardiac output after valve replacement surgery, which is one of the major causes of postoperative death . Administrating 30-60 mg of CoQ10 during the six days before operating significantly can decrease the incidence of low cardiac output.

• · Angina pectoris

The oral administration of CoQ10 increases the patients’ tolerance of physical exercise.

• Peridontitis (gum disease)

Gum disease is the most pervasive degenerative illness that affects Americans. Case studies have confirmed that the afflicted gum tissue lacks in Coenzyme Q10. A dosage of 50 mg of CoQ10 can produce significant improvements after only 5-7 days.

• Parkinson’s disease

It is thought that people with Parkinson’s have lowered levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which CoQ19 may increase. After treating patients with 360 mg of CoQ10 for 4 weeks, case studies showed a mild but significant improvement in early Parkinson's symptoms and significantly improved performance in visual function. Another trial explored the use of CoQ10 (300, 600 or 1,200 mg) with early stage Parkinson's disease. The results suggested that CoQ10, especially at the 1,200 mg per day dose, had a significant reduction in disability compared to those who took a placebo.

Dosage

Taking daily supplements of Coenzyme Q10 can have many benefits, especially after the age of 35. They are available in softgels with different dosages. An adequate dosage is 20 to 200 mg per day, preferably taken with a meal containing oil (since it’s oil-soluble).

If you have heart disease, kidney failure, or cancer, consult your doctor before taking CoQ10. CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should not use CoQ10 unless under a doctor's supervision. CoQ10 may also lower blood pressure.

* Case studies conducted by Bliznakov, Hashiba, Iwabuchi, Mortensen, Per Langsjoen, Peter Langsjoen, Folkers, Poggesi, Kato, Tanaka, Greenberg, frishman and Wilkinson.

Link:

other anti-aging sources: http://hubpages.com/hub/how-to-count-antioxidants

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