The Value of Coenzyme Q10

Lyme Disease

The Value of Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is very important to normal body function. It is a fat soluble substance found in small amounts in food and synthesized by the body. It is used by the body as an antioxidant and to produce energy for the cells. Its specific functions are the electronic transport and energy production in the mitochondria (an organelle - a tiny structure inside a cell that breaks down a substance to provide the cell with energy.) *How the Body Works – Steve Parker – Pages 26-27. It is necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine troposphere). It fuels all cellular energy. It is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage from free radicals (unstable and reactive compounds that cause cellular damage leading to mutations or cell death.) All body cells produce CoQ10 but it is concentrated in the heart, liver immune system and muscle tissue. It plays a major role in correcting congestive heart failure, angina, and cardiomyopathy. Its involvement in energy production is especially important to the heart as the heart is the body's most energetic organ, beating 90,000 times a day. Because of its role in energy production and antioxidation, it also functions as a cytoprotector (the fluid part of the cell), a neuroprotector (nerve) and it is anticarcenogenic.

CoQ10 has been examined in many diseases and health conditions including infectious and chronic diseases and inflammation that include Lyme disease. The following are a few examples of research:

• The National Cancer Institute – Coenzyme Q10 helps the immune system work better and makes the body better able to resist certain types of infections and cancers as well as the adverse effects of certain chemotherapeutic drugs.
• The Mayo Clinic reports that CoQ10 is useful in treating high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.
• Jan. 2007 – Duke University Medical Center in clinical trials showed that CoQ10 has potential in the treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington disease.
• Studies conducted at the Institute for Biomedical Research in Austin found that CoQ10 supplements increase blood levels of IgG and T4 lymphocytes, important components of the immune system and important in combating infectious diseases. Also noted, those with allergies and autoimmune diseases are more likely to have a deficiency of CoQ10.
• According to Joseph Burrascano M.D., a Lyme literate doctor (LLMD), heart biopsies taken from Lyme patients show a significant deficiency of CoQ10, explaining the heart related disease symptoms of Lyme sufferers.

Other deficiencies of CoQ10 can be attributed to poor diet, dysfunction of CoQ10 biosynthesis, increased us of CoQ10 by the body, the presence of some disease processes (P. 279). Addressing the deficiency will lead to increased energy and tolerance for exercise and increased mental clarity.

For those who wish to explore more research on CoQ10 go to: www.pubmed.com

Read: The Coenzyme Q10 Phenomenon – Stephen Sinatra M.D.

A website for quality supplements: www.lef.org

The only potential problems with this supplement are possible interactions with certain pharmaceutical drugs like Mepron, Malarone, Warform, and statin drugs for lowering cholesterol. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements, especially nursing and pregnant women.