Coenzyme Q10
What are the benefits of Coenzyme Q10, FAQ and dosage
Discovered in 1957 by Fredrick L. Crane and his
colleagues, Coenzyme Q10 chemical structure was first reported by Karl Folkers and his coworkers at Merck.
A decade or so later, it was observed that CoQ10 defficiency was associated with the heart disease. After
clinical trials in the 1980s, it was established that CoQ10 plays important roles in cellular energy production
and antioxidant protection.
Since then, there has been an abundance of
information on the topic of Coenzyme Q10 and its many benefits, ranging from anti-aging to the heart
health protection. So, do
you think CoQ10 is right for you? Read on!
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| While there are many health benefits from Coenzyme
Q10, its main claim is to be effective in cellular energy production, providing antioxidant
protection, anti-aging, and benefiting the heart health function. CoQ10 plays a key role in ATP -
the universal energy molecule. |
Benefits of Coenzyme Q10
There are many health claims associated with
CoQ10. We examine here the most relevant ones and offer our assessment. This should give you a start to reserach it
more and make up your own mind.
 A Rich Source of
Anti-oxidants
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as Ubiquinone,
has been documented as a rich source of anti-oxidants. In much of the research and articles I've read, Coenzyme
Q10 is consistently thought to act in much the same way that vitamin E
does. In fact, CoQ10 has been found in many studies to be much more effective than vitamin E in lowering
cholesterol and creating an optimum environment for the cells to create energy.
Other strong antioxidant
protection qualities include:
- the reduction in risk of heart disease
and
- regulation of blood
pressure.
[Coenzyme Q10 is also known as Ubiquinone and Ubiquinol. Both of these CoQ10 forms are available as separate supplements. Ubiquinone
CoQ10 is more common and
yellowish, available since 1990, while Ubiquinol CoQ10 is more raw, whiteish and more expensive, available since 2007.]
Stimulates the Immune System
CoQ10 has also been shown to be an important
component in the function of the immune system. It both inhibits bacteria as well as increases immune function. It
also increases white blood cell production. In many cases when the body is deficient in CoQ10 (which becomes more
common as we age) the immune system becomes compromised. This is where supplementation can often counteract
this.
Anti-aging
Qualities
Studies also suggest there is possible
anti-aging effects in CoQ10. It has been shown to slow the aging process through its antioxidant protection.
Anti-oxidants, as we know, prevent "free radicals" damage - the instability of
cells which causes them to mutate unnecessarily, creating everything from sun damage to cancer. CoQ10 has also been
noted to increase endurance during exercise, living up to its name as an energy supplement. It is currently also
being used as a therapy and
reversal for Alzheimer's disease.
Benefits the Heart Health
Coenzyme Q10 depletion has also been linked to
hypertension - high blood pressure. Therefore supplementation of CoQ10 is currently being used as a natural remedy
to decrease blood pressure. It is also recommended in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) and for prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes plaque.
Helps with Oral Health
Like green tea, Coenzyme Q10 has been thought to
promote oral health. According to many studies, CoQ10 is supposed to slow or arrest periodontal disease.
It also protects the gums
and heals damage from gingivitis as well as protects teeth from cavities.
Supports Weight Loss
Obesity can lead to a decrease in the production
of CoQ10. Therefore, in many of the studies I found, supplementation of CoQ10 was given to both to patients
suffering from obesity and patients looking to manage weight.
The Bad News
What's the bad news? Not much. There doesn't
seem to be any documented toxicity from supplementing with CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom it
would be best not to take this supplement as the long terms effects have not been recorded. Some reports suggest
CoQ10 will decrease the effectiveness of Warfarin - a blood thinner, but there is no evidence to suggest it is decidedly so. Finally,
the dosage should not exceed 200 mg per day as this - in some cases - has been shown to cause diarrhea and
nausea.
Other FAQ's About CoQ10
How much CoQ10 is enough to reap the benefits?
For best results, according to the literature this author consulted, 30-60mg capsule up to 3 times per day is a safe dosage
when taken with meals. When choosing a supplement, it is important to be sure the capsule is in CoQ10's natural
form, which is dark bright yellow in color.
In Summary
Once again, in this
author's opinion, I would suggest Coenzyme Q10 as being well worth your
consideration. Do your homework, however. As with any change in your healthcare program, always consult your
healthcare practitioner. If you are on any other medications be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the
possibility of interaction. Conduct your own research project. Below are some great resources that will help
get you started on getting more information about Ubiquinone, an all-important energy supplement.
| Buy
Coenzyme Q10 supplements available in our online store: |
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Coenzyme Q10 SR
Coenzyme Q10 slow release capsules have been
designed for better absorption by the body, to provide all CoQ10 benefits it
needs.
|
30 capsules
|
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Idebenone
This is a synthetic variant of Coenzyme Q10,
that's a potent antioxidant that delivers many health, energy and antiaging
benefits.
|
60 × 30mg capsules
|
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Resources:
Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on
WebMD and though several working texts which include:
- Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. - Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing - New
York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
- Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. - Food As Medicine - New York: Simon &
Schuster, 2003.
- Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. - The Vitamin Bible - New York: Warner
Books, 2004.
- Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. - Prescription Alternatives - New York:
McGraw-Hill, 2003.
[The above article is for information and
research purposes only. None of the above information should be misconstrued as a health or
medical advice.]
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