CoEnzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) helps ignite the fuel for your entire body
Helps support cardiovascular system health- Boost your stamina and energy levels
- Strengthen your immune and nervous systems
- Replenish your body’s important CoQ-10 reserves if you’re over age 50 or taking a statin drug
What does this nutrient do?
Its responsible for aiding the process of transforming the food we eat, into a molecule known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is formed in the mitochondria of the cells and produces the energy the body requires, for its many biological processes. ATP cannot be created without CoQ10.
As an antioxidant
CoQ10 is made by the body and can be found in just about every human cell. Not only is it used for biochemical processes, such as muscle contraction, but it is also beneficial as an antioxidant for overall health.
Many illnesses, such as cancer, are caused by free radical damage which affects the health of the cells. Environmental toxins increase the free radical damage, as do many of the processed foods that we eat. CoQ10 has the ability to neutralize the free radicals and may even be able to prevent them from damaging the cells. There is still a lot of research that needs to be conducted.
Causes of CoQ10 deficiency
CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone. In order for the body to be able to use ubiquinone, it has to be able to convert it to ubiquinol. As we age, not only do our body levels diminish, but our ability to convert CoQ10 (ubiquinone) to ubiquinol is also impaired.
There are many reasons for this decline, the main ones being, oxidative stress, insufficient dietary CoQ10, illness, disease, deficiency of co-factors for the conversion of ubiquinone and other age related factors.
Another major factor responsible for the decline of CoQ10 levels in the body, would appear to be the use of Statins, a drug recommended for high cholesterol. Supplementation of CoQ10 is essential for anyone taking this, or any other similar cholesterol lowering drug.
Heart Health
As mentioned earlier, CoQ10 is required for muscular contraction. It therefore stands to reason, that it will be found in its highest concentration in the heart, and as such, has been shown to be effective when treating congestive heart failure. In congestive heart failure, the heart is unable to pump efficiently, slowing down the flow of blood to the necessary parts of the body. CoQ10 produces the ATP and subsequently the energy required to help your heart muscles to work more efficiently.
An unexpected benefit of adding this nutrient, is the apparent positive effect it can have on the health of the gums.
A study funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), suggested that CoQ10 could slow down the rate of progression of Parkinson’s disease but, it was felt that the results needed to be confirmed by using a larger group of volunteers. It was thought that the improved function of the mitochondria (often impaired in Parkinson sufferers), was partially responsible for the improvement, as well as, the effects of the increased antioxidant activity.
Food Sources
Our bodies have the ability to produce some of this antioxidant required, however, the rest comes from the food we eat. Fish and meat,in particular, sardines and mackerel, heart and liver, and beef, lamb and pork provide the highest concentration. Eggs provide some of this nutrient, along with raw vegetables, such as, spinach and broccoli.
Supplementation
As CoQ10 is fat soluble and supplementation is best taken with a meal that contains fat, as this helps the absorption. It is also preferable to take a supplement that has a gelatin capsule rather than a tablet, as this also will be better absorbed. The recommended dosage for supplementation is dependent on the reason for taking it. The higher doses are generally recommended for people with specific health conditions. Consideration should also be given to the age of the person taking the supplement.
The older the person, the more likely they are to need some CoEnzyme. As with any supplementation, there is no guarantee that CoQ10 will help specific conditions and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure anything. It is also always advisable to check with your medical orheathl care provider first if you are unsure of supplementation.