Co-Enzyme Q-10

What do gum disease, obesity, and congestive heart failure have in common? It could be a deficiency of Co-enzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10). A lack of CoQ-10 has also been implicated in arrhythmias, strokes, hypertension, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, muscular dystrophy and AIDS and many of these diseases can be prevented and treated successfully with CoQ-10. Since its discovery and isolation 40 years ago hundreds of clinical research studies have been done on CoQ-10 and it is now clear that this nutrient is vital to good health and well being.

Coenzyme Q-10 (ubiquinone/ubiquinol) is a fat-soluble quinone with a structure similar to that of vitamin K. It is a powerful antioxidant both on its own and in combination with vitamin E and is vital in powering the bodies energy production (ATP) cycle. CoQ-10 is found throughout the body in cell membranes, especially in the mitochondrial membranes and is particularly abundant in the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. The total body content of CoQ-10 is only about 500-1500 mg and it decreases with age.

Coenzyme Q-10 has received particular attention in the prevention and treatment of various forms of cardiovascular disease. It is highly effective in preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) which leads to atherosclerosis(2,6-8). Several studies have shown that patients with congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases have significantly lower levels of CoQ-10 in their heart tissue than do healthy people and supplementation with as little as 100 mg/day has been shown to markedly improve their condition.

Heart attacks and strokes produce a burst of free radicals (ischemia- reperfusion) which can result in extensive tissue damage. Patients with high CoQ-10 levels suffer less damage from these events and Japanese researchers have found that CoQ-10 supplementation prior to and immediately following open heart surgery is highly beneficial in preventing reperfusion injury - a common complication in heart surgery. Supplementation with CoQ-10 has also been found beneficial in patients with chronic stable angina, material valve prolapse and irregular heart beat (arrhythmias).

Coenzyme Q-10 has also proven useful in the treatment of various cardiomyopathies (diseases of the heart muscle that reduces its pumping capacity). Studies have shown that supplementation with as little as 100 mg/day for 12 months results in better pumping capacity (increased ejection fraction), increased muscle strength, improved breathing, and positive signs of healing.

Several studies indicate that CoQ-10 may be beneficial in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). A study of 109 patients with long-standing, essential hypertension, who were on antihypertensive drugs, concluded that supplementation with an average of 225 mg/day of CoQ-10 improved functional status, allowed about half the patients to discontinue most of their blood pressure medications and resulted in an average decrease of systolic blood pressure from 159 to 147 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure decrease from 94 to 85 mm Hg.

It stands to reason that CoQ-10 may also be beneficial in any condition where circulation is a concern.

Coenzyme Q-10 is a great boost to heart health, but it has many other beneficial effects. Strenuous physical exercise reduces blood levels of CoQ-10 and supplementation with 60 mg/day has been found to improve athletic performance. Administration of CoQ-10 alone or in combination with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) boosts the immune system and may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and other infectious diseases. An adequate level of CoQ-10 in the body is essential to proper muscle functioning and several studies have indeed shown that supplementation with 100-150 mg/day of CoQ-10 markedly improves the condition of people suffering from muscular dystrophy.

Many overweight people have very low levels of CoQ-10 and supplementation may enable them to lose weight due to the effect of CoQ-10 in speeding up the metabolism of fats.  

CoQ-10 has been used with success in combatting periodontal diseases, especially gingivitis (gum disease). Tissue affected by gingivitis is deficient in CoQ-10 and experiments have shown that supplementation with as little as 50 mg/day can decrease inflammation and improve healing.

The body can synthesize Coenzyme Q-10 and it is also found in several dietary sources, notably organ meats. The level of CoQ-10 in human organs peaks around the age of 20 years and then declines fairly rapidly. The decrease in CoQ-10 concentration in the heart is particularly significant with a 77-year-old person having 57 per cent less CoQ-10 in the heart muscle than a 20-year-old. Some experts involved in CoQ-10 research believe that many people, especially older people and people engaging in vigorous exercise may be deficient in CoQ-10 and may benefit from supplementation. The recommended daily dosage for health maintenance is 30 to 100mg. Considerably higher amounts are required in the treatment of the various diseases for which supplementation has been found beneficial. These amounts will vary with the seriousness of the condition. Periods of three to six months at theraputic levels are not uncommon. CoQ-10 should be taken with a meal containing some fat or even better, in combination with Flas Seed Oil, raw organic Chia Seeds (highest in omegq 3 efa's) or Essential balance oil which enhances its absorption quite substantially. CoQ-10 is readily absorbed by the body and no toxic effects have been reported for daily dosages as high as 300 mg.

REFERENCES

The Miracle Nutrient, Co-Enzyme Q-10 by Emile G. Bliznakov, M.D.