Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or ubiquinone, is a vitamin-like, oil-soluble substance that is found primarily in cells. It occurs naturally in the body and it is found in the highest amounts in the mitochondria, the part of the cell where energy is created. CoQ10 levels are highest in the hardest working tissues of the body, especially in the heart. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and, as such, it protects the cells from the damage caused by the free radicals in the body. Free radicals are produced during the normal process of producing energy, however, as we get older, the body starts producing too many of these free radicals. This can be damaging for people whose bodies are not producing enough CoQ10 and other antioxidants to control these.
As we get older, the amount of CoQ10 that the body produces decreases. Levels of CoQ10 are especially low in people that suffer from heart disease, and low levels of this compound means that the heart does not have the energy that it needs to keep it running normally. Coenzyme Q10 levels drop after the age of 20. And after 80 years old, it can be lower than the levels at birth.
CoQ10 supplements are used extensively in Europe, Russia and Japan. The Japanese people use it to treat heart disease and it is approved in 1974 in Japan for treating congestive heart failure.
This naturally occurring chemical has a low risk of side effects, making one of the safest natural supplement to take for heart and general body health.
CoQ10 has been suggested to treat hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, AIDs, Alzheimer's, Parkison's, asthma, immune deficiencies, infertility, ringing in the ears, delay aging and increase athleticism. It is greatly promising for the treatment of certain diseases, but more research is needed to know definitely whether CoQ10 really works for many of these diseases.
CoQ10 is found in beef muscle and heart, chicken, pork, fish, and eggs. It is also found in smaller amounts in spinach, broccoli, grains, beans, nuts and corn, rapeseed, sesame and soybean oils. Wheat germ and rice bran are also sources. There are also varying forms of supplementation available.
Highest food sources of CoQ10:
Pork heart
Reindeer
Beef heart
Soybean oil
Rapeseed oil
Sardine
Mackerel
Pork
Beef liver
Beef
Sesame oil
Soybeans, roasted and ground
Peanuts, roasted
Cattlefish
Sesame seeds, roasted
Pork liver
Chicken
Many people use coenzyme Q-10 for treating heart and blood vessel conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, and heart problems linked to certain cancerdrugs. It is also used for diabetes, gum disease (both taken by mouth and applied directly to the gums), breast cancer, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, increasing exercise tolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and Lyme disease. Some people think coenzyme Q-10 will treat hair loss related to taking warfarin (Coumadin), a medication used to slow blood clotting.
Some people also think coenzyme Q-10 might help increase energy. This is because coenzyme Q-10 has a role in producing ATP, a molecule in body cells that functions like a rechargeable battery in the transfer of energy. Coenzyme Q-10 been tried for treating inherited or acquired disorders that limit energy production in the cells of the body (mitochondrial disorders), and for improving exercise performance.
Some people have also used coenzyme Q-10 for strengthening the immune systems of people with HIV/AIDS, male infertility, migraineheadache, and counteracting muscle pain sometimes caused by a group of cholesterol-lowering medications called "statins."
Coenzyme Q-10 has even been tried for increasing life span. This idea got started because coenzyme Q-10 levels are highest in the first 20 years of life. By age 80, coenzyme-Q10 levels can be lower than they were at birth. Some people thought that restoring high levels of coenzyme-Q10 late in life might cause people to live longer. The idea works in bacteria, but not in lab rats. More research is needed to see if this works in people.
It's not only time that uses up the body's store of coenzyme Q-10. Smoking does, too.
Coenzyme Q-10 was first identified in 1957. The "Q-10" refers to the chemical make-up of the substance. These days coenzyme Q-10 is used by millions of people in Japan for heart disease, especially congestive heart failure. Coenzyme Q-10 is also used extensively in Europe and Russia. Most of the coenzyme Q-10 used in the US and Canada is supplied by Japanese companies. Coenzyme Q-10 is manufactured by fermenting beets and sugar cane with special strains of yeast.
Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency: CoQ10 supplement is proven to bring the levels back to normal for those people who are deficient. Severe deficiency in CoQ10 may lead to weakness, fatigue and seizures.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) / Heart Failure: Research studies show that CoQ10, when combined with other prescription medications to treat congestive heart failure (CHF), significantly improves the symptoms, reduces edema (swelling), insomnia and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Combining CoQ10 with prescription blood pressure medications brings blood pressure down more than by just taking the prescription drugs alone. On average, taking CoQ10 lowers systolic blood pressure by 11 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 7 mm Hg.
Heart Disease: Extensive studies show that taking CoQ10 supplements provide significant health benefits for the heart and blood vessels, especially for those who have one or more risk factors (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol).
Migraine Headaches: Studies in human subjects suggest that Coenzyme Q10 may reduce the number and severity of migraine headaches in both children and adults. CoQ10 can reduce headaches by up to 30%. You may need to take CoQ10 for up to three months to see a benefit. However, more recent well-designed clinical study showed that using CoQ10 along with conventional therapy show no added benefits.
HIV / AIDS: There is clinical studies to show that taking CoQ10 enhances the immune system in those suffering from HIV / AIDS.
Heart Attack (Myocardial infarction / MI): A study conducted in human subjects showed that taking CoQ10 within three days of a heart attack and continuing for one year reduced the risks of another serious heart event and possible death.
High Cholesterol: One clinical study showed that taking CoQ10 increased the levels of the "good cholesterol" (HDL) but it had no affect on the "bad cholesterol" (LDL). Moreover, another study showed that it improved the blood flow in those suffering from diabetes who are taking a "statin" type cholesterol lowering medication. Note: If you are taking a "statin" prescription medication for lowering high cholesterol (such as Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol or Crestor), they are known to deplete CoQ10. Taking a supplement becomes highly recommended in this situation.
Male Infertility / Fertility Enhancement: There are several studies to show that CoQ10 supplements increase sperm count and motility. It is believed that a higher concentration of CoQ10 in the semen may improve sperm function, leading to increased fertility.
Gum Disease (Gingivitis): There is evidence that people suffering from gum disease have lower blood levels of this essential vitamin-like substance.
Eye Health / Cataract / Macular Degeneration: Some studies show that Q10 supplements protect the eye tissues from oxidative damage that leads to the development of cataracts. Another clinical study showed that it seemed to prevent macular degeneration.
Cancer Treatment: There is one small study clinical study involving 40 cancer patients over a 9 year period. The volunteers took CoQ10 supplements along with other antioxidants (vitamin C, selenium, folic acid and beta-carotene). This resulted in a 40% increased in the median survival rate over the time predicted. Three other small clinical studies show some benefits but a mixture of supplements were used and no control group (taking a placebo or sugar pill) was used so it is not possible to tell exactly how effective the treatment was.
Fibromyalgia: One small study showed that taking CoQ10 with Ginkgo biloba reduced fibromyalgia symptoms in 4 weeks.
Hearing Loss: One three month study involving a total of 60 volunteers showed that adding CoQ10 to conventional therapy resulted in better speech discrimination score (one of the measure of hearing function).
Enhance Athletic Performance: Some studies show that CoQ10 improves exercise performance while others show no benefit at all. Better designed clinical studies will be required to prove if CoQ10 is actually helpful.
Ringing in the Ear (Tinnitus): One study suggests that people suffering from tinnitus who have low CoQ10 levels might benefit from taking this supplement.
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) / Dementia: Animal studies showed that coenzyme Q10 may help to slow down the memory loss in individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Muscular Dystrophy: Some people suffering from muscular dystrophy seem to perform better physically when they are taking CoQ10.
Parkinson's Disease: Taking Co Q10 in the range of 300 to 2,400 mg daily seems to help slow the worsening of the early stages of Parkinson's disease. This promising result needs further research studies for verification.
Antioxidant Benefits: CoQ10 possesses antioxidant properties and it has been suggested for slowing down the aging process and protecting the brain against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Using a cream containing CoQ10 is believed to help prevent skin wrinkles and reverse photo-damage caused by UV ray exposure.
Angina (Chest Pain): Taking CoQ10 may help with reducing chest pain from angina.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Some studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements may help reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Diabetes: Does not affect blood glucose levels--CoQ10 supplement does not seem to change blood sugar levels. However, it may be helpful in reducing the complications of diabetes.
Although studies have shown that side effects of coenzyme Q10 (if they even occur) are not likely to be serious, you should contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop fainting, allergic reactions, or signs of liver damage. These serious side effects may indicate that you should stop taking the supplements. Other, less serious coenzyme Q10 side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
In general, studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 supplements are not likely to cause serious side effects. However, based on reported side effects or theoretical problems that could occur, there are a number of side effects with coenzyme Q10 that you should report to your healthcare provider. These side effects may also indicate that you should stop taking the supplement. These include but are not limited to:
Dizziness or fainting, which could be a sign of low blood pressure
High liver enzymes (early studies suggested that coenzyme Q10 could increase liver enzymes, although later studies have not confirmed this)
Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal side effects with coenzyme Q10, such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Heartburn
Upper chest or throat discomfort.
There is no information available on using CoQ10 during pregnancy or lactation. In theory, there should be limited risk at a dose of 100 mg once daily.
Medications for cancer (Chemotherapy) interacts with COENZYME Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 is an antioxidant. There is some concern that antioxidants might decrease the effectiveness of some medications used for cancers. But it is too soon to know if the interaction occurs.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with COENZYME Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 seems to decrease blood pressure. Taking coenzyme Q-10 along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.
Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.
Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with COENZYME Q-10
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Coenzyme Q-10 might help the blood clot. By helping the blood clot, coenzyme Q-10 might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
BY MOUTH:
For known coenzyme Q-10 deficiency: 150 mg daily.
For mitochondrial disorders (mitochondrial encephalomyopathies): 150-160 mg, or 2 mg/kg/day. In some cases, doses may be gradually increased to 3000 mg per day.
For heart failure in adults: 100 mg per day divided into 2 or 3 doses.
For reducing the risk of future cardiac events in patients with recent myocardial infarction: 120 mg daily in 2 divided doses.
For high blood pressure: 120-200 mg per day divided into 2 doses.
For isolated systolic hypertension: 60 mg twice daily.
For preventing migraine headache: 100 mg three times daily. A dose of 1-3 mg/kg has also been used in pediatric and adolescent patients.
For Parkinson's disease: 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 2400 mg per day in 3-4 divided doses.
For HIV/AIDS: 200 mg per day.
For infertility in men: 200-300 mg per day.
For muscular dystrophy: 100 mg per day.
For pre-eclampsia: 100 mg twice daily starting at week 20 of pregnancy until delivery.
TOPICAL USE:
Creams containing various concentrations of CoQ10 are used to help treat wrinkles and to repair damaged skin due to excessive sun exposure.
The following reviews have been selected:
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30 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars SUPPLEMENT FACTS, April 19, 2011
By
Super Shopper "supershopper" (Portland, OR USA)
CoQ10 supports heart function and energy production in cells according to studies, so I decided to start taking these. Personally, I really don't feel the difference but I guess it's working on a molecular level if the effect is on cell production. All you need to take is one small softgel that is very easy to swallow with no aftertaste.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Effective energy booster, August 5, 2011
By
Jerry R Pressley
I feel more energetic throughout the day since I have been taking this CoQ10. I am 43, and I have read that one's natural supply of CoQ10 begins to decline at age 20. This supplement really seems to be making a difference for me. I notice it most late in the day, when I used to really "run out of gas." I take one every 12 hours, though, because I have read that once a day is not enough to maintain levels in the blood stream.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Glad my doctor recommended this supplement, November 7, 2011
By
William Brunson (Austin, Texas)
After being on a "statin" type medication to lower cholesterol for 90+ days, I mentioned to my doctor that I had felt a bit energyless - in fact, I had felt plain tired and dull-minded. I liked the results I was getting from the statin med (my "bad" cholesterol is now below 100), and wanted to stay on it, but also wanted the lack of energy to go away. He told me that statin medications have a tendency to reduce CoQ10 enzyme in the body, and advised that I pick up a 100mg-daily supplement of this. ... I'm very pleased to report that my energy and focus levels have significantly increased since taking this product - the change has been quite noticeable!
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: blueangel, 45-54 Female, 2/25/2011 11:37:58 PM
Comment:
I take 120mgs once a day, have been taking for about a year, have experienced renewed energy, I can not be without this supplement.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: 45-54 Female, 5/4/2011 3:16:26 PM
Comment:
I always felt so very tired, went to my Doctor, and she recommended I try. what a big difference.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: 45-54 Male, 12/7/2009 8:43:52 AM
Comment:
I used to have bleeding gums when I brushed my teeth or flossed, since taking the coq 10 it has stopped and i noticed that my gums are actually healthier. It has also given me more foucs and energy that I have not found with other coq 10 products.
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An important energy boost, April 16, 2010
By
Keith E. Barber (Albany, NY USA)
I've been using CoQ10 for some time now as an energy booster, as recommended by my acupuncturist (don't dismiss the value of acupuncture until you've tried it.) He explained that the statin prescribed by my physician depletes some naturally occurring enzymes and that was probably the reason for my fatigue. Ran the idea past both my primary physician and cardiologist. Both agreed it was worth trying and should do no harm. There's been a marked improvement in my energy level and stamina since using CoQ10.
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Reason for taking: Hypertension
Reviewer: run8di, 65-74 Female, 6/19/2009 11:09:29 PM
Comment:
I have taken 100 mg of CoQ10 twice a day with meals for over a month. My blood pressure has gone down, I have more energy, no more headaches and I just feel a lot better. I also have hypothyrodism which I've dealt with for years and I'm not sure yet what effect CQ has on that, if any. I think it's great, depending on the Brand you get.
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Reason for taking: Parkinson's disease
Reviewer: good life, 75 or over Male, 9/3/2010 10:19:51 AM
Comment:
Diagnosed with Parkinson's 11 years ago. Started taking Q10, 1200mg. daily. Disease has progressed very slowly. Began Siminet 6 years ago. Still active with only slight tremor. 80 yrs.old; walk 2 miles a day.
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