CoQ10

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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondria - the energy producing unit of the cells of our body. CoQ10 is involved in the manufacture of ATP, the energy currency of all body processes. A good analogy would be a spark plug in a car engine. Just as the car cannot function without that initial spark, the human body cannot function without CoQ10.

Q What are CoQ10s principal uses?
A CoQ10 supplementation is used primarily in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery bypass surgery, and angina. It is also used for diabetes, periodontal disease, immune deficiency, cancer, as a weight loss aid, muscular dystrophy, and as a performance enhancing agent for athletes.

Since the response of CoQ10 can take time, a noticeable improvement might not occur until eight or more weeks after therapy is begun.

Q How does it improve heart function?
A It works by improving energy production in the heart muscle and by acting as an antioxidant. The use of Coq10 in cardiovascular disease has been clearly documented in animal studies and human trials. CoQ10 deficiency is common in patients with heart disease. Biopsy results from heart tissue in patients with various cardiovascular diseases showed a CoQ10 deficiency in 50 to 75% of cases. Correction a CoQ10 deficiency can produce dramatic results in virtually all types of heart disease.

Q Can CoQ10 lower blood pressure?
A Yes. CoQ10 deficiency has been shown to be present in 39% of patients with high blood pressure. This finding alone suggests a need for CoQ10 supplementation. However, CoQ10 appears to provide benefits beyond the correction of a deficiency. In several studies, CoQ10 has actually been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure is usually not seen until after 4-12 weeks of therapy. Typical reductions in body systolic and diastolic blood pressure with CoQ10 therapy in patients with high blood pressure are in the 10% range.

Q How does it help periodontal disease?
A Periodontal disease (gum disease) affects 60% of young adults and 90% of individuals over age 65. Healing and repair of periodontal tissue requires efficient energy production, a metabolic function dependent on an adequate supply of CoQ10.
CoQ10 deficiency has been reported in gingival tissue of patients with periodontal disease. The frequency of CoQ10 deficiency in several studies ranged from 60 to 96%. The beneficial effect of CoQ10 in periodontal disease may be the result of an improvement in the energy dependent processes of healing and tissue repair.

Q Can CoQ10 boost the immune system?
A Tissues and cells involved with immune function are highly energy dependent and therefore require an adequate supply of CoQ10 for optimal function.

Several Studies have documented an immune enhancing effect of CoQ10. Use of CoQ10 supplementation in cancer is based upon its immune enhancing and antioxidant effects. Also, CoQ10 should definitely be used by cancer patients taking any chemotherapy drug that is associated with heart toxicity (e.g. adriamycin, athralines, etc.).

Q Since CoQ10 is needed for the burning of fat, can it promote weight loss?
A Yes. Because CoQ10 is an essential cofactor for energy production, it is possible that coQ10 deficiency is a contributing cause of some cases of obesity. Serum coenzyme Q10 levels were found to be low in 52% of the obese subjects tested. When the subjects with low CoQ10 levels were given 100 mg/day of CoQ10, their mean weight loss (after 8-9 weeks) was 13.5kg, compared with 5.8kg in those subjects with initially normal levels of CoQ10, who were also given 100 mg/day of CoQ10. This study suggests that about 50% of obese individuals may be deficient of CoQ10, and that treatment with this coenzyme may accelerate weight loss resulting from a low calorie diet.

Q How much CoQ10 should I take?
A The usual dosage of CoQ10 is 50 to 150 mg/day. Although most studies used a dosage of 100mg per day, larger doses (up to 300mg/day) may b3e needed in cases of severe heart disease. Perhaps a more accurate dosage recommendations based upon the person's weight. Some of the studies used a dosage of 2mg of CoQ10 for each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight.

Q What is the best form or CoQ10?
A Coenzyme Q10 is available primarily in tablets or capsules. The best preparations are softgel capsules. Two further enhance absorption, CoQ10 should be taken with food, in particular taking it with flaxseed oil or some other oil will enhance absorption.

Q Is CoQ10 safe?
A Coenzyme Q10 is very safe and there have been no serious adverse effects ever reported even with long term use. Because safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been proven, CoQ10 should not be used during these times unless the benefit (as determined by a physician) outweighs the risks.

Q Does CoQ10 interact with any nutrients or drugs?
A There are no known adverse interactions between CoQ10 and any drug or nutrient. However, many drugs adversely affect CoQ10 levels. And CoQ10 is able to mitigate the side effects of these drugs.

In addition to adriamycin, CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to counteract some of the adverse effects of certain cholesterol lowering beta blocker, and psychotropic drugs.

The drugs Iovastatin (Mevacor), pravastin (Pravachol), and simvastatine (Zocor) are used to lower blood cholesterol. They work by inhibiting the enzyme (HMG CoA reductase) that is required in the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver. Unfortunately, these drugs also block the manufacture of other substances necessary for body functions including CoQ10.

Supplementing CoQ10 (100mg per day) prevents the depletion of CoQ10 in body tissues while on these drugs.

Article by Michael T. Murray, N. D.
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