Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone, CO Q10)

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is found in the mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 is essential to energy production in every cell, which allows the cells to live longer. It is classified as an antioxidant, although it has been suggested that it should be classified as a fat-soluble vitamin.

An increasing body of research is demonstrating that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can be beneficial in the treatment of a number of health problems, particularly cardiac conditions and diseases. Studies have suggested that supplementation may also be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, immune deficiency, muscular dystrophy, and periodontal disease.

At the beginning of 1990, some fifty studies around the world attested to CoQ10's impact on cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, and hypertension.

When people who needed heart transplants took the nutrient, their conditions improved so remarkably that transplant surgery was no longer necessary.

In addition, three separate studies showed that when 100 mg was given daily to several thousand people suffering from heart failure, more than 75 percent displayed improvements in pulmonary function, edema, and heart palpitations - with no side effects.

Several studies confirm that dosages of 60-100 mg per day will significantly lower blood pressure readings.

Current studies are underway using coenzyme Q10 as a treatment for AIDS.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that actually helps to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, considered to be the most artery-clogging substance of all.

Since diabetics are at an extremely high risk of heart disease, a daily CoQ10 dose of 60 mg can help reduce high blood sugar within six months.

Study's have found that overweight people following a low-calorie diet and supplementing with 100 mg of CoQ10 lost thirty pounds after two months, considerably more than the thirteen pounds that their counterparts (who did not supplement with CoQ10) dropped.

Research has revealed that supplemental coenzyme Q10 has the ability to counter histamine, and therefore is beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disease.

It is used by many health care professionals to treat anomalies of mental function such as those associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

Research in Japan has shown that coenzyme Q10 also protects the stomach lining and duodenum, and may help heal duodenal ulcers.

Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and is best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods, such as fish. Products that include a small amount of vitamin E help to preserve the coenzyme Q10 and increase absorbability.

Deficiency: Deficiency primarily affects the heart and may lead to heart failure. Deficiency can result from impaired coenzyme Q10 synthesis or increased needs from diseases such as angina, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Additionally, coenzyme Q10 levels may decrease as part of the aging process.

Depleting Agents: CoQ10 deteriorates in temperatures above 115F.

Sources: Mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain the largest amounts of coenzyme Q10. It is also found in beef, peanuts, and spinach.

Precautions: Always look for pure and reliable sources of coenzyme Q10. Supplements should be stored in a dark, cool environment.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration: General supplementation dose is 25 mg bid.
Experimental doses:

• 100 mg/day in patients with congestive cardiomyopathy
• 60 mg/day for four to eight weeks to enhance athletic performance
• 120 mg/day for 28 days in patients with acute myocardial infarction
• 400 mg per day for potential prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and possibly other forms of cancer

INTERACTIONS

Warfarin
Case reports have suggested that CoQ10 decreases the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. CoQ10 may increase the hepatic metabolism of warfarin and thereby reduce its anticoagulant effect.