Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred to as CoQ10) is a substance that can be found in every cell of the body, where it is used to produce the large amounts of energy needed for healthy cell growth, repair after damage, and maintenance.
CoQ10 also functions as a powerful antioxidant, which protects the cells and the entire body from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Not only does it help keep the cells of the body healthy and in good condition, CoQ10 helps to keep the entire body functioning by helping to supply necessary energy to hard working organs. CoQ10 functions as a sort of catalyst, jump starting energy production within cells. The body then uses the generated energy for a host of vital processes, including smooth and striated muscle contraction and digestion.
Scientists have also discovered that CoQ10 is found in especially high concentrations in organs that require a lot of energy, such as the heart. Without CoQ10, energy production and therefore organ function would screech to a halt.
Researchers first discovered and named Coenzyme Q10 in 1957 while they were examining how the cell produces energy. Almost fifty years later, scientists are still finding new and better uses for the important substance, and have begun to discover evidence that treating patients with CoQ10 supplements may actually assist in the prevention and treatment of such devastating illnesses as heart disease and cancer.
CoQ10 can help prevent heart disease by first using its antioxidant power to prevent cholesterol from being attacked by free radicals in the body, freeing up precious reserves of vitamin E for other uses by the body. In this way, the coenzyme has also been found to work in conjunction with vitamin E to prevent the damage to arteries caused by cholesterol that leads to heart disease.
Also, because of its original purpose of generating energy for the heart, some researchers are beginning to believe that CoQ10 can be used as a drug to boost failing organs, especially the heart.
As important as CoQ10 is to the proper function of virtually every part of the body - skin, muscles, organs, etc. - you might be surprised to find out that some of the most popular prescription drugs for the reduction of cholesterol in the body are actually responsible for depleting the body's reserves of CoQ10 on an alarming level.
Statin drugs, such as Lipitor, Zetia and Crestor, widely prescribed to assist patients with high cholesterol bring their levels back to a normal range, have been found in several studies to decrease the level of naturally produced CoQ10 and even deplete the amount held in reserve by the cells in case of emergencies.
Thankfully, a CoQ10 deficiency caused by statin drugs is completely preventable and ultimately reversible by supplementing the patient with CoQ10 from outside sources. Clinical trials have shown that supplementation of CoQ10 also seems to have no adverse impact on the cholesterol lowering or anti-inflammatory properties of the statin drugs.
So, if it is a naturally occurring compound in the body, you may be wondering how a person would go about supplementing it in their system. Aside from taking commercially prepared supplements, CoQ10 is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods that many people enjoy every day, such as beef, peanuts, mackerel and sardines. It is also found in high concentrations in organ meats such as heart, liver, and kidney, but many people prefer to take a pill or gelcap supplement rather than eat these items.
Just like with any other type of medication or supplement, different people respond differently to treatment and supplementation and the body's response to additional CoQ10 in the system can take time. Don't be surprised if you don't see results right away, as it may take more than eight weeks to see some benefit from therapy. Most people take about 150 to 300 mg per day for supplementation of organ function, but only about 10-30 mg per day is required for anti-aging benefits.
Another option is a comprehensive supplement that helps the body naturally produce more CoQ10. This is perhaps the best way to ensure that your body has the CoQ10 it needs to function properly, as many individual Coenzyme Q10 supplements are subpar.
Learn more about the benefits of CoQ10 and other important nutrients and discover how you can improve your health today.
David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and editor of several health sites, including healthy heart guide and healthy heart guide. He also contributes to healthy heart guide, a site dedicated to exercise and physical fitness.
best cleaning company Lincolnshire ..After nearly 4 years of research and development, Flavonoid Sciences... Read More
ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More
Does this describe you: You walk into the living room... Read More
Vitamin B is no small time player in the high... Read More
How can I improve my health and lifestyle beyond diet... Read More
A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More
The real facts about Vitamin C may surprise you. First... Read More
Creatine is an amino acid that is in meat and... Read More
The body is just mind-bogglingly amazing. I mean, when you... Read More
Glyconutrients- the latest development in the health industry. What are... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
I know protein is good for me, but do I... Read More
At some time or another, most people have taken some... Read More
There is no doubt that Omega 3's can not only... Read More
In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture... Read More
Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More
Myocardial infarction is a technical term used to describe an... Read More
There is a secret vitamin in the neighborhood, wandering around... Read More
Vitamins and minerals play a major role in becoming healthy... Read More
Many years ago I became convinced of the need to... Read More
Extensive research studies show that taking vitamin and mineral supplements... Read More
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More
I have frequently heard alcoholics who are in early recovery... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More
Amino acid supplements and amino acid food intake can bring... Read More
Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More
You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More
Ever wondered whether amino acid supplements really work? We reveal... Read More
Recently a television health expert was discussing the topic, "How... Read More
HGH is an exciting new phenomenon, which aspires to help... Read More
The malabsorptive nature of the gastric bypass system prohibits adequate... Read More
A ranch house, a zip lock bag and some ordinary... Read More
Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More
You may feel 30, but your body keeps reminding you... Read More
Iron is a mineral that is essential to the health... Read More
Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein... Read More
Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More
Diet Supplement ? when are they used?Why diet supplement is... Read More
Haven't heard of fucose? Think it's the latest teen dance... Read More
A popular mineral today, coral calcium, is mainly calcium, but... Read More
Americans are buzzing about the FDA's recent decision to reverse... Read More
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is perhaps one of the... Read More
Creatine is an amino acid that is in meat and... Read More
Nitric oxide supplement has many benefits and there are many... Read More
Riboflavin is a common name for vitamin B-2 and was... Read More
There is a generation called the baby boomers that make... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |