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.
shuttle from Midway Glen Ellyn ..Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use, in very... Read More
Vitamin smoothies are a great way to enjoy a cold... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More
Over the years, amino acid usage has become more and... Read More
For women, calcium is one of the most important nutrients... Read More
Vitamin B1 also called as thiamine is one of the... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
The Challenge of Free Radicals to Your BodyYour body is... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the health... Read More
How many pills do you have to take every morning?... Read More
Every day, it seems like we are living in an... Read More
Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein... Read More
Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More
Finding out a little about amino acid basics enables you... Read More
Three Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, and Sodium and... Read More
OK, first let's get something straight here...If you think that... Read More
While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More
Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More
Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the... Read More
shuttle from O'Hare North Chicago ..For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
Recently a television health expert was discussing the topic, "How... Read More
HGH is produced naturally, in everyone, by the pituitary gland.... Read More
"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be... Read More
Recently the news carried the story that a researcher had... Read More
The Challenge of Free Radicals to Your BodyYour body is... Read More
Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More
Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More
Whey protein concentrate popularity has increased dramatically in recent years... Read More
Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More
Our system uses a free-form gas called Nitric Oxide as... Read More
We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More
Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and... Read More
How Well Does Thyrin-ATC and Other Natural Thyroid Products Work?Hypothyroidism... Read More
Vitamin B1 also called as thiamine is one of the... Read More
Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional sun exposure is necessary... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor... Read More
Proper nutrition is fundamental to optimizing your health. By eating... Read More
Over recent years, mens herbal health care has become big... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
The skeletal muscle component known as creatine is not only... Read More
A lot of people actually pay a good deal of... Read More
This article will reveal one easy change you can make... Read More
A fat burner supplement operates by breaking down body fat... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |