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.
Over the last 2 years, the link between weight gain... Read More
Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More
A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science... Read More
Fat Loss Supplement ? what is it?What is a fat... Read More
Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor... Read More
In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture... Read More
There is a secret vitamin in the neighborhood, wandering around... Read More
According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More
If glyconutrients are for real, why aren't they all over... Read More
Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone, but most widely referred... Read More
PART TWOFor those of you that read my previous article... Read More
Nitric Oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body,... Read More
Biological oxidation involves transferring electrons from one oxygen molecule to... Read More
The Greek word "Glyco" means, "Sugar". Most people think of... Read More
Since the 1960???s there have been numerous controlled clinical trials... Read More
When looking for health care supplements Texas residents can enjoy... Read More
Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition... Read More
Both types of unsaturated fatty acids are contained within neuronal... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that comes from a plant... Read More
Most healthy eaters are familiar with the three macronutrients that... Read More
Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More
Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More
Did you know that when you take vitamins and minerals... Read More
You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More
A popular mineral today, coral calcium, is mainly calcium, but... Read More
Hyaluronic acid has received much press lately as a natural... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
Since its discovery in the late 1950???s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)... Read More
L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by... Read More
BCAA stands for branched chain amino acids and is increasingly... Read More
Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the health... Read More
Sports Supplement ? what is it?We are all aware of... Read More
When it comes to personalized weight loss programs and their... Read More
Americans are buzzing about the FDA's recent decision to reverse... Read More
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More
Supplement ? what is it?Supplement is a term that means... Read More
Food is one of our most basic needs. However, in... Read More
Amino acid supplements and amino acid food intake can bring... Read More
In a 2002 study, a group of researchers used oral... Read More
BROCCOLI Good Healthy Food, for Natural Healing, Good Health and... Read More
Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More
In September 2004 Orange County, California published an article "OC... Read More
Your body produces over 20 separate digestive enzymes that are... Read More
Have you ever purchased something thinking you had bought a... Read More
Did you know that when we breath oxygen, it interacts... Read More
Many years ago I became convinced of the need to... Read More
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |