What Are the Benefits of CO Enzyme Q10?

Every cell of the body contains co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fat-soluble vitamin that turns food into cellular energy. CoQ10 also acts as an antioxidant. (See Reference 2)

Significance

• CoQ10 is essential to the functioning of all cell types. When CoQ10 levels decline (as is common with age), so too does the conversion of food to energy, which results in energy shortages in the mitochondria of the cells. This may cause symptoms like fatigue, organ system malfunction and increased susceptibility to disease. (See Reference 1)

Supplementation

• A wide variety of health conditions may be improved with diets rich in CoQ10 or by supplementation. Foods naturally rich in CoQ10 include beef, soybeans, organ meats, peanuts, sardines and mackerel. CoQ10 supplements are most commonly found in pill form, often as a gel capsule.

Cancer

• According to the National Cancer Institute, CoQ10 may be useful in treating cancer because it boosts the immune system. (See Reference 3)

High Blood Pressure

• CoQ10 appears to affect blood pressure by reducing resistance to blood flow. Several studies have reported that daily CoQ10 supplementation can reduce high blood pressure. (See Reference 2)

Warning

• CoQ10 might interfere with blood-thinners like coumadin. People who take blood-thinning medication should use CoQ10 only under the guidance of their doctor. (See Reference 1)

  There are few long-range studies of CoQ10. While it is FDA-approved as a dietary supplement, it should by used to treat certain conditions only under a doctor's supervision.