|  | Diet Nutrition | Vitamins

Information on the Coenzyme Q10

CoEnzyme Q10 (or simply CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance that is produced naturally by the human body. It is found in every living cell in the body, and is vital for life. CoQ10 is used by the medical profession in many countries around the world, and in the United States its remarkable value to health and the prevention and treatment of certain diseases is becoming more accepted and studied.

  1. A Cardiovascular Wonder

    • Ten times more CoQ10 is found in the heart than in any other part of the body. Since CoQ10 is involved with the production of energy at the cellular level, and the heart has high energy needs, it's not surprising that the heart contains such high amounts of this substance. Understandably, if the supply of CoQ10 in the heart is insufficient, then cardiovascular problems can occur. Some cardiologists have reported successful results using CoQ10 with their cardio patients who have serious heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, angina and cardiomyopathy.

    Other Uses

    • Much research still needs to be done, but CoQ10 has been used to treat cancer, gum (periodontal) disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), immune deficiencies and male infertility.

    Supplementation

    • Health care professionals who incorporate nutritional therapy into their prescribed treatments may use CoQ10 supplements. Even healthy individuals may benefit from taking a daily supplement because there are many situations where the amount of CoQ10 is not in sufficient levels in our bodies. Some prescription drugs deplete CoQ10 levels, especially cholesterol lowering drugs, which block the body's production of CoQ10. A deficiency in the amino acid tyrasine, along with certain other vitamins and trace minerals, can reduce the body's ability to make CoQ10. Lifestyles, aging and stress may also lower blood levels of CoQ10. And we can't depend on getting enough through our diet because it is not readily found in foods, except for organ meats and seafood.

    How Much To Take

    • Under the guidance of a health care professional, supplementation amounts vary depending on the individual and the illness being treated. However, for the average healthy person, nutritionists suggest 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight as a basic recommendation. Since CoQ10 is fat-soluable, taking it with a fatty food, such as soybean oil, olive oil, or peanut butter, may make it more bioavailable and so more is absorbed. Some supplement manufacturers are combining CoQ10 with essential fatty acids in one supplement to make it more easily absorbed. CoQ10 is not a drug, so it's not regulated as medicines are, only as a dietary supplement. Therefore, when choosing a supplement, select a well-known manufacturer. Products with a USP (United States Pharmacopeia) seal ensures that the contents contain the ingredients in the amounts listed on the label. Always consult with a physician before taking CoQ10 if you are currently taking any prescription medications.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects from taking CoQ10 have been rare, and even when they do occur, they are minor. Side effects that have been reported include diarrhea, nausea, hyper energy, loss of appetite, affected sleep cycles, and allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing).

Vitamins - Related Articles