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Ever present
Ubiquitous? Omnipresent? Many of us have never heard of coenzyme-Q10, a substance essential for life. Commonly known as co-Q10 or ubiquinone, this antioxidant stimulates our cells to produce the fuel that gives us energy and keeps our bodies running smoothly.
Found throughout the body, co-Q10 is so important to our functioning that it stands to reason that low levels might be unhealthy.
Our natural levels of co-Q10 decrease as we get older, so we might require supplementation as we age. Evidence exists that co-Q10 may be beneficial in heart disease, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. Many believe co-Q10 could also be useful in treating cancer, chronic fatigue, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and gum disease. Proponents believe it may enhance the immune system.
Quick Facts About Coenzyme-Q10
- Co-Q10 is concentrated in the organs that need lots of energy, like the heart, liver, and the immune system.
- Most of the research on co-Q10 involves its effect on the heart.
- Generally, no side effects occur when taking co-Q10 supplements in normal doses. High doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
- Co-Q10 is most abundant in foods such as beef hearts, chicken hearts, sardines, spinach, and peanuts.
- Co-Q10 could be useful in promoting weight loss because it's indirectly responsible for burning calories that normally would convert to fat. More studies are needed to understand just how this works.
- There is no RDA for coenzyme-Q10.
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What Works Best -- and Worst -- with Co-Q10
- If you have a history of heart disease, only take co-Q10 supplements with permission from your physician.
- Do not take supplements if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Product Forms Available
- Co-Q10 is generally available in 10-, 30-, 50-, and 100-milligram capsules. It also comes in tablets.
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Coenzyme-Q10 is found in every cell of your body. It belongs to a group of fat-soluble benzoquinones. Molecularly, co-Q10 is 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methylbenzoquinone, with a 10-unit monounsaturated trans-isoprenoid side chain.
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Coenzyme-Q10 is an important substance that aids in the conversion of food into energy at the cellular level of our bodies. Because of co-Q10's ability to help oxygenate and protect cells, it may helpful prevent or treat heart diseases.
Coenzyme-Q10 may benefit cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and congestive heart failure. It appears to lower blood pressure, hinder the formation of atherosclerotic plaque (plaque in your arteries), and improve the overall strength of your heart. If you have a family history of heart problems, you may find coenzyme-Q10 beneficial. This supplement may reduce your risks of cardiovascular disease and strokes.
You can find coenzyme-Q10 in every cell of your body. Because this compound is ubiquitous in your body, it appears to enhance your overall health. Advocates claim that this supplement can improve your immune system. It may even increase the performance of your muscles and aerobic capacity, thus enhancing your physical performance. It may help prevent chronic fatigue.
It has been claimed that coenzyme-Q10 may also help treat or prevent periodontal disease (gum disease), cancer, diabetes, and muscular dystrophy. However, more research needs to be done before anyone can take these claims seriously.
Researchers have found that the level of coenzyme-Q10 in our bodies decreases as we get older. Therefore, they conclude that it may be useful to supplement with co-Q10 as we age.
Common Uses
Coenzyme-Q10 may be helpful in treating:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue or other immune illnesses
- Muscular dystrophy
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Remember that no health claims for coenzyme Q-10 have been evaluated by the FDA.
Storage
You should store all coenzyme-Q10 supplements in a cool, dry area. Keep them away from light, and do not let them freeze.
Dosage and Administration
You may find coenzyme-Q10 in the forms of capsules and tablets. A typical dosage is 15 to 30 milligrams per day, or as directed by the manufacturer.
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Pregnant and Nursing Women
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take coenzyme-Q10 supplements because their safety has not been yet established. Your physician can best decide if the benefits outweigh the risks for you.
Conditions
If you have heart disease, talk to your doctor before taking coenzyme-Q10 supplements.
Side Effects
Coenzyme-Q10 appears to be relatively safe. Most people should not experience any side effects. However, there have been rare reports of side effects that consist of stomach discomfort, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea. Should you experience these side effects, stop taking the supplements and contact your doctor.
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Sources & Further Reading
Books
1. Balch, James, F., P.A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
2. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. New York, New York: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1997.
3. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
4. Lieberman, Shari, N. Bruning. The Real Vitamin & Mineral Book. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
1. Beal, MF; Matthews, RT. "Coenzyme Q10 in the central nervous system and its potential usefulness in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases." Mol Aspects Med. 18 Suppl:S169-79. 1997.
2. "Coenzyme Q10." Altern Med Rev. 3(1):58-61. Feb, 1998.
3. Crane, FL; Navas, P. "The diversity of coenzyme Q function." Mol Aspects Med. 18 Suppl:S1-6. 1997.
3. Koroshetz, WJ; Jenkins, BG; Rosen, BR; Beal, MF. "Energy metabolism defects in Huntington's disease and effects of coenzyme Q10." Ann Neurol. 41(2):160-5. Feb, 1997.
4. Lockwood, K; Moesgaard, S; Yamamoto, T; Folkers, K. "Progress on therapy of breast cancer with vitamin Q10 and the regression of metastases." Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 212(1):172-7. Jul 6, 1995.
5. Matthews, RT; Yang, L; Browne, S; Baik, M; Beal, MF. "Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 95(15):8892-7. Jul 21, 1998.
6. Ren, S; Lien, EJ. "Natural products and their derivatives as cancer chemopreventive agents." Prog Drug Res. 48:147-71. 1997.
7. Sinatra, ST. "Coenzyme Q10: a vital therapeutic nutrient for the heart with special application in congestive heart failure."
Conn Med. 61(11):707-11. Nov, 1997.
8. Taggart, DP; Jenkins, M; Hooper, J; Hadjinikolas, L; Kemp, M; Hue, D; Bennett, G. "Effects of short-term supplementation with coenzyme Q10 on myocardial protection during cardiac operations." Ann Thorac Surg. 61(3):829-33. Mar, 1996.
9. Thomas, SR; Neu"zil, J; Stocker, R. "Cosupplementation with coenzyme Q prevents the prooxidant effect of alpha-tocopherol and increases the resistance of LDL to transition metal-dependent oxidation initiation." Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 16(5):687-96. May, 1996.
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