Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) exists naturally in mitochondria,the source of energy in cells,and carries electrons involved in energy metabolism. It is also an antioxidant, meaning it counteracts the negative effects of oxygen and free radicals in tissue.
Following is from the Spring 2007 issue of HealthSmart Today Magazine
Authored by: Michael Castleman...San Francisco-Based health writer
Scroll down to "Statins effects on CoQ-10"
Coenzyme Q-10 or simply CoQ-10 is a catalyst for certain chemical reactions in the body,especially in the heart...where it boosts energy production and the hearts pumping efficiency.
It's also an anti-oxidant, which helps protect the heart from the cell damage that causes heart disease.
Both domestic and international studies show that CoQ-10 strengthens the heart. In the U.S., University of Connecticut researchers found that it strengthens hearts suffering from heart failure
Indian researchers report that it reduces the risk of heart attacks, and Russian researchers have found that CoQ-10 antioxidant effects help protect the heart from cell damage.
Given before heart surgery CoQ-10 may also improve heart function afterward Dr. Lieberman recommends (50) fifty to (300) three hundred mg.a day.
Clinical Applications
As one of its antioxidant functions, CoQ-10 inhibits oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is believed to playa role in the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). CoQ-10 also helps reduce high blood pressure and increase mental clarity, and there is some evidence that it improves the symptoms and complications of diabetes.
The Following... relative to Coenzyme CoQ-10... has been copied from "Ask the Pharmacist" section of the Winter issue of HealthSmart Today.
Canadian Pharmacist Fred Wassef answers a question about Coenzyme CoQ-10...Note his emphatic recommendation about CoQ-10 as a supplement at end of article.
Also known as Coenzyme Q-10 or ubiquinone, CoQ-10...Coenzyme Q-10 or CoQ-10 is a fat soluble vitamin that is produced by the body. The use of CoQ-10 as a supplement has been investigated for nearly fifty (50) years, and the research suggests we need far more than what our bodies can produce because of our modern lifestyles, diet and environment.
CoQ-10 is essential in the production of energy from carbohydrates and fats we eat. It is especially needed by high energy dependent cells - such as heart, brain, muscles, liver and kidneys to function properly. There is significant evidence showing that CoQ-10 supplementation has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
CoQ-IO has shown an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the oxidation of bad LDL-cholesterol and preventing damage to the blood vessels. CoQ-10 also has been shown to help improve the contractile function of the heart and proven useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, angina, arrhythmias and hypertension.
In terms of supplementation, I would put CoQ-10 at the top of list.
Farid Wassef is co-author of Breaking The Age Barrier (Strategies for Optimal Health, Energy, and Longevity), Penguin 2003. He can be reached at prescription4nutrition.com...where he responds to questions.
Heart Health Recent studies have shown CoQ10 reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
In one study, patients who had recently suffered heart attacks were divided into two groups. One group was treated with 120 mg per day of CoQ10; the control group was given vitamin B. After one year, nonfatal heart attacks and cardiac deaths were significantly lower in the group taking CoQ10 compared to the control group.
Blood Presure Control A recent placebo controlled study looked at CoQ10's ability to lower blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure in the participants receiving CoQ10 was reduced significantly. suggesting CoQ I0 may be a treatment option for people with
high blood pressure.
Other studies however, indicate that people with high blood pressure should not rely on CoQ10 as treatment until more clinical trials demonstrate consistent beneficial effects.
Brain Function CoQ10 may help patients with brain disorders. Oxidative stress, deficiency in the mitochondria (the parts of cells responsible for producing energy), and visual problems all features of Parkinson's disease are associated with CoQ10 deficiency.
A study of people with Parkinson's disease found a daily 360-mg dose of CoQ 10 significantly reduced their symptoms. Another study showed CoQ10 slows the loss of dopaminergic neurons, which is a key indicator of Parkinson's disease.
CoQ10 has been shown to slow the functional mental decline seen with Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease both disorders in which mitochondrial function is impaired.
Diabetes Symptoms & Complications
A few studies have shown positive effects of CoQ-10 on symptoms and complications of diabetes.
A recent study shows that CoQ10 may improve blood pressure and long term glycemic control in patients with type-2 diabetes, but the evidence is not overwhelming Some studies say that CoQ-10 is not effective as a treatment for diabetes symptoms; others show effectiveness in treating some, but not all symptoms.
Side Effects & Interactions
A few reports Suggest CoQ-10 decreases the effectiveness of warfarin (a blood
thinner); others counter this claim.
In some cases, doses of Over 200 mg caused diarrhea and/or nausea.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take CoQ10 due to the
lack of long term safety studies.
Side Effects of Statins on CoQ-10... from the Spring 2007 issue of HealthSmart Today Magazine..Authored by: Michael Castleman...San Francisco-Based health writer
Millions of Americans take statin drugs prescribed by their doctors to lower their cholesterol. But Statins have a serious side effect...that, according to the article...few doctors mention.
They (Statins )reduce CoQ-10 levels in the body, n effect that apperas to play a role in muscle weakness ( myopathy). No study to date shows that the CoQ-10 lowering effect of Statins increases risk of heart attack.
However, some researchers suggest that consuming CoQ-10 supplements (*)":
may" counteract the adverse effects.
Highlights and (*) added be page author
Sources & Dosages
CoQ-10 is found primarily in fish and meats, but only in small amounts. It is derived in supplemental form from tobacco leaf extracts, fermented sugar
cane, and beets. Doses range from 5 to 300 mg per day.
Final Thoughts
Studies about the beneficial effects of CoQ10 are ongoing. To date, it has
demonstrated particular usefulness in promoting heart health, managing blood
pressure, and improving symptoms of Parkinson's, (*) Huntington's) and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Highlights and slight modification in sentence structure by page author.
Above article copied from Healthsmart Today Magazine. Published by IMPAK Health...www.impakt.com...
* added by page author
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