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Touted as a wonder supplement, coenzyme Q10 is said to enhance
stamina, help weight loss, combat cancer and AIDS, and even
stave off aging. Although these claims may be extravagant,
this nutrient does show promise for heart disease, weak gums,
and other ailments.
What it is
Coenzyme Q10, a natural substance produced by the body, belongs
to a family of compounds called quinones. When it was first
isolated in 1957, scientists called it ubiquinone, because
it is ubiquitous in nature. In fact, coenzyme Q10 is found
in all living creatures and is also concentrated in many foods,
including nuts and oils. In the past decade, coenzyme Q10
has become one of the most popular dietary supplements around
the world. Proponents of the nutrient use it to maintain general
good health, as well as to treat heart disease and a number
of other serious conditions. Some clinicians believe it is
so important for normal body functioning that it should be
dubbed “vitamin Q.’
What Does It Do
The primary function of coenzyme Q10 is as a catalyst for
metabolism, the complex chain of chemical reactions during
which food is broken down into packets of energy that the
body can use. Acting in conjunction with enzymes (hence the
name ‘coenzyme), the compound speeds up the vital metabolic
process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest
food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform countless
other bodily functions. Because of the nutrient’s essential
role in energy production, it’s not surprising that
it is found in every cell in the body. It is especially abundant
in the energy-intensive cells of the heart, helping this organ
beat more than 100,000 times each day. In addition, coenzyme
Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, helping
to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals.
Common Uses
• Improves the heart and circulation in those with congestive
heart failure, a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), high
blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, chest pain (angina),
or Raynaud’s disease.
• Treats gum disease and maintains healthy gums and
teeth.
• Protects the nerves and may help slow Alzheimer’s
or Parkinson’s disease.
• May help prevent cancer and heart disease, and play
a role in slowing down age-related degenerative changes.
• May improve the course of AIDS or cancer
Prevention
Coenzyme Q10 may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks,
and other diseases linked to free-radical damage. It’s
also used as a general energy enhancer and anti-aging supplement.
Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and with
certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation
beginning about age 40.
Major Benefits
Coenzyme Q10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy
for heart disease, especially congestive heart failure or
a weakened heart. In some studies, patients with a poorly
functioning heart have been found to improve greatly after
adding the supplement to their conventional drugs and therapies.
Other studies have shown that people with cardiovascular disease
have low levels of this substance in their heart. Further
research suggests that coenzyme Q10 may help protect against
blood clots, lower high blood pressure, diminish irregular
heartbeats, treat mitral valve prolapse, lessen symptoms of
Raynauds disease (poor circulation in the extremities), and
relieve chest pains (angina). If you have heart disease, talk
with your doctor about taking this supplement. And remember;
Coenzyme Q10 is intended as a complement to and not as a replacement
for conventional medical treatments. Do not take this nutrient
in place of heart drugs or other prescribed medications.
Additional Benefits
A few small studies suggest that coenzyme Q10 may prolong
survival in those with breast or prostate cancer, though results
remain inconclusive. It also appears to aid healing and reduce
pain and bleeding in those with gum disease, and speed recovery
following oral surgery. The supplement shows some promise
against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and
fibromyalgia, and it may improve stamina in those with AIDS.
Certain practitioners believe the nutrient helps stabilize
blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. There are many
other claims made for the supplement; that it slows aging,
aids weight loss, enhances athletic performance, combats chronic
fatigue syndrome, relieves multiple allergies, and boosts
immunity. But more research is needed to determine the effectiveness
of coenzyme Q10 for these and other conditions.
How To Take It
Dosage: The general dosage is 50 mg twice a day.
Higher dosages of 100 mg twice a day may be useful for heart
or circulatory disorders, or for Alzheimer’s disease
and other specific complaints.
Guidelines For Use: Take a supplement morning
and evening, and ideally with food to enhance absorption.
Coenzyme Q10 should be continued long term; it may require
eight weeks or longer to notice results.
Possible Side Effects
Most research suggests that the supplement is harmless, even
in large doses. In rare cases, it may cause upset stomach,
diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite. But it appears to be
very safe overall. Because coenzyme Q10 has not been extensively
studied, however, check with your doctor before using it,
especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Shopping Hints
• Although coenzyme Q10 is widespread in nature, it
is not cheap to buy. A typical daily dose of 100 mg can cost
about $40 a month. Shop around a bit or try a mail-order vitamin
supplier to get the lowest price.
• Look for capsules or tablets that contain coenzyme
Q10 in an oil base (soybean or another oil). Because it is
a fat-soluble compound, this nutrient is best absorbed when
taken with food.
Latest Findings
In a major study in Italy of more than 2,500 patients with
congestive heart failure, 80% showed improvement when a daily
dose of 100 mg of coenzyme Q10 was added to their other treatment.
They had better color, less ankle swelling (edema) and shortness
of breath, and they began to sleep better after taking the
supplement for 90 days.
Caution!
Pregnant or nursing women should be especially vigilant about
checking with their doctor before using coenzyme Q10; the
nutrient has not been well studied in this group.
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