Coenzyme Q10
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is an essential antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals. As a coenzyme, this nutrient aids metabolic reactions, such as the complex process of transforming food into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the energy on which the body runs.
There is no US Dietary reference intake, because the body can synthesize Coenzyme Q10; however, deficiency clearly occurs, and can be seen in heart failure, cardiomyopathies, gingivitis, hypertension, Muscular Dystrophy, AIDS, and kidney problems. Low levels also appear more common in older patients.
Coenzyme Q10 is useful in treating:
Congestive Heart Failure: People with CHF are deficient in CoQ10. In several studies, when people with CHF were given CoQ 10 supplements at a dose of 2mg per kg of bodyweight, there was an improvement in symptoms and a decrease in hospitalizations.
Cardiomyopathy: This condition is a weakening of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure (CHF). Several studies have shown improvement in symptoms in people who took CoQ10 supplements.
Angina: Patients taking 150 mg per day of coenzyme Q10 report a greater ability to exercise without problems. Other studies have confirmed these findings.
Alzheimer's Disease: Because coenzyme Q10's has an impact upon the function of mitochondria, one group of researchers has given coenzyme Q10 (along with iron and vitamin B6) to several patients with Alzheimer's disease and reported that the progression of the disease appeared to have been prevented for one and one-half to two years.
Hypertension: Coenzyme Q10 appears to affect blood pressure by reducing resistance to blood flow. Several studies have reported that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Immune System Function: CoQ10 has a modulating effect on the immune system, and large doses have shown evidence of protection against a recurrence of breast cancer in high risk individuals.
Recommended dosage for Coenzyme Q10:
Usual recommendations are 30 mg to 90 mg per day, in divided doses, taken with meals. More can be used for specific conditions, and doses of up to 400 mg per day are in the literature without significant side effects. For treatment of CHF, 2 mg per kilogram of bodyweight is the dosage associated with benefit. The oil-based, solubilized form (such as Q-sol) has been shown to have the greatest absorption.
Important Coenzyme Q10 Note:
- People with diabetes need to monitor blood sugar carefully, as glucose levels may go down with CoQ10 therapy.
- People taking "statins" (cholesterol lowering drugs) and beta-blockers may be CoQ10 deficient, and should supplement.
- People taking warfarin should have their protimes monitored carefully.
- CoQ10 should not be stopped suddenly, as worsening symptoms of heart failure may occur.
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