*CoQ10, a fat-soluble, vitamin-like nutrient that is also called “ubiquinone” because it is found in very human cell, boosts energy, is a powerful antioxidant, and can bolster immune health. Growing research indicates that CoQ10 is valuable for fighting fatigue, preventing and managing heart disease and some cancers, and possibly reversing some of the toxic effects of chemotherapy. As a coenzyme, it supports many important biochemical reactions in the body.
“Interest in CoQ10’s therapeutic uses can be traced as far back as 1957, when it was first identified by Frederick Crane, PhD. In the 1960s, Peter D. Mitchell, PhD, discovered that CoQ10 produces energy at the cellular level, work that would eventually earn him a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1978. In the early 1980s, Karl Folkers, PhD, director of the Institute for Biochemical Research at the University of Texas, and Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, FACC, began studying CoQ10. In 1983, seven years before Folkers received the National Medal of Science in recognition of his work, the Life Extension Foundation announced CoQ10’s potential benefits for health disorders ranging from neurological aging to heart disease, and drew attention to numerous clinical studies demonstrating its safety.” (Quote from Christie Yerby, ND)
Decline of Coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 concentrations in the body decrease as we age. This decline in CoQ10 is associated with the aging process and many age-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, cancer, diabetes, fatigue and the reductions in stamina and energy often associated with getting older. Some reports say this decrease in CoQ10 becomes apparent around 40 years of age; however, other reports say that CoQ10 begins to diminish as early as 20 years of age, with a slow but continuous decline thereafter. The result is less cellular energy (ATP production), slower conversion of CoQ10 to the reduced form and, consequently, a reduced protection against oxidative insult.
Energy Production. Energy is generated in the mitochondria, the energy-generating “power plants” contained in each human cell. CoQ10 is an important cofactor, or contributing ingredient, in the production of CoQ10. *“It helps healthy cells produce more ATP [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][adenosine triphosphate], the energy molecule.”ATP is the molecule that serves as the cell’s major energy source and is central to many life-sustaining biological processes. Some health experts believe that diminished ATP levels may lead to the development of chronic illnesses, including cancer, dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). CoQ10 supplementation replenishes diminished levels of this important antioxidant cofactor, fostering a strong protective defense against oxidative stress and age-related diseases.
*Coenzyme Q10 Reduces Physical Fatigue: A new, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicates that coenzyme Q10 may reduce physical fatigue after exercise.
*Cancer & CoQ10. Promising new research suggests that coenzyme Q10 may be an important adjuvant therapy for cancer patients. Scientists have discovered that CoQ10 can program cancer cells to self-destruct before multiplying at their customary, lethal rates. For millions of cancer patients, the implications of this discovery are nothing short of profound.
CoQ10-Depleting Agents: The body’s natural stores of CoQ10 can be depleted in numerous ways, including inadequate biosynthesis due to gene mutation, inhibited production caused by cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, normal aging, strenuous exercise, and cancer.
CoQ10 & Statin Drugs. Note that aches and pain caused by statin drugs are generally related to lack of CoQ10. Studies show that patients treated with statin drugs have lower plasma levels of CoQ10, since these medications block mevalonic acid, which is a precursor of both cholesterol and CoQ10. Supplementation may prevent plasma depletion without affecting the statins’ cholesterol-lowering effects and may prevent the associated aches and pains. “In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, it was reported that there was a decrease of 50-54% of CoQlO levels in the statin treatment groups.” Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Associate Editor, Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association.
Athletes: The increased metabolic rates seen in athletes during strenuous competition or endurance exercise may accelerate the body’s utilization of CoQ10. Unless these increased demands are met through supplementation, the body’s CoQ10 levels may remain in a depleted state.
Doses: If you are older, have a chronic disease such as heart disease, and/or suffer from excessive oxidative stress, and you are looking to maintain optimum health, you may want to start at 200 mg to 300 mg per day. *Studies show that the CoQ10 plasma levels plateau after about two to three weeks at this dose. After that, 100 mg per day may be a good maintenance dose and is adequate for prevention. TREATMENTS requires more.
B Supplementation w/CoQ10. CoQ10 is synthesized in the body from the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, in a multi-step cascade of events that requires several vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12, and folic acid. Vitamin B6 is the first cofactor required for this conversion process, as B6 deficiencies cause dysfunctions in CoQ10 formation.Red meat supplies an abundance of B vitamins, but since meat consumption may be limited in some people for various personal and health reasons, supplementing with a good multi-vitamin and vitamin B complex is important for CoQ10 synthesis in those who choose to avoid eating red meat.
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