CoQ10 and You
By
Mark Kerwin
CoQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, is also known as
Ubiquinone because it is found in nearly every cell of the
body. This ubiquitous and naturally occurring molecule is
structurally similar to vitamin K, and is responsible for
converting nutrients into energy at a very basic, fundamental
cellular level (called the Kreb's cycle).
Modern scientists
develop CoQ10 through yeast growing on beets. With antioxidant
levels stronger than vitamin E, CoQ10 also has anti-aging
properties, aids in circulation, increases oxygen in tissues,
and stimulates the immune system. Diabetes, periodontal
disease, and muscular dystrophy are all diseases linked to
CoQ10 deficiencies.
Most studies and clinical tests involving
CoQ10 are done for cardiovascular disease, with 50-70%
of all cardiac patients showing CoQ10 deficiencies. A six-year
study taken at the University of Texas had patients with
congestive heart failure take CoQ10 in addition to regular
therapy, resulting in a 70% survival rate. Those who did
not take the CoQ10 only had a 25% survival rate. Other
areas of research that have successfully proven CoQ10's effectiveness
include treating angina, hyperthyroid heart failure, hypertension
and problems with the heart not pumping correctly.
Another
area of interest for CoQ10 researchers involves this nutrient's
ability to counter histamines, often allowing those with
allergies, asthma, respiratory disease, Alzheimer's disease,
and schizophrenia to experience better health when supplementing
their diet with CoQ10.
Although CoQ10's complete functioning
purpose is not known, it is thought that this coenzyme
plays a significant role in aiding tissues and cells fight
off infection, immune function and preventing and/or reversing
age-related immune system suppression.
While research is
still on going, many studies indicate that CoQ10 plays
a role in carbohydrate metabolism and can reduce the need
for insulin, making this coenzyme beneficial for diabetics.
CoQ10 is oil soluble, so it should be taken with an oily
or fatty food. There are no known side effects to this bright
yellow or dark orange coenzyme, and plant sources include
peanuts and spinach.
In Japan, physicians
prescribe this supplement to 12 million people yearly,
for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, to strengthen
the immune system, to protect the stomach lining, and for
healing ulcers.
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