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.