| The Popularity
and Benefits of CoQ10
By Mark Kerwin
In the quest for the fountain
of youth, the consumer demands are high for supplements
that help people to look and feel younger. One particular
supplement, CoQ10, has demonstrated anti-aging benefits
along with many other positive properties. So, it is no
surprise that CoQ10 has become so popular.
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).
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- to 70-percent 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
percent survival rate. Those who did not take the CoQ10 only had a 25 percent
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. Other studies indicate
that CoQ10 plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism and can reduce the need
for insulin, making this coenzyme beneficial for diabetics
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.
Although 50 percent of obese people have a CoQ10 deficiency, it is not fully
understood what function CoQ10 plays in weight loss. Of particular interest
to those elders suffering from heart problems, CoQ10 synthesis reduces after
the age of 50, while at the same time being necessary for a healthy heart.
Nutritional deficiencies, genetic defects, and cholesterol lowering drugs and
beta-blockers also interfere with the synthesis of CoQ10.
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. |
