Co-Enzyme Q10: The energy spark plug!
3 August 2011
Co-Enzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance that exists in cells within special structures called mitochondria (the energy generators of the cells). It is essential for the health of all the tissues and organs of the body as it helps release energy from food. It also plays an enormous role in controlling cell metabolism.
The heart contains the highest concentrations of Co-Enzyme Q10 and is highly reliant upon it. Although our bodies can make Co-Enzyme Q-10, as we age, so our ability to produce the substance declines and so its presence in the diet then becomes an increasingly important source.
Food sources
Foods highest in Co-Enzyme Q-10 include beef, spinach, sardines, tuna and peanuts.
The possible benefits of Co-Enzyme Q-10
Energy: Co-Enzyme Q-10 is essential for the production of energy in the body.
Cardiovascular disease: It is known as the heart-health supplement because in studies published in the American Journal of Cardiology it has shown to be effective in the treatment of congestive heart failure. A 75 percent reduction in the body’s Co-Enzyme Q-10 level leads to the heart ceasing to function properly. If you have heart problems you should only take this supplement on the advice of your doctor. Do not take this nutrient in place of heart drugs or other prescribed medications
Blood pressure: It complements the action of blood pressure reducing drugs. Again, it would be advisable if taking blood pressure drugs to discuss taking Co-Enzyme Q-10 with your Doctor.
Gum disease: Gum disease has been the bane of the baby boomers and researchers at Osaka University in Japan, who gave patients with gum disease 60 mg a day of Co-Enzyme Q-10, found a marked improvement in 8 weeks. It has been shown to restore gum health; by preventing the progress of gum diseases such as Pyorrhoea and gingivitis, and increasing the rate of gum healing. Research has shown that diseased gums tend to have lower levels of Co-Enzyme Q-10 than healthy gums. If you have gum problems see your dentist but ask about Co-Enzyme Q-10.
Weight loss: Research has shown that some overweight people have low Co-Enzyme Q-10 levels.
Tissue hypoxia: A condition leading to ailments such as stomachs ulcers. Co-Enzyme Q-10 has been shown to be effective against this condition.
Aging and the immune system: Studies with mice increased their life span by 50 percent with Co-Enzyme Q-10 supplementation, and extended their youthfulness and ability to ward off infection.
Energy booster: Co-Enzyme Q-10 has been shown to stimulate energy production in people feeling tired or run down.
Research
There has been extensive research conducted into the effects of Co-Enzyme Q-10 since the early 1960s, and particularly in Japan from the mid-seventies. It was recognized early on as an important supplement, but it could not be produced economically until the late 1970s. Today, 10 percent of the Japanese population take this supplement.
Therapeutic uses
Supplementation is often recommended to people who are obese, lacking in energy or on cholesterol-lowering medication. Research has shown that these people all have lower than normal levels of Co-Enzyme Q-10 in their tissue cells.
Normal dosage
It is important to have a good level of this nutrient is present in our diets. Levels of the compound are usually high in the body until the age of 40, so this is really something that the over 40s could consider taking. The general dosage is 50mg taken with food twice per day morning and evening. Any higher dosage should be discussed with your doctor. It is generally quite expensive so you would need to shop around and discuss with your doctor whether you really need to take it. The benefits of taking Co-Enzyme Q-10 are seen after about eight weeks, Co-Enzyme Q-10 is available in most pharmacies.
Precautions: Not to be taken by pregnant women or while breastfeeding.
