| Introduction: Coenzyme-Q10
is one of the most crucial and important substances within the human body. In fact,
without it, we would not survive! It is like a fuel injector in an engine-it helps push
protons across the inner membranes of the mitochondria, concentrating the protons so that
they can release energy to produce ATP. It also has other roles in the production of ATP,
with its ability to oxidize and reduce.
It's Function:
Coenzyme-Q10 (or CoQ10, as it is commonly called), greatly aids in the production of
ATP, which is the basic energy molecule of the cell. It makes it possible for your body to
do work, such as pumping blood. The heart muscle normally has very high levels of CoQ10,
and when these levels fall by 75%, it will stop pumping. And when CoQ10 levels fall by 25%
within the body, disease normally results. Except for the fact that the body is able to
combine lower forms of CoQ (6,7, and 9), it would officially qualify as a vitamin.
Normally we get enough CoQ10 from a combination of combining lower forms of CoQ and eating
animal protein (which supplies us with preformed CoQ10) to meet our needs.
What It Does:
There is strong evidence that CoQ10 improves heart function. A review of 25 clinical
reports from 110 physicians suggested "significant benefit" in about 70% of
people having congestive heart failure. Hypertension improved, as did
dyspnea, rale, and
edema. These findings were confirmed by EKG, EEG, and other carotid sphygmogram data.
CoQ10 is perhaps most widely known for its role as an antioxidant. It makes a good
partner for vitamin E and beta carotene. Free radicals (oxidants), are known to cause
damage to all tissues in the body-especially to fatty tissues that CoQ10 can easily reach.
CoQ10 is well known among the medical community for promoting healthy gums. In one
study, 18 people with damaged gum tissue received either 50mg a day of CoQ10 or placebo.
ALL 8 people receiving CoQ10 had less swelling, bleeding, redness, pain, loss of teeth and
gingival pocket depth, than the controls taking placebo. In fact, a dental specialist ,
who did not know the nature of the study, commented on the results seen after three weeks
normally would have been seen after 6 months of conventional treatment.
CoQ10 has also been shown to help in patients with high blood pressure.
HOW MUCH IS NECESSARY?:
We don't always consume enough and produce enough CoQ10 to meet our needs, and its
production declines with age. When we are under stress of any kind, and our immune system
has to gear up to meet it, our body requires much more CoQ10, and if that need is not met,
it can result in real consequences in any of dozens of areas of the body. Deficiences of
CoQ10 have been associated with heart failure, out-of-control blood sugar levels and
weight, oxidized cholesterol, hypertension, immune failure, muscle loss, breakdown of gum
tissue, plus other functions.
It is recommended that the average person take approximately 30 to 180mg per day. It
often takes 3 weeks to 3 months for the CoQ10 to support the production of enough
additional enzymes to result in a marked increase in energy levels, so be patient! |