CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

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CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

 

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also

called " ubiquinone " . It is an essential component of cells and is

utilized by the mitochondria in the normal process of energy

production. It helps convert food into energy at a cellular level.

Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E,

helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free

radicals. CoQ10 is one in a series of ubiquinones, naturally

occurring compounds produced in nearly every cell of the body, and

was discovered as recently as 1957.

 

The primary function of CoQ10 is as a catalyst for metabolism. Acting

in conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital

metabolic process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest

food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform other bodily

functions. It is especially abundant in the energy-intensive cells of

the heart, helping this organ beat more than 100,000 times each day.

[38,40].

 

CoQ10 may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks, and other

diseases linked to free-radical damage. It's also used as a general

energy enhancer and anti-aging supplement. Because levels of the

compound diminish with age (and with certain diseases), some doctors

recommend daily supplementation beginning about age 40. CoQ10 has

generated much excitement as a possible therapy for heart disease,

especially congestive heart failure or a weakened heart. [39].

 

In some studies, patients with a poorly functioning heart have been

found to improve greatly after adding the supplement to their

conventional drugs and therapies. [35, 36] Other studies have shown

that people with cardiovascular disease have low levels of this

substance in their heart. [38,39,40].

 

Further research suggest that CoQ10 may protect against blood clots,

lower high blood pressure, diminish irregular heartbeats, treat

mitral valve prolapse, lessen symptoms of Raynaud's disease and

relieve chest pains (angina). [40, 41, 42]

 

CoQ10 also appears to aid healing and reduce pain and bleeding in

those with gum disease, and speed recovery following oral surgery.

[43] CoQ10 shows some promise against Parkinson's [44] and

Alzheimer's Diseases [45] and fibromyalgia. [46].

 

For daily supplementation, the dosage range is from 30 - 100 mg, with

the most common dosage at 30 mg. It takes up to eight weeks to see

results with CoQ10.

 

INTERACTIONS:Certain medications may have beneficial or harmful

interactions with coenzyme Q10:

 

• Atorvastatin (Depletion or interference)

• Doxorubicin (Side effect reduction/prevention)

• Fluvastatin (Depletion or interference)

• Gemfibrozil (Depletion or interference *)

• Lovastatin (Depletion or interference)

• Perphenazine (Side effect reduction/prevention *)

• Pravastatin (Depletion or interference)

• Propranolol (Depletion or interference *)

• Simvastatin (Depletion or interference)

•Thioridazine (Side effect reduction/prevention)

• Timolol (Side effect reduction/prevention)

• Tricyclic Antidepressants (Depletion or interference *)

• Warfarin (Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability)

 

The use of Warfarin and coenzyme Q-10 together increases your risk of

excessive bleeding. Coenzyme Q-10 may reduce the effectiveness of

some chemotherapy. Some drugs, such as those used to lower

cholesterol (lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin), blood sugar

(glyburide, tolazamide) and blood pressure (beta blockers such as

Inderal, Lopressor), can alter coenzyme Q-10's effectiveness. Also,

people with diabetes should be aware that coenzyme Q-10 may decrease

their need for insulin.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

 

 

References:

 

38. Tran MT, Mitchell TM, Kennedy DT, Giles JT. Role of coenzyme Q10

in chronic heart failure, angina, and hypertension. Pharmacotherapy

2001 Jul;21(7):797-806

 

39. Singh RB, Niaz MA Genetic variation and nutrition in relation to

coronary artery disease. J Assoc Physicians India 1999 Dec;47

(12):1185-90

 

40. Langsjoen H, Langsjoen P, Langsjoen P, Willis R, Folkers K.

Usefulness of coenzyme Q10 in clinical cardiology: a long-term study.

Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 Suppl:s165-75

 

41. Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen PH, Folkers K. Isolated diastolic

dysfunction of the myocardium and its response to CoQ10 treatment.

Clin Investig 1993;71(8 Suppl):S140-4

 

42. Overvad K, Diamant B, Holm L, Holmer G, Mortensen SA, Stender S.

Coenzyme Q10 in health and disease.Eur J Clin Nutr 1999 Oct;53

(10):764-70

 

43. Beck J, et al: Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. J

Periodontal 67 (suppl): 1123-1137,1996.

 

44. Shults CW, Oakes D, Kieburtz K, Beal MF, Haas R, Plumb S, Juncos

JL, Nutt J, Shoulson I, Carter J, Kompoliti K, Perlmutter JS, Reich

S, Stern M, Watts RL, Kurlan R, Molho E, Harrison M, Lew M; Parkinson

Study Group. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease:

evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol 2002 Oct;59

(10):1541-50

 

45. Birkmayer, J.G.D., Coenzyme Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide –

New Therapeutic Approach for Improving Dementia of the Alzheimer

Type. Ann Clin and Lab Science 26(1):1-9, 1996

 

46. White KP, Speechley M, Harth M, Ostbye T. The London fibromyalgia

epidemiology study: the prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in

London, Ontario. J Rheumatol, 1999;26:1570-1576.