Can Coenzyme Q-10 Reduce Your Heart Attack Risks?

[Guest guest]

Can Coenzyme Q-10 Reduce Your Heart Attack Risks? JoAnn Guest Jun 09, 2005

12:51 PDT

 

Today's Question

What is Coenzyme Q and why do you take it?

-- Don Woods

 

Today's Answer

www.drweil.com

 

Coenzyme Q, also known as Co-Q-10, is a natural substance found in most

foods, that assists in oxygen utilization and energy production by

cells,

especially heart-muscle cells.

 

Many medical papers demonstrate coenzyme Q's usefulness as a preventive

as well as a treatment.

 

In general, coenzymes work with enzymes to help

them in their various " biochemical " functions.

 

Coenzymes are smaller than proteins, and so can " survive " digestion and

pass into the system.

 

Coenzyme Q was approved in Japan in 1974 to treat congestive heart

failure, and has also been approved in Sweden, Italy, Denmark, and

Canada.

 

I often recommend it to help stabilize blood sugar in people who have

diabetes, and to slow heart disease.

It also maintains the health of gums and other tissues.

 

There is evidence that coenzyme Q can prolong survival in women with

breast cancer, too.

 

Your body makes coenzyme Q, and you take it in when you eat cold-water

fish, organic meat, and oils from non-gmo soybeans and sesame seeds.

 

The supplement form is imported from Japan.

 

I take 100 milligrams once a day with food as a general health-booster.

====================================================================

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) –

www.doctormurray.com

 

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be beneficial for

heart health by protecting LDL cholesterol from " oxidation " and

" re-energizing " the mitochondria in the heart cells, which is where

" energy metabolism " occurs.

 

This nutrient is very important for the heart cells of patients with

heart failure.

 

CoQ10 may also help lower blood pressure.

 

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of the metabolic process involved

in energy (ATP) production.

 

In addition, CoQ10 has been linked to

protection of the brain.

 

Researchers believe it is important for protecting the cells

mitochondria, which may result in helping prevent 'degenerative'

diseases.

 

Unfortunately, the body's production of CoQ10 begins to decline around

age twenty, often leaving people seriously deficient by middle age, when

the body needs to fight off " aging " diseases.

 

The recommendation is usually 30 to 60 mgs a day for healthy people.

 

90 to 120 mgs are suggested for those who want to " prevent " signs of

aging or have high blood pressure problems.

 

(Moderator's Note: I believe these dosages are just the minimal ones.

For maximum benefits you can safely use up to 300 mgs or more on a daily

basis. also sub-lingual (liquid) versions as more effective and provide

more immediate results than tablets or capsules)

 

 

One of the best aspects of CoQ10 appears to be that it has virtually

no side effects.

 

It is one of the safest substances ever tested, even at very high

doses. No significant toxicity in animal or long- term human studies

have ever been recorded.

 

Summary

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondria - the

energy producing unit of the cells of our body. CoQ10 is involved in the

manufacture of ATP, the energy currency of all body processes.

A good analogy for CoQ10's role is similar to the role of a spark plug

in a car engine. Just as the car cannot function without that initial

spark, the human body cannot " function " without CoQ10.

 

Although CoQ10 can be synthesized within the body, there are a number of

circumstances where the body simply does not make sufficient amounts.

 

As the heart is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the

body, a CoQ10 deficiency affects the heart the most and can lead to

serious problems there.

 

Deficiency could be a result of impaired CoQ10 synthesis due to

nutritional deficiencies, a genetic or acquired defect in CoQ10

synthesis, or increased tissue needs.

 

Examples of diseases that require increased tissue levels of CoQ10 are

primarily heart and vascular diseases including high cholesterol levels

and high blood pressure.

 

In addition, people over the age of 50 may have increased CoQ10

" requirements " as CoQ10 levels are known to decline with

advancing age.

 

--

What are the principal uses of CoQ10?

 

CoQ10 supplementation is used primarily in the treatment of

cardiovascular diseases such as elevated cholesterol levels, high blood

pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve

prolapse, coronary artery bypass surgery, and angina.

 

Considerable scientific studies have validated these uses.

 

CoQ10 has also been shown to be helpful in

diabetes;

periodontal disease;

immune deficiency; cancer;

as a weight-loss aid;

and muscular dystrophy.

 

Since the response of CoQ10 can take time, a noticeable improvement

might not occur until 8 or more weeks after therapy is begun.

 

 

How does CoQ10 improve heart function?

 

By improving energy production in the heart muscle and by acting as an

" antioxidant " .

 

The " therapeutic " use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease has been

clearly documented in both animal studies and human trials.

 

CoQ10 deficiency is common in patients with heart disease.

 

Biopsy results from heart tissue in patients with various cardiovascular

diseases showed a CoQ10 " deficiency " in 50-75% of cases.

 

Correction of a CoQ10 deficiency can often produce dramatic " clinical

results " in patients with any kind of heart disease or arrythmias.

 

Can CoQ10 lower blood pressure?

 

Yes. CoQ10 deficiency has been shown to be present in 39% of patients

with high blood pressure. This finding alone suggests a need for CoQ10

supplementation. However, CoQ10 appears to provide benefits beyond

correction of a deficiency. In several studies CoQ10 has actually been

shown to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

 

The effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure is usually not seen until after

4-12 weeks of therapy. Typical reductions in both systolic and diastolic

blood pressure with CoQ10 therapy in patients with high blood pressure

are in the 10% range.

 

How does CoQ10 boost the immune system?

 

Tissues and cells involved with immune function are highly

energy-dependent and therefore require an adequate supply of CoQ10 for

optimal function. Several studies have documented an immune-enhancing

effect of CoQ and a benefit in cancer patients.

 

Also, CoQ10 should definitely be used by cancer patients taking any

chemotherapy drug that is associated with heart toxicity (e.g.,

adriamycin, athralines, etc.).

 

Since CoQ10 is needed for the burning of fat, can it promote weight

loss? Yes.

 

Since CoQ10 is an essential cofactor for energy production, it is

possible that CoQ10 deficiency is a contributing cause of some cases of

obesity. Serum coenzyme Q10 levels were found to be low in 52% of the

obese subjects tested.

When the subjects with low CoQ10 levels were given 100 mg/day of CoQ10

significant weight loss was achieved.

 

What is the best form of CoQ10?

 

Coenzyme Q10 is available primarily in tablet or capsules. Based on

bioavailability studies, the best preparations appear to be soft-gelatin

 

capsules that contain CoQ10 in an oil base or in a soluble form.

In order to further enhance absorption, CoQ10 should be taken with

food.

 

In order to enhance the absorption and utilization of CoQ10,some

manufacturers dissolve CoQ10 in its purest form- natural vitamin E

(Vitamin E; 100% natural d-alpha tocopheryl acetate).

 

The result is that the CoQ10 is biologically enhanced due to increased

absorption, utilization, and function.

By providing the CoQ10 dissolved in the vitamin E, absorption is not

only enhanced, but also the likelihood that the CoQ10 will remain in its

 

active form.

CoQ10 is present in the blood in both oxidized (inactive) and reduced

(active) form. During times of increased oxidative stress or low vitamin

 

E levels, more CoQ10 will be converted to its oxidized (inactive form).

Thus, by providing high levels of pure vitamin E the biological activity

 

and function of CoQ10 is enhanced.

 

In addition, the CoQ10 actually enhances vitamin E activity as well.

 

How much CoQ10 should I take?

 

While the usual dosage recommendation for CoQ10 is 50 to 150 mg/day,

there are a lot of variables to consider when trying to determine

whether this amount is really ideal.

First of all, it appears that the ultimate judge of whether CoQ10 is

going to be effective is whether or not CoQ10 blood levels rise above

2.5 mcg/ml and are maintained at this level for a prolonged period.

Since the normal blood level for CoQ10 is roughly 1 mcg/ml, it is often

difficult to achieve this therapeutic blood level especially if using

poorly absorbed forms of CoQ10. Here are my recommendations for getting

the most out of CoQ10.

Use a loading dosage of four capsules with a meal. This loading dosage

will provide 200 mg CoQ10 and 1600 IU vitamin E. I would recommend that

it be in a soft gelatin capsule and that you take 300 mg of CoQ10 as a

loading dosage and be sure that the meal includes at least one

tablespoon of oil ( olive oil, flaxseed oil, non-hydrogenated peanut

butter, etc.). After the loading dosage, I would recommend taking two

capsules for one week followed by a maintenance dosage of one

capsuledaily thereafter for people weighing up to 250 pounds; and two

capsules per day for people over 250 pounds.

 

Is CoQ10 safe?

 

Coenzyme Q10 is very safe and there have been no serious adverse effects

 

ever reported even with long-term use. Because safety during pregnancy

and lactation has not been proven, CoQ10 should not be used during these

 

times unless the potential clinical benefit (as determined by a

physician) outweighs the risks.

 

Does CoQ10 interact with any drugs?

 

There are no known adverse interactions between CoQ10 and any drug or

nutrient.

 

While there are no adverse drug interactions many drugs adversely affect

 

CoQ10 levels or CoQ10 is able to reduce the side effects of the drug.

 

In addition to adriamycin (discussed above), CoQ10 supplementation has

been shown to counteract some of the adverse effects of certain

cholesterol-lowering, beta-blocker, and psychotrophic drugs.

 

The drugs lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastin (Pravachol), atorvastatin

(Lipitor) and simvastatine (Zocor) are widely used to lower blood

cholesterol levels.

They work by inhibiting the enzyme (HMG CoA reductase) that is required

in the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver.

 

Unfortunately, in doing so these drugs also block the manufacture of

other substances necessary for body functions including CoQ10.

 

Supplementing CoQ10 (50 mg per day) is necessary to prevent the

depletion of CoQ10 in body tissues while on these drugs.

 

References:

1. Weber C. Bysted A, and Holmer G: The coenzyme Q10 content of the

average Danish diet. Int J Vit Nutr Res 1997;67:123-9.

2. Gaby AR. The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: part II.

Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and infertility.

Alt Med Rev 1996;1:168-75

3. Thomas SR, Witting PK, Stocker R: A role for reduced coenzyme Q in

atherosclerosis? Biofactors. 1999;9:207-24.

4. Overvad K, et al.: Coenzyme Q10 in health and disease. Eur J Clin

Nutr. 1999;53:764-70.

5. Weber C, et al.: Effect of dietary coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant in human

plasma. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15 (Suppl.):s97-102.

6. Folkers K, Vadhanavikit S and Mortensen SA: Biochemical rationale and

myocardial tissue data on the effective therapy of cardiomyopathy with coenzyme

Q10. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1985;82:901.

7. Langsjoen H, et al.: Usefulness of coenzyme Q10 in clinical

cardiology: a long-term study. Mol Aspects Med 1994;15(Suppl.):s165-75.

8. Hofman-Bang C, Rehnquist N, and Swedberg K: Coenzyme Q10 as an

adjunctive treatment of congestive heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol

1992;19:216A.

9. Morisco C, Trimarco B and Condorelli M: Effect of coenzyme Q10

therapy in patients with congestive heart failure: a long-term

multicenter randomized study. Clin Investig 1993;71(Suppl.:S134-6.

10. Baggio E, et al.: Italian multicenter study on the safety and

efficacy of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. CoQ10 Drug

Surveillance Investigators. Mol Aspects Med

1994;15(Suppl.):s287-94.

 

www.doctormurray.com

_________________

Post subject: Coenzyme Q-10-Natural

Therapeutic Uses-References

 

--

 

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) is also known as ubiquinone, stemming from

the root word ubiquitous that means " found everywhere " , as this

coenzyme is found in every cell of the body except mature red blood

cells.

 

CoQ-10 is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally produced

by the body. Scientists are hailing this coenzyme as being one of

the most important antioxidants for postponing aging and preventing

or treating heart disease and cancer.

 

CoQ-10 is primarily concentrated in tiny powerhouse organelles within

cells called mitochondria, but it is also found in varying amounts in

all cell membranes.

 

CoQ-10 is essential for the energy production of cells

and is most concentrated in heart and liver cells that contain

thousands of mitochondria for energy production.

 

The main function of Coenzyme Q10 in the inner membranes of mitochondria

is to act as an important carrier of electrons in the electron-transport

chain.

 

 

A deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 may impair the body's normal ability to

convert nutrients into ATP to supply " energy " to cells, and it may also

" impede " proper muscle function.

 

One study showed that pre-treatment with Coenzyme Q10 minimized

" myocardial injury " caused by heart bypass surgery and improved heart

function, compared to patients not pre-treated with Coenzyme Q10.

 

Another study found that 150 mg of Coenzyme Q10 reduced the frequency of

angina by up to 46% while improving the capacity for physical activity

in those patients.

 

Other clinical trials have shown that Coenzyme Q10 has the

ability to reduce elevated blood pressure in hypertensive

individuals and " inhibits " atherosclerosis through dissolving into low-

density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and preventing oxidation of

cholesterol.

 

CoQ10 supplements have also been shown to make certain cancers

disappear, boost the immune system, improve athletic performance,

improve fat metabolism and weight loss, reduce fatigue

associated with liver cirrhosis, reduce gum inflammation and treat

gingivitis.

 

Chemistry:

 

Coenzyme Q-10 is a " quinone derivative " similar to vitamin K with a

long isoprenoid tail that can insert itself into fatty cell

membranes.

 

As a coenzyme it supports the action of enzymes involved in energy

production within cells

(i.e. it supports the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) cycle).

 

The liver normally synthesizes Coenzyme Q10 and maintains an estimated

500-1500 mg of Coenzyme Q10 in the entire body. However, CoQ-10 levels

within the body decline with age and are also diminished by stress,

infections and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs.

 

Coenzyme Q10 is particularly abundant in the heart, lungs, liver,

kidneys, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. Coenzyme Q10 has three

major functions within a cell.

 

It serves as a highly mobile " carrier " of electrons between the

flavoproteins and the cytochromes of the electron-transport chain in

mitochondria;

it " neutralizes " free radicals generated in the energy-making process;

and it helps protect the integrity of mitochondrial membranes.

 

Coenzyme Q10 was first isolated in 1956 by Dr. Federick

Crane at the University of Wisconsin as an orange-colored compound

from beef heart.

 

Dr Karl Folkers identified the molecular structure of Coenzyme Q10 in

1958 and hypothesized that when Coenzyme Q10 levels dropped below 25%

(resulting in a 75% deficiency), death would occur.

 

In 1961, Dr. Peter Mitchell at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland

determined how Coenzyme Q10 produces energy at the cellular level. Dr.

Karl Folkers at the University of Texas was

the first to begin using Coenzyme Q10 to promote a healthy heart and

cardiovascular system in 1972.

 

By 1995, over 10 million Japanese people were taking Coenzyme Q10 daily.

 

 

Sales of CoQ-10 finally began to increase in North America in 1999.

 

Suggested Amount:

The recommended daily dose for Coenzyme Q10 is 30 mg; however, no

toxic effects have been reported at daily doses as high as 390 mg.

 

Coenzyme Q10 is readily absorbed by the small intestine, and a

steady-state concentration can be attained in the body in 5-6 weeks.

 

A clinical trial with significant results for heart patients used a

dosage of 120 mg daily for three months and found this level to be

very safe with no toxic effects.

 

Strenuous exercise *reduces* blood levels of Coenzyme Q10, and

supplementation with 60 mg/day has been found to improve athletic

performance.

 

Many overweight people have low levels of Coenzyme Q10, and

supplementation may help them maintain a normal body weight though

enhanced metabolism of fat.Coenzyme Q10 is also found concentrated in

fatty fish (mackerel, wild alaskan salmon and sardines); organic soy

oil,

spinach and broccoli.

 

Note: Individuals over the age of 35 begin to decline in their

ability to synthesize Coenzyme Q10 and so supplementation is

recommended to slow the aging process. Poor eating habits, stress

and infections also increase the body's need for Coenzyme Q10.

 

 

 

Drug Interactions:

Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs block the natural synthesis of

Coenzyme Q10. (i.e. statin drugs including cholestyramine,

colestipol and coenzyme A reductase inhibitors). Therefore,

supplementation with 100 mg Coenzyme Q10 a day has been recommended

for individuals taking these drugs.

 

 

 

Contraindications:

The safety of Coenzyme Q10 has not been established for pregnant or

nursing mothers, so supplements are not recommended in these cases.

 

 

 

Side Effects:

Coenzyme Q10 is deemed one of the " safest " substances ever tested. It

has not produced any toxic side effects when ingested by humans or

animals. The only very rare side effect noted from taking oral

dosages has been mild transient nausea.

 

It is listed in the 42nd

edition of the Physicians Desk Reference as replacement therapy for

a nutrient, and no adverse reactions are listed.

 

 

 

References:

Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. 2001. Randomized, double-

blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic

hypertension. South Med J 2001 Nov; 94(11): 1112-7.

 

Carper, J. 1995. Stop Aging Now. HarperCollins Publishers, 10 East

53rd Street, New York, New York 10022-5299. Pp. 138-147.

 

Munkholm H, Hansen HH, Rasmussen K. 1999. Coenzyme Q10 treatment in

serious heart failure. Biofactors 1999; 9(2-4): 285-9.

 

Singh RB, Wander GS, Rastogi A, Shukla PK, Mittal A, Sharma JP,

Mehrotra SK, Kapoor R, Chopra RK. 1998. Randomized, double-blind

placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in patients with acute

myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 1998 Sep; 12(4): 347-53.

 

Watson JP, Jones DE, James OF, Cann PA, Bramble MG. 1999. Case

report: oral antioxidant therapy for the treatment of primary

biliary cirrhosis: a pilot study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999 Oct;

14(10): 1034-40.

 

 

 

Additional Information:

 

Positive Clinical Results for Treating Heart Disease and Improving

Survival:

The effects of oral treatment with coenzyme Q10 (120 mg/d) were

compared for 28 days in 73 (intervention group A) and 71 (placebo

group B) patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

 

After treatment, angina pectoris (9.5 vs. 28.1), total arrhythmias (9.5%

vs. 25.3%), and poor left ventricular function (8.2% vs. 22.5%) were

significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the coenzyme Q group than placebo

group.

 

Total cardiac events, including cardiac deaths and

nonfatal infarction, were also significantly reduced in the coenzyme

Q10 group compared with the placebo group (15.0% vs. 30.9%, P <

0.02).

 

The extent of cardiac disease, elevation in cardiac enzymes,

and oxidative stress at entry to the study were comparable between

the two groups.

 

Lipid peroxides, diene conjugates, and

malondialdehyde, which are indicators of oxidative stress, showed a

greater reduction in the treatment group than in the placebo group.

The antioxidants vitamin A, E, and C and beta-carotene, which were

lower initially after AMI, increased more in the coenzyme Q10 group

than in the placebo group.

 

These findings suggest that coenzyme Q10 can provide rapid protective

effects in patients with AMI if

administered within 3 days of the onset of symptoms. More studies in

a larger number of patients and long-term follow-up are needed to

confirm our results. [singh RB, Wander GS, Rastogi A, Shukla PK,

Mittal A, Sharma JP, Mehrotra SK, Kapoor R, Chopra RK. 1998.

Randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in

patients with acute myocardial infarction. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther

1998 Sep; 12(4): 347-53].

 

Positive Clinical Results for Treating Serious Heart Failure:

Several noninvasive studies have shown the effect on heart failure

of treatment with coenzyme Q10.

 

In order to confirm this by invasive

methods we studied 22 patients with mean left ventricular (LV)

ejection fraction 26%, mean LV internal diameter 71 mm and in NYHA

class 2-3.

 

The patients received coenzyme Q10 100 mg twice daily or

placebo for 12 weeks in a randomized double-blinded placebo

controlled investigation. Before and after the treatment period, a

right heart catheterisation was done including a 3 minute exercise

test.

 

The stroke index at rest and work improved significantly, the

pulmonary artery pressure at rest and work decreased (significantly

at rest), and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest and

work decreased (significantly at 1 min work). These results suggest

improvement in LV performance. Patients with congestive heart

failure may thus benefit from adjunctive treatment with coenzyme

Q10. [Munkholm H, Hansen HH, Rasmussen K. 1999. Dept. of Cardiology,

Aalborg Hospital, Denmark). Coenzyme Q10 treatment in serious heart

failure. Biofactors 1999; 9(2-4): 285-9].

 

Positive Clinical Results for Treating Hypertension:

 

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of the adult population are using

alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of

chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than

50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for

cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the

antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an over-

the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37

women with isolated systolic hypertension.

 

METHODS: We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-

controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral

CoQ and determination of plasma CoQ levels before and after the 12

weeks of treatment.

RESULTS: The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ-

treated group was 17.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). None of the

patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest CoQ may be safely offered to

hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option. [burke BE,

Neuenschwander R, Olson RD. 2001. (Research Service, Department of

Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA).

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10

in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med J 2001 Nov; 94(11):

1112-7].

 

Positive Clinical Results for Treating Liver Cirrhosis:

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of the chronic cholestatic liver disease

primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), in particular fatigue and chronic

pruritus, adversely affect quality of life and respond only poorly

to treatment. Recent studies have suggested that oxidative stress

may play a role in tissue damage in cholestatic liver disease and

may contribute to symptoms, such as fatigue. We have, therefore,

examined, in an open-label pilot study, the therapeutic effects of

antioxidant medication on the biochemistry and symptomatology of

PBC.

 

METHODS: Patients were randomized to 3 months treatment with a

compound antioxidant vitamin preparation (Bio-Antox), four tablets

daily (n = 11, group 1), or the combination of Bio-Quinone Q10 (100

mg) with Bio-Antox (n = 13, group 2). Biochemical and symptomatic

responses were assessed at 3 months.

 

RESULTS: Significant improvement in both pruritus and fatigue was

seen in the patients in group 2. Mean itch visual analogue score

improved from 2.4 +/- 3.0 to 0.4 +/- 0.7 post therapy (P < 0.05)

while mean night itch severity score improved from 2.6 +/- 1.9 to

1.3 +/- 0.7 (P < 0.05). Nine of 13 of these patients reported less

fatigue, while 10/13 showed an improvement in at least one domain of

their Fisk Fatigue Severity Score. No significant improvement in

itch and only limited improvement in fatigue were seen in the

patients in group 1. No change in biochemical parameters was seen in

either group.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant therapy, as a combination of Bio-Antox and

Bio-Quinone Q10, may improve the pruritus and fatigue of PBC. This

combination of therapy should be investigated further in a double-

blind, placebo-controlled trial. [Watson JP, Jones DE, James OF,

Cann PA, Bramble MG. 1999. (Centre for Liver Research, University of

Newcastle, UK). Case report: oral antioxidant therapy for the

treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis: a pilot study. J

Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999 Oct; 14(10): 1034-40].

 

 

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/USA/HealthInformation/encyclope

dias/CoenzymeQ-10.asp

 

All text and Images © Flora Manufacturing & Distributing Ltd. The

content on this site is meant for informational purposes only, and

is not intended for use as official health consultation or

recommendations.

Flora Manufacturing & Distributing Ltd. takes no responsibility for

harm that may result from the use, abuse or misuse of information

contained on this site.

 

 

---

 

CoQ10- Approved in Japan for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure

======================================================================

 

What does congestive heart failure, gum disease and obesity have in

common? Very often, a deficiency of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

 

A lack of CoQ10 has also been " implicated " in arrhythmias, strokes,

hypertension, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, muscular dystrophy and

AIDS and many of these diseases can be prevented and treated

successfully with CoQ10.

 

Since its discovery and isolation 40 years ago hundreds of clinical

research studies have been done on CoQ10 and it is now abundantly clear

that this nutrient is absolutely vital to health.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone/ubiquinol) is a fat-soluble quinone with a

structure similar to that of vitamin K. It is a powerful antioxidant

both on its own and in combination with vitamin E and is vital in

powering the body's energy production (ATP) cycle.

 

CoQ10 is found throughout the body in cell membranes, especially in the

mitochondrial membranes and is particularly abundant in the heart,

lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and adrenal glands. The total

body content of CoQ10 is only about 500-1500 mg and decreases with age.

 

CoQ10 was first isolated from beef heart mitochondria by Dr. Frederick

Crane of Wisconsin, U.S.A., in 1957. The same year, Professor Morton of

England defined a compound obtained from vitamin A deficient rat liver

to be the same as CoQ10. Professor Morton introduced the name

ubiquinone, meaning the ubiquitous quinone.

 

In 1958, Professor Karl Folkers and coworkers at Merck, Inc.,

determined the precise chemical structure of CoQ10: 2,3 dimethoxy-5

methyl-6 decaprenyl benzoquinone, synthesized it, and were the first to

produce it by fermentation.

 

In the mid-1960's, Professor Yamamura of Japan became the first in the

world to use coenzyme Q7 (a related compound) in the treatment of human

disease: congestive heart failure.

 

In 1966, Mellors and Tappel showed that reduced CoQ6 was an effective

antioxidant. In 1972 Gian Paolo Littarru of Italy along with Professor

Karl Folkers documented a deficiency of CoQ10 in human heart disease.

 

By the mid-1970's, the Japanese " perfected " the industrial technology to

produce pure CoQ10 in quantities sufficient for larger clinical trials.

 

Peter Mitchell received the Nobel Prize in 1978 for his contribution to

the understanding of biological energy transfer through the formulation

of the chemiosmotic theory, which includes the vital protonmotive role

of CoQ10 in energy transfer systems.

 

Coenzyme Q10 has received particular attention in the prevention and

treatment of various forms of cardiovascular disease.

 

It is highly effective in preventing the " oxidation " of low-density

lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) which " leads " to atherosclerosis.

 

Several studies have shown that patients with congestive heart failure

and other cardiovascular diseases have significantly lower levels of

CoQ10 in their heart tissue than do healthy people and supplementation

with as little as 100 mg/day has been shown to markedly improve their

condition.

 

CoQ10 is now " approved " in Japan for the " treatment " of congestive heart

 

failure.

 

Nutritional factors play an important role in the development and

treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

 

However, health care professionals may overlook, or even disregard, some

of these factors for several reasons, including inadequate training and

conflicting reports in the biomedical literature.

 

This review provides a synopsis of more than two-dozen nutritional

approaches to primary and secondary prevention and therapy of CVD.

 

Favorable cardiovascular effects have been reported with the use of

unsaturated fatty acids, vegetarian and semi-vegetarian diets, dietary

fiber, plant sterols, vitamins (niacin, E, C, B6, B12, folate),

minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium),

conditionally-essential nutrients (coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, taurine)

and botanical agents (garlic, hawthorn, gugulipid).

 

In contrast, trans-fatty acids, oxysterols, homocysteinemia,

carbohydrate intolerance, and excessive sodium chloride and iron have

been associated with undesirable cardiovascular effects.

 

A nutritional approach to CVD provides a pivotal adjuvant to

traditional pharmaceutical and/or surgical interventions by maximizing

the likelihood of success in " decreasing " CVD morbidity and mortality

and minimizing the economic and social costs associated with this

disease.

 

Possible undesirable consequences of long term nutritional

supplementation with vitamin E and of adverse drug-nutrient interactions

between the statins and CoQ10 are also considered.

 

Although additional intervention studies are needed, current scientific

evidence generally supports nutritional supplementation with these

nutrients as an effective adjunctive strategy for CVD control.

 

Coenzyme Q10 is a " redox component " in the respiratory chain.

 

CoQ10 is necessary for human life to exist; and a deficiency can be

contributory to ill health and disease.

 

A deficiency of CoQ10 in myocardial disease has been found and

controlled therapeutic trials have established CoQ10 as a " major

advance " in the therapy of resistant myocardial failure.

 

The cardiotoxicity of adriamycin, used in treatment modalities of

cancer, is significantly reduced by CoQ10, apparently because the

side-effects of adriamycin include " inhibition " of mitochondrial CoQ10

enzymes.

 

Models of the immune system including phagocytic rate, circulating

antibody level, neoplasia, viral and parasitic infections were used to

demonstrate that CoQ10 is an " immunomodulating " agent.

 

It was concluded that CoQ10, at the mitochondrial level, is essential

for the optimal " function " of the " immune system " .

 

Heart attacks and strokes produce a burst of " free radicals " (ischemia-

reperfusion) which can result in extensive tissue damage.

 

Patients with high CoQ10 levels suffer less damage from these events

and Japanese researchers have found that CoQ10 supplementation prior to

and immediately following open heart surgery is highly beneficial in

preventing reperfusion injury -

 

a common complication in heart surgery.

 

Supplementation with CoQ10 has also been found beneficial in patients

with chronic stable angina,

mitral valve prolapse and irregular heart beat (arrhythmias).

 

Several studies also indicate that CoQ10 may be beneficial in the

treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

 

A study of 109 patients with long-standing, essential hypertension, who

were on antihypertensive drugs, concluded that supplementation with an

average of 225 mg/day of CoQ10 improved " functional status " ,

 

allowed about half the patients to discontinue most of their blood

pressure medications and resulted in an average decrease of systolic

blood pressure from 159 to 147 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure decrease

from 94 to 85 mm Hg.

 

Smaller, more recent Japanese studies have confirmed these findings.

 

Reports from several research groups--including two small double-blind

clinical studies--indicate that supplemental coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) is

effective as a treatment for hypertension, in humans and in animals.

 

Its efficacy is associated with a decrease in total peripheral

resistance, and appears to reflect a direct impact of CoQ on the

vascular wall.

 

A reasonable interpretation of these findings is that CoQ is acting as

an " antagonist " of vascular superoxide--

 

either scavenging it, or suppressing its synthesis.

 

By improving the efficiency of shuttle mechanisms that transfer

high-energy electrons from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial

respiratory chain,

 

CoQ may decrease cytoplasmic NADH levels and thereby diminish the

reductive power that drives " superoxide synthesis " in endothelium and

vascular smooth muscle.

 

If CoQ therapy does indeed lower vascular superoxide levels, it can be

expected to decrease the " atherothrombotic risk " associated with

hypertension, and may have broader utility in the management of

disorders characterized by endotheliopathy.

=====================================================================

 

Coenzyme Q10 is a great boost to heart health, but it has many other

beneficial effects.

 

Physical exercise *reduces* blood levels of CoQ10 and supplementation

with 60 mg/day has been found to improve athletic performance.

 

Administration of CoQ10 alone or in combination with vitamin B6

(pyridoxine) boosts the immune system and may be useful in the treatment

of AIDS and other infectious diseases.

 

An adequate level of CoQ10 in the body is essential to proper muscle

functioning and several studies have indeed shown that supplementation

with 100-150 mg/day of CoQ10 markedly improves the condition of people

suffering from muscular dystrophy.

 

 

Many overweight people have very low levels of CoQ10 and supplementation

may enable them to lose weight due to the effect of CoQ10 in speeding up

the " metabolism " of fats.

 

CoQ10 has been used with success in combatting periodontal diseases,

especially gingivitis (gum disease). Tissue affected by gingivitis is

deficient in CoQ10 and experiments have shown that supplementation with

as little as 50 mg/day can decrease inflammation.

 

More recent research has shown that topical application of CoQ10

dissolved in non-gmo soya oil (85 mg/ml) to affected areas (periodontal

pockets)

reduces bleeding and the depth of the pocket.

 

Research carried out in Denmark has provided some tantalizing evidence

that CoQ10 may also be effective in the fight against certain cancers.

 

A trial involving the treatment of 32 breast cancer patients with

megadoses of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and coenzyme Q10

(90 mg/day)showed a highly

beneficial effect.

 

Two of the patients in the trial whose tumours had not regressed had

their CoQ10 dosages increased to 390 mg/day and 300 mg/day respectively

with the result that their tumours disappeared completely within three

months.

 

CoQ10 supplementation is also very important for cancer patients

undergoing chemotherapy with heart toxic drugs such as adriamycin and

athralines.

 

Recent research has also shown that certain cholesterol-lowering drugs

(lovastatin, etc.) " block " the " natural synthesis " of CoQ10 so

supplementation with 100 mg/day is recommended for patients taking these

drugs.

 

Despite considerable worldwide efforts, no single etiology has been

identified to explain the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

 

 

It is likely that multiple factors promote its development, sometimes

with the same factors both causing and being caused by the syndrome.

 

A detailed review of the literature suggests a number of marginal

nutritional deficiencies may have etiologic relevance.

These include deficiencies of various B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium,

sodium, zinc, L-tryptophan, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and essential

fatty acids.

 

Any of these nutrients could be marginally deficient in CFS patients, a

finding that appears to be primarily due to the illness process rather

than to inadequate diets.

 

It is likely that marginal deficiencies not only contribute to the

clinical manifestations of the syndrome, but also are detrimental to the

healing processes.

 

Therefore, when feasible, objective testing should identify them and

their resolution should be assured by repeat testing following

initiation of treatment. Moreover, because of the rarity of serious

adverse reactions, the difficulty in ruling out marginal deficiencies,

and because some of the therapeutic benefits of nutritional supplements

appear to be due to pharmacologic effects, it seems rational to consider

supplementing CFS patients with the nutrients discussed above, along

with a general high-potency vitamin/mineral supplement, at least for a

trial period.

 

The body can synthesize coenzyme Q10 and it is also found in several

dietary sources, notably organic organ meats. The level of CoQ10 in

human organs peaks around the age of 20 years and then declines fairly

rapidly.

 

The decrease in CoQ10 concentration in the heart is particularly

" significant " with a 77-year-old person having 57 per cent less CoQ10 in

the heart muscle than a 20-year-old.

 

Some experts involved in CoQ10 research believe that many people,

especially older people and people engaging in vigorous exercise may be

deficient in CoQ10 and may benefit from supplementation.

 

The recommended daily dosage for health maintenance is 30 mg; however,

considerably higher amounts are required in the treatment of the various

diseases for which supplementation has been found beneficial.

 

CoQ10 should be taken with a meal containing some fat or even better, in

combination with extra virgin olive oil which enhances its " absorption "

quite substantially.

 

CoQ10 supplements are readily absorbed by the body and no toxic effects

have been reported for daily dosages as high as 300 mg.

 

The safety of CoQ10, however, has not been established in pregnancy and

lactation, so caution is advised here until more data becomes available.

 

 

---

Hans R. Larsen, MSc ChE. Coenzyme Q10: The Wonder Nutrient.

International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol.

16, No 2, February 1998, pp. 11-12.

Littarru, Gian Paolo, et al. Clinical aspects of coenzyme Q: Improvement

 

of cellular bioenergetics or antioxidant protection? In Handbook of

Antioxidants, eds. Enrique Cadenas and Lester Packer, NY, Marcel Dekker,

 

Inc., 1996, pp. 203-39

PETER H. LANGSJOEN, M.D., F.A.C.C. INTRODUCTION TO COENZYME Q10

Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements, Rocklin, CA,

 

Prima Publishing, 1996, pp. 296-308

Research on coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine and in immunomodulation.

Drugs Exp Clin Res (SWITZERLAND) 1985, 11 ( p539-45

Kendler BS. Recent nutritional approaches to the prevention and therapy

of cardiovascular disease. Prog Cardiovasc Nurs 1997 Summer;12(3):3-23

Kendler BS. Nutritional strategies in cardiovascular disease control: an

 

update on vitamins and conditionally essential nutrients. Prog

Cardiovasc Nurs 1999 Autumn;14(4):124-9

Greenberg, Steven and Frishman, William H. Co-enzyme Q10: A new drug for

 

cardiovascular disease. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Vol. 30, 1990,

 

pp. 596-608

Hanaki, Yoshihiro, et al. Ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

to ubiquinone as a coronary risk factor. New England Journal of

Medicine, Vol. 325, September 12, 1991, pp. 814-15

Baggio, E., et al. Italian multicenter study on the safety and efficacy

of coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in heart failure. Molec. Aspects

Med., Vol. 15 (suppl), 1994, pp. S287-94

Oda, T. Coenzyme Q10 therapy on the cardiac dysfunction in patients with

 

mitral valve prolapse. Dose vs effect and dose vs serum level of

coenzyme Q10. In Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Vol. 5,

eds. Folkers, K. and Yamamura, Y., Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1986, pp. 269-80

 

Langsjoen, P., et al. Treatment of essential hypertension with coenzyme

Q10. Molec. Aspects Med., Vol. 15 (suppl), 1994, pp. S265-72

McCarty MF. Coenzyme Q versus hypertension: does CoQ decrease

endothelial superoxide generation? Med Hypotheses 1999 Oct;53(4):300-4

Vanfraechem, J.H.P. and Folkers, K. Coenzyme Q10 and physical

performance. In Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q, Vol. 3,

eds. Folkers, K. and Yamamura, Y., Amsterdam, Elsevier, 1981, pp. 235-

41 Folkers, K., et al. The activities of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B6 for

immune responses. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications,

Vol. 193, May 28, 1993, pp. 88-92

 

Littarru, G.P., et al. Deficiency of coenzyme Q10 in gingival tissue

from patients with periodontal disease. Proceedings of the National

Academy of Sciences USA, Vol. 68, 1971, p. 2332

Lockwood, K., et al.

 

Partial and complete regression of breast cancer in

patients in relation to dosage of coenzyme Q10. Biochemical and

Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 199, 1994, pp. 1504-08

Werbach MR. Nutritional strategies for treating chronic fatigue

syndrome. Altern Med Rev 2000 Apr;5(2):93-108

Mindell, Earl. Earl Mindell's Vitamin Bible, NY, Warner Books, 1991, p.

289

 

http://www.evitamins.com/ency_description.asp?encyclopedia=46 & x=18 & y=12

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html