Coenzyme Q10 for Relief of Chronic Migraines

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Coenzyme Q10 for Relief of Chronic Migraines JoAnn Guest Jun 22, 2005 20:43

PDT

By Alan R. Gaby, MD

 

(June 16, 2005)—Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can reduce the

frequency of migraines in chronic sufferers, reports a study in

Neurology (2005;64:713–5). The results of this study add to the growing

list of nutritional and herbal remedies that have been proven effective

for migraine prevention.

 

Energy production in brain cells is impaired in migraine sufferers, and

as CoQ10 can enhance energy production, it has the potential to correct

this defect and possibly to prevent migraines. Research has shown two

other nutrients that play a role in cellular energy

production—riboflavin and magnesium—to be effective for migraine

prevention. CoQ10 was also reported in a preliminary trial to reduce the

recurrence rate of migraines; however, in that study the possibility of

a placebo effect could not be ruled out.

 

In the new study, 42 migraine sufferers were randomly assigned to

receive 100 mg of CoQ10 three times a day or a placebo for three months.

Migraine frequency decreased progressively in the CoQ10 group, whereas

no change was seen in the placebo group. During the third month, the

difference in migraine frequency between people receiving CoQ10 and

those receiving placebo was statistically significant. The response rate

(defined as the proportion of participants who experienced at least a

50% reduction in attack frequency) was 47.6% in the CoQ10 group and

14.4% in the placebo group. There was no difference between groups in

the severity or duration of migraines.

 

Additional research is needed to determine the most effective amount of

CoQ10, and whether combining CoQ10 with magnesium and riboflavin would

be more effective than using any one of these alone. Although

nutritionists have observed that combinations of nutrients frequently

work better than single nutrients, a recent study found that riboflavin

by itself (25 mg per day) worked as well as, and possibly better than,

the daily combination of riboflavin (400 mg), magnesium (300 mg), and

the antimigraine herb feverfew (100 mg). It is possible that one or more

of the substances in that combination product interfered with the

effects of the others, or that massive doses of riboflavin are less

effective than more moderate doses.

 

In addition to migraine prevention, CoQ10 has been found in some, though

not all, studies to be effective for treating congestive heart failure.

It has also been used successfully for high blood pressure and

periodontal disease, and to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

CoQ10 is generally well tolerated, but it can interfere with the effects

of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

 

Alan R. Gaby, MD, an expert in nutritional therapies, testified to the

White House Commission on CAM upon request in December 2001. Dr. Gaby

served as a member of the Ad-Hoc Advisory Panel of the National

Institutes of Health Office of Alternative Medicine. He is the author of

Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis (Prima, 1994), and co-author of

The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd Edition (Healthnotes, Three Rivers Press,

1999), the A–Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions (Healthnotes,

Three Rivers Press, 1999), Clinical Essentials Volume 1 and 2

(Healthnotes, 2000), and The Patient’s Book of Natural Healing (Prima,

1999). A former professor at Bastyr University of Natural Health

Sciences, in Kenmore, WA, where he served as the Endowed Professor of

Nutrition, Dr. Gaby is the Chief Medical Editor for Healthnotes, Inc.

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

 

 

Who Should Consider Co Enzyme Q10:

Anyone who is looking to supplement their diet with a powerful

antioxidant,

 

but especially:

People who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease;

People who have been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Disease;

People who are diagnosed with, or especially concerned about,

cardiovascular disease (ie; heart disease and/or stroke).

People seeking a powerful antioxidant.

 

Testimonials for Co Enzyme Q10:

My husband has been doing extremely well with the CoQ10. We noticed a

slow down in the onset of his Parkinson's symptoms when he started

taking the Coenzyme Q10. We have seen the ''Parkinson's Mask'' almost

completely go away and his voice is stronger and clearer now.

 

Barbara S.

Minot, North Dakota

 

 

Please Note: Specific testimonials should not be considered typical. An

individual's health condition, treatment, medicine, medical care and

physiological responses are significant variables in determining

positive benefits, if any, to natural product supplementation.

 

 

Detailed Product Information for Co Enzyme Q10:

Co Enzyme Q10 - The Other Vitamin

 

Co Enzyme Q10 is a vitamin essential to our very lives, yet very few of

us have ever heard about it until recently. Discovered in 1957 by Dr.

Fred Crane at the University of Wisconsin, Co Enzyme Q10 is a nutrient

necessary to the functioning of every cell in our bodies.

 

Levels of Co Enzyme Q10 begin to decline around age 30 and steadily

decrease with age, making supplementation increasingly important.13 Our

bodies could not survive without Co Enzyme Q10, as it is necessary in

the synthesis of ATP.13

 

If body levels start dropping, so does our general health; scientists

have estimated that once body levels of Co Enzyme Q10 drop below the 25%

deficiency levels, many health problems begin to flourish, including

cardiovascular problems, immune system depression, periodontal problems,

lack of energy, and weight gain, and it may be a contributing factor to

the aging process.4,13

 

 

Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and its preventative value

 

Numerous studies have shown that pre-treatment with Co Enzyme Q10 helps

heart patients come through open heart surgeries in better health and

with shorter recovery times than those who have not been so

treated.14,15,16,17

 

This is because CoQ10 possesses the ability to protect the heart during

periods of aschemia, or oxygen deprivation.4 CoQ10 has helped

cardiomyopathy patients to live well beyond their usual life

expectancies.17 In a study performed in 1998, CoQ10 was shown to halve

the total number of subsequent cardiovascular incidents in patients who

had suffered myocardial infarctions (heart attack), as long as the CoQ10

was begun within three days of the infarction.1

 

Perhaps more importantly, supplementation with CoQ10 has a preventative

effect--preventative against lack of oxygen, and against certain heart

medications.18,19 Yes, heart medications.

 

Strange as it may seem, certain heart medications that are prescribed to

reduce cholesterol levels actually block the production of

CoQ10!20,21,22

 

Additionally, researchers believe that CoQ10 " prevents " the oxidation of

low-density lipoproteins (LDL; i.e., the " bad " cholesterol), making it

an important supplement for anyone with high cholesterol. It is bound to

the LDL by Vitamin E.23,24

 

 

CoEnzyme Q10 And Parkinson's Disease:

 

Recent studies indicate that Coenzyme Q10 can help reduce the effects of

Parkinson's Disease.2 Here is the source of that information, and the

details of the study:

 

Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,

conducted at the University of California at San Diego, and published in

a recent issue of Archives of Neurology, the study demonstrates that

CoEnzyme Q10 slows the progress of early-stage Parkinson's Disease.

 

Patients diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease for 5 years were divided

into four groups and given varying amounts of CoEnzyme Q10 and Vitamin

E. The four groups were as follows: 300mg of CoQ10, 600mg of CoQ10,

1200mg of CoQ10 or Placebo, all with Vitamin E (i.e., Vitamin E was used

in all groups). The patients' improvement in mental function, motor

ability and activities of daily living were dose dependent; those

receiving 1200 mg of Co Q10 each day showed the greatest improvement

(44% less decline in the above function categories as compared to the

placebo group). Patients receiving the smaller amounts of Co Q10 did not

fare as well as those in the 1200 mg group, but did better than those

not receiving any Co Q10.

Why does CoQ10 help patients with Parkinson's Disease?

 

Researchers suspect that it has to do with improved mitochondria

function. Mitochondria are the organelles in the body that generate

energy; mitochondria in patients with Parkinson's Disease are depleted

of CoEnzyme Q10. The CoEnzyme Q10 may also protect areas of the brain

typically affected in people with Parkinson's Disease.

 

 

Coenzyme Q10 Recommended Supplementation Levels For Parkinson's Disease:

 

 

From the studies we have reviewed, the best performing dosage level for

measured improvements is 1,200mg of Coenzyme Q10 per day but a small

number of additional studies showing a therapeutic level of 2,400mg of

Coenzyme Q10 per day have also occurred. We recommend that you try the

1,200mg per day level first and measure results before moving on to, if

necessary, 2,400mg per day.

 

 

CoEnzyme Q10 Prices:

 

The effectiveness and media attention concerning Coenzyme Q10 have

driven prices very high. We understand and sympathize with our elderly

customers and their need for coenzyme Q10 and we are doing everything we

can to keep prices down. Our raw materials costs for coenzyme Q10 have

gone through the roof though and we don't expect the costs to fall any

time soon. If our costs fall, we will immediately lower prices.

 

 

Special Note About Parkinson's Disease:

 

Parkinson's Disease is a complex medical disease that requires the care

and guidance of a competent physician. Coenzyme Q10 is NOT intended to

diagnose, treat, cure or prevent Parkinson's Disease or related diseases

or conditions. Rather, it is intended to provide you with nutritional

support to help your body combat this disease as part of a total health

program. Follow the guidance of your physician as you fight Parkinson's

Disease, or seek to prevent it. Inform your physician if you decide to

use Coenzyme Q10 for additional nutritional support.

 

 

Coenzyme Q10 And Congestive Heart Disease:

 

Coenzyme Q10 is an exciting supplement for patients with Congestive

Heart Disease. Recent studies have shown that patients with Congestive

Heart Disease (also Heart Failure or Heart Failure candidates for

transplants) who supplement with Coenzyme Q10:

A double-blind placebo study demonstrated improved functional status,

clinical status and quality of life for heart failure patients;25

A meta-analysis shows that several forms of heart disease, including

heart failure and congestive heart disease, respond well to Coenzyme Q10

treatment;26

A double-blind placebo study of patients with low Coenzyme Q10,

L-Carnitine, Creatine and Theamine levels who were supplemented with all

the properties, including Coenzyme Q10, showed improvement in myocardial

and ventricular function;27

Additional studies also recommend coenzyme Q10 as adjuvant (meaning

added to improve treatment effectiveness) therapy for people with

congestive heart disease;28

However, definitive, large scale clinical studies have not yet been done

and so we cannot definitively say that coenzyme Q10 provides effective,

proved treatment for congestive heart disease. The results are very

promising, but not yet categorically conclusive.

 

 

Special Note About Congestive Heart Disease:

 

Congestive Heart Disease is a complex medical disease that requires the

care and guidance of a competent physician, preferably a cardiologist.

Coenzyme Q10 is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent

Congestive Heart Disease or related diseases or conditions. Rather, it

is intended to provide you with nutritional support to help your body

combat this disease as part of a total health program. Follow the

guidance of your physician or cardiologist as you fight Congestive Heart

Disease or Heart Failure, or seek to prevent it. Inform your physician

if you decide to use Coenzyme Q10 for additional nutritional support and

discuss its usage with her/him.

 

 

Co Enzyme Q10 Recommended Supplementation Levels For Congestive Heart

Disease:

 

As with Parkinson's Disease, based on the studies we have reviewed, the

best performing dosage level for measured improvements is 1,200mg of

CoEnzyme Q10 per day.

 

 

Co Enzyme Q10 Prices:

 

The effectiveness and media attention concerning Coenzyme Q10 have

driven prices very high. We understand and sympathize with our

congestive heart disease customers and their need for Coenzyme Q10. We

are doing everything we can to keep prices down. Our raw materials costs

for Coenzyme Q10 have gone through the roof though and we don't expect

the costs to fall any time soon. If our costs fall, we will immediately

lower prices.

 

 

How Does CoEnzyme Q10 Work?

 

CoQ10 is also known as ubiquinone, a member of the quinone cyclic

compounds such as Vitamins E and K.

 

CoEnzyme Q10 can supply or remove oxygen from biologically active

molecules.

 

Every cell in your body contains many intercellular components called

mitochondria, which produce 95% of the total energy of the body.

CoEnzyme Q10 is an integral part of the membranes of the mitochondria

where it is involved in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate),

the basic energy molecules of the cell.

 

Supplementing CoEnzyme Q10 aids in the body's cellular respiration and

energy production; it's that simple.

 

 

Recommended Co Enzyme Q10 Supplementation

 

With the exception of the serious diseases of Parkinson's Disease and

Congestive Heart Disease, we recommend supplementation for

cardiovascular health in the amount of 1mg of Co Enzyme Q10 per every

pound of body weight.

 

For example, a 150 pound person should supplement with 150mg per day.

The above referenced studies on Co Enzyme Q10 and Parkinson's Disease

and Congestive Heart Disease showed the greatest benefit when 1200mg of

Co Enzyme Q10 was taken daily.

_________________

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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