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CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) |
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What is CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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Coenzyme Q10 (also known as ubiquinone or CoQ10) is a natrually-occurring nutrient found in almost all human cells, and is a required component for energy production. CoQ10 is considered a nutrient and not a vitamin because it can be naturally produced by the body, (whereas a vitamin cannot by synthesized and needs to be absorbed in to the body from various sources).
CoQ10's main function is to aid in the conversion of food to energy within each cell's mitochondria, thus providing the body with the energy it requires to function. Nine-five percent of the human body's cellular energy production requires the high-energy phophate ATP (adenosine triphosphate). All cells containing mitochondria require CoQ10 in order to produce ATP. The only cells in the body that can produce energy at the cellular level without ATP are those cells that do not have mitochondria (red blood cells and the eye lens cells). Without CoQ10, your body would shut down. Simply, your body needs optimal levels of CoQ10 to be efficient. Research suggests that CoQ10 deficiencies can lead to many degenerative diseases.
The body obtains CoQ10 by producing it in the liver and absorbing CoQ10 through our diets. Your body produces CoQ10 in the liver through a very complex 17-step process that requires optimum diet and nutrition - including the presence of amino acid tyrosin and at least eight vitamins and trace elements.
Recent studies noted that the CoQ10 production process is inhibited by popular cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, causing the potential of wide-spread CoQ10 deficiencies.
Organs with the highest energy requirements, such as the liver and the heart, are where the highest concentrations of CoQ10 can be found.
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History of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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CoQ10 was first isolated from the cells of a beef heart by Dr. Frederick Crane at the University of Wisconsin in 1957. A year later, in 1958, Univrsity of Texas professor Dr. Karl Folkers determined the precise structure of CoQ10 - and with coworkers at Merch Inc - synthesized CoQ10 by fermentation.
The first clinical research on CoQ10 began appearing in medical journals in the late 1960s. In 1972 Gian Paolo Littarru of Italy, along with Professor Karl Folkers, documented a case of deficient CoQ10 in human heart disease. By the mid-1970's, the Japanese had perfected the industrial technology needed to produce pure CoQ10 in quantities sufficient for larger clinical trials. Though studies in the 1960s have shown the importance of CoQ10 in cellular activities, wide-spread knowledge of the benefits is still pending.
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Benefits of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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Studies have found that some illnesses, as well as the aging process, can decrease CoQ10 levels in the human body. While the study of CoQ10 continues, experts tend to agree that optimum levels of CoQ10 is beneficial for your overall good health, and that preventing CoQ10 deficiency may prevent common ailments associated with major organs like the heart and liver.
Continuing research on the benefits of CoQ10 is promising for overall health and possibly for the treamtent or prevention of Heart Disease, Cancer, Huntington Disease, and Parkinson's Disesase. Preliminary research also continues on CoQ10's effects on Alzheimer's disease, periodontal disease, and improved immunity.
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Sources and Forms of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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The primary source of CoQ10 comes from your body's natural production. Many factors such as: age, genetics, liver problems, and the usage of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can impact your body's ability to synthesize CoQ10.
Many foods contain CoQ10, with organ meats such as the heart, liver, and kidney having the highest concentrations of CoQ10. One pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and a half pounds of peanuts provide just 30 mg of CoQ10.
CoQ10 supplements can be commonly found on store shelves in the forms of tablet-pressed pills and soft gelatin pills, however quality, price, and dosages differ from brand to brand.
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Recommended Dosage of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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While there are currently no recommended dosages of CoQ10 for supplementation, experts usually suggest dosages in the 30 mg to 100 mg per day range.
Those with Angina, congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease, or kidney failure are usually prescribed doses from 150 mg to 200 mg per day.
Doses up to 400 mg per day have been reported with no significant side effects, though medical professionals recommend that healthy individuals stay within the 30-100mg range.
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Safety and Side Effects of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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As a naturally-occuring nutrient in the body, there are very few side effects associated with CoQ10 supplementation.
Rare, mild side effects may include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, and headaches.
CoQ10 supplements are contraindicated for diabetics, as CoQ10 can cause a drop in glucose levels. Those taking blood-thinner warfarin should consult a doctor before ingesting CoQ10, as this supplement may interfere with the function of warfarin.
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Frequently Asked Questions on CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
Can CoQ10 treat Heart Disease and other heart-related ailments?
Because mitochondria are found in great abundance in heart tissue cells, much research has focused on CoQ10 and heart disease. Due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, researchers believe that CoQ10 plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Also a potent antioxidant, CoQ10 aids in the protection of Vitamin E, which helps prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol), which is believed to lead to plaque buildup, clogged arteries, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. CoQ10 supplementation has been found to also reduce the ability of blood to clot, (thus decreasing the chance of clogged arteries or heart attack), aid in the reduction of hypertension, as well as help angina sufferers. It has also helped the body heal from heart valve replacement surgery, and is now a common treatment used to assist in recovery. Recent studies in animals suffering from stroke or blood clots revealed that permanent damage to the heart was reduced in those animals treated with CoQ10.
Research continues to be promising in the ares of CoQ10 and heart disease.
Research on this subject:
Folkers K. Therapy with coenzyme Q10 of patients in heart failure who are eligible or ineligible for a transplant. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 1992 Jan 15;182(1):247-253.
Langsjoen P, et al. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of CoEnzyme Q10 Therapy for Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Amer Jrnl of Cardiology. 2009 Feb;(65)521-523.
Mortensen SA. Perspectives on therapy of cardiovascular diseases with coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone). The Clinical Investigator. 1993;71(8 Suppl):S116–23.
Does taking Cholesterol lowering statin drugs impact CoQ10?
Recent studies have shown that a group of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins does impact your ability to produce CoQ10. The mechanism of statin drugs inhibit an enzyme (HMG CoA-reductase) that is critical to producing cholesterol in the liver, thus reducing the body’s production of cholesterol. However, this is the same pathway and enzyme required to produce CoQ10. Use of statin drugs have be linked to cases of muscular pain and fatigue - not surprisingly, the same side effects as CoQ10 deficiency. In a recent study at Columbia University in New York, researchers found that CoQ10 in blood levels dropped by a frightening 50% in just 30 days after treatment of Atorvastatin.
If you are taking generic or brand name cholesterol-lowering statin drugs talk to your doctor about supplementing with CoQ10. According to the Life Extension Foundation, statin drugs sold in Canada are required to carry labels with a precautionary warning expressly stating that "CoQ10 depletion can lead to impaired cardiac functioning in patients with congestive heart failure." No such warning is being mandated by the FDA in the US.
Research on this subject:
Bleske BE, et al. The effect of pravastatin and atorvastatin on coenzyme Q10. American Heart Journal. 2001;142(2):E2.
Bliznakov EG. Coenzyme Q10, lipid-lowering drugs (statins) and cholesterol: A present day Pandora’s box. Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association. 2002;5(3):32–8.
Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM. The clinical use of HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors and the associated depletion of coenzyme Q10. A review of animal and human publications. BioFactors. 2003;18(1–4):101–11
Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, Coates K, Dimauro S. Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Dept. of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. New York, NY. Archives of Neurology. 2004 June;61(6):889-92.
Can CoQ10 treat Parkinson’s disease?
There continues to be promising research on the effects of CoQ10 supplementation and the “slowing down” of Parkinson symptoms but no conclusive study has shown that CoQ10 can reverse Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms.
A 2002 study completed at the University of California, San Diego found that CoQ10 may actually slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease by helping to slow down the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The phase II study, led by Clifford Shults, M.D., of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, looked at a total of 80 Parkinson Disease patients at 10 centers across the country to determine the safety of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and if it can slow the rate of functional decline caused by Parkinson’s.
Researchers believe that that CoQ10 works by improving the function of the cell mitochondria, where food energy is converted to the body’s energy. The study determined that Parkinson patients who received the largest dose of COQ10 (1,200 mg/day) had 44% less decline in mental and motor function. Scientific research continues on this topic. Similar results have occurred in a study on patients with Huntington’s disease.
A very good summary of the University of California study on CoQ10 and Parkinson disease can be found at the National Institute of Neurological disorders and stroke.
Shults CW, Oakes D, the Parkinson Study Group. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Archives of Neurology. 2002 Oct;59(10):1541-1550.
Can COQ10 supplementation prevent or treat Cancer?
Low blood levels of CoQ10 have been found in patients with cancer of the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon, and kidney. As CoQ10 has been found to stimulate the immune system and increase resistance to disease, researchers have theorized that the coenzyme might be a useful adjuvant therapy for cancer. (Adjuvant therapy is treatment given following the primary treatment to enhance the effectiveness of the primary treatment or limit adverse effects).
CoQ10 has shown to reduce toxicity in mice that were given the cancer treatment anthramycin. Promising studies continue on this topic in both humans and animals but as of yet there is no conclusive answer to the effects of CoQ10 supplementation preventing or treating cancer.
Folkers K, Porter TH, Bertino JR, et al. Inhibition of two human tumor cell lines by antimetabolites of coenzyme Q10. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1978;19(3):485-90.
Lubawy WC, Dallam RA, Hurley LH. Protection against anthramycin-induced toxicity in mice by coenzyme Q10. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1980;64 (1):105-9,1980.
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Additional Research on CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10): |
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CoQ10 and Heart Disease
Bliznakov EG, Wilkins DF. (1998). Biochemical and clinical consequences of inhibiting coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis by lipid-lowering HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): A critical review. Advances in Therapy. 1998;15(4):218–28.
Jula A., et al. Effects of diet and simvastatin on serum lipids, insulin, and antioxidants in hypercholesterolemic men: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;287(5):598–605.
Kuettner A, et al. Influence of coenzyme Q(10) and cerivastatin on the flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery: Results of the ENDOTACT study. International Journal of Cardiology. 2005;98(3):413–9.
Rundek T, et al. Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Archives of Neurology. 2004;61(6):889–92. |
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