Should You Be Taking Coenzyme Q10
(CoQ10)? By Laura M. Turner, M.Sc.
CNHP
In
my quest for the "supplemental"
truth it seems necessary to explore
the qualities of the latest hot
supplement topic: Coenzyme Q10.
Everywhere I turn these days, I'm
reading about the benefits which
range the gamut from anti-aging to
heart protection. But, is Coenzyme
Q10 right for you? Read on!
First: The Claims:
A Rich
Source of Anti-oxidants:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as
ubiquinone, has been documented as a
rich source of anti-oxidants. In
much of the research and articles
I've read, CoQ10 is consistently
thought to act in much the same way
that vitamin E does. In fact, CoQ10
has been found in many studies to be
much more effective than vitamin E
in lowering cholesterol and creating
an optimum environment for the cells
to create energy. Other strong
anti-oxidant qualities include: the
reduction in risk of heart disease
and regulation of blood pressure.
Stimulates The Immune System:
CoQ10 has also been shown to be an
important component in the function
of the immune system. It both
inhibits bacteria as well as
increases immune function. It also
increases white blood cell
production. In many cases when the
body is deficient in CoQ10 (which
becomes more common as we age) the
immune system becomes compromised.
Supplementation can often counteract
this.
Anti-aging Qualities:
Studies also suggest there is
possible anti-aging effects in
CoQ10. It has been shown to slow the
aging process through its
antioxidant qualities.
Anti-oxidants, as we know, prevent
"free radical" damage - the
instability of cells which causes
them to mutate unnecessarily
creating everything from sun damage
to cancer. CoQ10 has also been noted
to increase endurance during
exercise and is currently being used
as a therapy and reversal for
Alzheimer's.
Heart
Health :
CoQ10 depletion has also been linked
to hypertension. Therefore
supplementation of CoQ10 is
currently being used as a natural
remedy to decrease blood pressure.
It is also recommended in reducing
the risk of atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries) and for
prevention of the oxidation of LDL
cholesterol which causes plaque.
Oral
Health:
Like green tea, CoQ10 has been
thought to promote oral health.
CoQ10 is supposed - in many studies
- to slow or arrest periodontal
disease. CoQ10 also protects the
gums and heals damage from
gingivitis as well as protects teeth
from cavities.
Weight
Loss:
Obesity can lead to a decrease in
the production of CoQ10. Therefore,
in many of the studies I found,
supplementation of CoQ10 was given
to both to patients suffering from
obesity and patients looking to
manage weight.
The Bad News
What's the bad news? Not much. There
doesn't seem to be any documented
toxicity from supplementing with
CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant
or a nursing mom it would be best
not to take this supplement as the
long terms effects have not been
recorded. Some reports suggest CoQ10
will decrease the effectiveness of
warfarin - a blood thinner, but
there is no evidence to suggest it
is decidedly so. Finally, the dosage
should not exceed 200 mg per day as
this - in some cases - has been
shown to cause diarrhea and nausea.
Other FAQ's About CoQ10:
How
much CoQ10 is enough to reap the
benefits? For Best results (in the
literature I consulted) 1, 30-60mg
capsule up to 3X per day is a safe
dosage when taken with meals. When
choosing a supplement, it is
important to be sure the capsule is
in CoQ10's natural form which is
dark bright yellow in color.
In Summation:
Once again, in this scientist's
opinion, I would mark Coenzyme
Q10 as being
well worth your consideration. Do
your homework, however. As with any
change in your healthcare program,
always consult your healthcare
practitioner. If you are on any
other medications be sure to talk to
your doctor or pharmacist about the
possibility of interaction. Conduct
your own research project. Here are
some great resources that will help
get you started.
Research for this article has been
created through careful
consideration of research and
articles appearing on WebMD and
though several working texts which
include:
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC.
Prescriptions for Nutritional
Healing. New York: Penguin
Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food
As Medicine. New York: Simon &
Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The
Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner
Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D.
Prescription Alternatives. New
York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
For
More Great Health & Wellness
Information:
Click Here!
*****
Laura M. Turner, M.Sc., CNHP is an
author, journalist and wellness
mentor specializing in natural
anti-aging
practices and nutritional medicine.
Visit her online at
www.beauty-and-body.com and
subscribe to the
BodyTalk eZine -
www.bodytalkezine.com. While
you're there grab her
new eBook Retro-Aging and
enroll in her "Take Charge Of
Your Health" eCourse FREE,
as well as improve your health with
Nature's Healing Treasures:
www.beauty-and-body.com/youngliving.
