COENZYME Q10:
LIFE’S VITAL LINK
Article by herbalist Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
With
cardiovascular disease being the number one killer in the United States, it is
important to know about all the nutrients that have been
proven to benefit the heart.
One such
nutrient is a substance called
ubiquinone, otherwise known as Coenzyme Q10
(Co Q10). I
have mentioned this in previous articles but have not
written in depth about it.
This article
will detail Co Q10 to give you a better understanding of
its applications in heart disease.
Professor F. L.
Crane and his colleagues at the
University of
Wisconsin
first discovered Coenzyme Q10 in 1957.
Following this discovery Dr. Karl
Folker of the University of Texas has become the person most
responsible for the ongoing research of this substance.
Originally found to be present in beef heart, Coenzyme Q10
is found in every plant and animal cell.
It got
its name from the root word “ubiquitous”
because the enzyme is present in every cell of your body.
It is naturally occurring and is part of the process of the
production of cellular ATP. ATP is the energy fuel of the
cells of the body. Because the body must have available
energy to carry out normal body functions, such as
breathing, Co Q10 is essential for all cells, tissues, and
organs.
Although the body can
synthesize Co Q10 (mainly in the liver), deficiencies can
exist. These
deficiencies could be a result of other nutritional
deficiencies, genetic or acquired defects in the body’s
ability to manufacture it, or the use of toxic substances
that interfere with the production of it.
Coenzyme Q 10 is considered to be one of the life extension
nutrients. As we age, it has been discovered
that the levels of Coenzyme Q 10 decrease. Because of its
far reaching effects on all body systems, research has
shown that it is beneficial for the following conditions:
Angina, cardiomyopathy,
mitral valve
prolapse, congestive heart
failure, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure,
diabetes, HIV, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's,
Alzheimer’s, Muscular Dystrophy and periodontal disease.
Coenzyme Q10 has been the topic of numerous global
conferences in the last decade with over 200
research studies having been conducted on it. Clinical
evidence has shown it to be effective in all the disorders
mentioned above. Its use with treating cardiovascular
disease has been well documented. Due to the fact that
oxygen is the life of a cell, making oxygen more available
to cell structure will have an improvement on life
functions. It is considered a potent antioxidant. The
result of repeated insult to the heart muscle such as low
oxygen, inflammation, and other dietary factors can be
reversed with the use of Co Q10.
Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to
pump blood effectively.
This can be
caused from long-term high blood pressure, disorders of the
valves or cardiomayopathy.
It is very common in elderly people.
Conventional drug therapy utilizes digitalis, diuretics and
vasodilators. One problem associated with congestive heart
failure is arrhythmias, fluid build up in the lungs,
shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, vertigo, and
cyanosis (bluing of the skin).
Double blind
placebo controlled studies using Coenzyme Q10 at dosage
levels of 100 mg daily for a period of three months have
been combined with conventional treatments and have shown
to decrease the above symptomology.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to stabilize arrhythmias,
the build- up of plaque due to high cholesterol, improve
blood circulation, help lower blood pressure by normalizing
the sodium to potassium ratios, improve performance during
exercise, and increase stamina.
Coenzyme Q10
has also been shown to improve the immune,
neuro-muscular, and digestive
systems. The following substances enhance the function of
Co Q10:
uCarnitine
uSelenium
uPatothenic
acid
uMethionine
uBiotin
According to
the book Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook,
factors that interfere with the function of Co Q10 are:
·
Beta-blockers
·
Hmg-CoA
reductase inhibitors --
mevacor,
pravachol, zocor,
lipitor, for example.
Cholesterol lowering drugs.
·
Tricyclic
anti-depressants
·
Phenothiazines
Other
factors that affect Co Q10 are that it is easily destroyed
by heat and light.
It is
present in numerous foods including these good sources:
Canola oil, rice bran, wheat germ, soy beans, walnuts,
filberts, almonds, peanuts, mackerel, salmon, yellowtail,
sesame seeds, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic,
onion, carrot and potato. The cooking of these foods will
destroy a certain percentage of the enzyme. In a healthy
body and if you eat wholesome natural foods, your body will
produce enough.
Lifestyle is a factor. One study showed that a
diet consisting of no Co Q10 showed that blood plasma
levels had dropped 50% in a one-week period of time.
Let's
look at some dosage levels and its bioavailability.
The average
body requirement for maintenance to prevent deficiency is 5
mg. Therapeutic doses for a basically healthy individual
range from 50-150 mg per day. Many of the clinical trials
were using 100 mg daily. If a person is using Co Q10 for
treating more serious conditions, upwards of 200-600 mg
doses have been recommended.
A more accurate
measurement is to supplement 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body
weight. Because Coenzyme Q10 is generally well tolerated
and no serious side effects have been reported with
long-term use, it can be safely taken.
It is always a good idea to consult with your health care
practitioner when considering any substance for therapeutic
applications.
It is available
in loose powder, 7.5-200 mg capsules, sublingual tablets
and sprays. It is also available in toothpaste and skin
lotions.
Because it is
poorly absorbed in the intestines, you need to eat when
supplementing this nutrient. Do not take it on an
empty stomach.
It is
assimilated better if it is combined with
an oil, which makes the gel cap
form a better choice. Gel caps contain soy oil combined
with Co Q10. The half-life of Co Q10 is 3 days.
A good resource
is the book Coenzyme Q-10, Is
It The Fountain Of Youth by William Lee,
RPh, PhD.
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