Co-Enzyme Q10

What is Co-Enzyme Q10

The Benefits of Co-Q-10

Properties

Research

Food Sources

Further Reading

Co-Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q-10) is a most amazing supplement and is beneficial on so many levels and for so many different health problems, that it’s hard to know where to start!

Co-Enzyme Q-10, is similar to vitamin K, which protects our bodies against free radical damage and exerts a protective effect on cell membranes. 

It is a naturally occurring fat-soluble antioxidant, necessary to the functioning of every cell in our bodies.  It is produced in the body and found throughout nature in plants and animals.  Our bodies could not survive without it.  If body levels start dropping, so does our general health.  Low levels can result in high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune system depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and obesity.  As more energy is required, the more CO-Q-10 is needed in the diet, especially in the heart and other tissues that require lots of energy. 

Tissues that require the most energy (such as the heart) need the largest amounts of CO-Q-10.  Angina is a condition where inadequate oxygen is available to the heart muscle itself.  People with failing cardiac systems have shown to greatly benefit with increased strength and vigour when supplemented with CO-Q-10.  People with high blood pressure usually have lower levels of CO-Q-10.

CO-Q-10 can naturally stimulate the immune system and result in a wider range of beneficial effects.

What is Co-Enzyme Q10

Co-Enzyme Q10 (Co-Q-10) is a quinone derivative with a tail, the number 10 referring to the length of the tail.  It is also known as ubiquinone because it is ubiquitous in biological systems.  Co-Q-10 is made within the body, but production falls, as we get older.  Co-Q-10 is also found in foods, in particular raw meat, but cooking and processing tends to destroy it.  This substance is particularly popular in Japan, where it is estimated that approximately 6 million people take a supplement daily.

The Benefits of Co-Q-10

Cardiovascular disease – A 75% reduction in the body’s Co-Q-10 level leads to the heart ceasing to function properly.

Blood pressure – It complements the action of blood pressure reducing drugs.

Gum disease – It has been shown to restore gum health by preventing the progress of gum diseases such as Pyrrohea and gingivitis, and increasing the rate of gum healing.  Research has shown that diseased gums tend to have lower levels of Co-Q-10 than healthy gums.

Weight loss – Research has shown that some overweight people have low Co-Q-10 levels.

Tissue Hypoxia – A condition leading to conditions such as stomach ulcers.  Co-Q-10 has been shown to be effective against this condition.

Ageing and the Immune System – studies with mice increased their lifespan by 50% with Co-Q-10 supplementation, and extended the youthfulness and ability to ward off infection.

Energy booster – Co-Q-10 has been shown to stimulate energy production in people feeling tired or run down.

Properties

Co-Q-10 plays a very important role at a very fundamental biochemical level as a carrier in a process known as the ‘electron transport’ chain.  This process occurs with each cell and is the method by which the body produces energy.

Research

There has been extensive research done on Co-Q-10, since the early 1960’s, all over the world, particularly in Japan from the mid seventies.  It was recognised early on as an important supplement, but it couldn’t be produced economically until the latter 1970’s. 

Food Sources

Foods highest in coenzyme Q-10 include beef, spinach, sardines, albacore tuna, and peanuts.

Contra-indications/Precautions

There are no known drug interactions or other contra-indications with Co-Enzyme Q-10.

Further Reading:-

Articles:

What is the Immune System?

What is Cardio Vascular Disease?