The Primary Functions of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also called ubiquinone. It is an
essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal
process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a cellular
level.
Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, helping
to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals. CoQ10 is one
in a series of ubiquinones, naturally occurring compounds produced in nearly
every cell of the body, and was discovered as recently as 1957.
The primary function of CoQ10 is as a catalyst for metabolism. Acting in
conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process,
providing the energy that the cells need to digest food, heal wounds, maintain
healthy muscles, and perform other bodily functions. It is especially abundant
in the energy-intensive cells of the heart, helping this organ beat more than
100,000 times each day.
CoQ10 may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks, and other diseases
linked to free-radical damage. It's also used as a general energy enhancer and
anti-aging supplement. Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and
with certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation beginning
about age 40. CoQ10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy for
heart disease, especially congestive heart failure or a weakened heart.
In some studies, patients with a poorly functioning heart have been found to
improve greatly after adding the supplement to their conventional drugs and
therapies. [35, 36] Other studies have shown that people with cardiovascular
disease have low levels of this substance in their heart.
Further research suggest that CoQ10 may protect against blood clots, lower high
blood pressure, diminish irregular heartbeats, treat mitral valve prolapse,
lessen symptoms of Raynaud's disease and relieve chest pains (angina).
CoQ10 also appears to aid healing and reduce pain and bleeding in those with gum
disease, and speed recovery following oral surgery. CoQ10 shows some
promise against Parkinson's [44] and Alzheimer's Diseases and fibromyalgia.
[46].
For daily supplementation, the dosage range is from 30 - 100 mg, with the most
common dosage at 30 mg. It takes up to eight weeks to see results with CoQ10.
INTERACTIONS:Certain medications may have beneficial or harmful interactions
with coenzyme Q10:
- Atorvastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Doxorubicin (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Fluvastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Gemfibrozil (Depletion or interference)
- Lovastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Perphenazine (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Pravastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Propranolol (Depletion or interference)
- Simvastatin (Depletion or interference)
-Thioridazine (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Timolol (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (Depletion or interference)
- Warfarin (Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability)
The use of Warfarin and coenzyme Q-10 together increases your risk of excessive
bleeding. Coenzyme Q-10 may reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy. Some
drugs, such as those used to lower cholesterol (lovastatin, pravastatin,
simvastatin), blood sugar (glyburide, tolazamide) and blood pressure (beta
blockers such as Inderal, Lopressor), can alter coenzyme Q-10's effectiveness.
Also, people with diabetes should be aware that coenzyme Q-10 may decrease their
need for insulin.
Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/anti-aging.htm
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also called ubiquinone. It is an
essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the normal
process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a cellular
level.
Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, helping
to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals. CoQ10 is one
in a series of ubiquinones, naturally occurring compounds produced in nearly
every cell of the body, and was discovered as recently as 1957.
The primary function of CoQ10 is as a catalyst for metabolism. Acting in
conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process,
providing the energy that the cells need to digest food, heal wounds, maintain
healthy muscles, and perform other bodily functions. It is especially abundant
in the energy-intensive cells of the heart, helping this organ beat more than
100,000 times each day.
CoQ10 may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks, and other diseases
linked to free-radical damage. It's also used as a general energy enhancer and
anti-aging supplement. Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and
with certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation beginning
about age 40. CoQ10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy for
heart disease, especially congestive heart failure or a weakened heart.
In some studies, patients with a poorly functioning heart have been found to
improve greatly after adding the supplement to their conventional drugs and
therapies. [35, 36] Other studies have shown that people with cardiovascular
disease have low levels of this substance in their heart.
Further research suggest that CoQ10 may protect against blood clots, lower high
blood pressure, diminish irregular heartbeats, treat mitral valve prolapse,
lessen symptoms of Raynaud's disease and relieve chest pains (angina).
CoQ10 also appears to aid healing and reduce pain and bleeding in those with gum
disease, and speed recovery following oral surgery. CoQ10 shows some
promise against Parkinson's [44] and Alzheimer's Diseases and fibromyalgia.
[46].
For daily supplementation, the dosage range is from 30 - 100 mg, with the most
common dosage at 30 mg. It takes up to eight weeks to see results with CoQ10.
INTERACTIONS:Certain medications may have beneficial or harmful interactions
with coenzyme Q10:
- Atorvastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Doxorubicin (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Fluvastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Gemfibrozil (Depletion or interference)
- Lovastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Perphenazine (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Pravastatin (Depletion or interference)
- Propranolol (Depletion or interference)
- Simvastatin (Depletion or interference)
-Thioridazine (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Timolol (Side effect reduction/prevention)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (Depletion or interference)
- Warfarin (Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability)
The use of Warfarin and coenzyme Q-10 together increases your risk of excessive
bleeding. Coenzyme Q-10 may reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy. Some
drugs, such as those used to lower cholesterol (lovastatin, pravastatin,
simvastatin), blood sugar (glyburide, tolazamide) and blood pressure (beta
blockers such as Inderal, Lopressor), can alter coenzyme Q-10's effectiveness.
Also, people with diabetes should be aware that coenzyme Q-10 may decrease their
need for insulin.
Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/anti-aging.htm
