What is Coenzyme Q10 used for? - February 2012

Many people refer to it as CoQ10 but its full name is Coenzyme Q10.  First, there are at least two forms of this little gem; Ubiquinone is the less expensive form and the poorer absorbed.  The other form, Ubiquinol, is already converted, (which our system tends to do, before it is in a usable form), so it is more of a ready-to-use variety.

What is Coenzyme Q10 used for?  Well, for starters, scientists at the University of Texas have been using this substance to deal with congestive heart failure; those who grace the walls of the University of Maryland Medical Center seem to feel it is beneficial in cases of:

Heart Attack

Heart Failure

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol Levels

Diabetes             

Heart Damage from Chemotherapy

Heart Surgery

Gum Dis-ease etc.

These are a few of the uses for Coenzyme Q10.  People who have been taking statin drugs, for example,  would do well to include Coenzyme Q10, since the body generally produces its own CoQ10 supply and keeps it in reserve, with the drugs depleting its content.  The result?   Well, it has been shown that a shortage of CoQ10 can result in some pretty serious heart situations.  Taking those statin drugs may well be saving your life, but you should realize that they also may be depleting your system of a vital nutrient. 

Back to the two types mentioned. Ubiquinone is far less absorbed than its “rival”, Ubiquinol.  The latter offers a much higher assimilation, meaning it requires a lot less work to be used by the body.  So, especially for those who are elderly and/or have a “compromised” digestive system, Ubiquinol is a much more efficient form...at least, in my opinion.

Thus far, research has shown that CoQ10 can lower histamine levels, which should be good news for allergy sufferers.  Histamine, you see, is the substance we produce to fight off effects of little nasties, to which we are ‘allergic’. It’s the substance found in our eyes and nasal passages whenever we are subjected to airborne particulates that do not agree with our system.

What about various sources of CoQ10?
 We can obtain some by consuming certain foods, for example, foods like fish (for those who are not Vegetarians), spinach and peanuts.  Not a lot of foods containing this nutrient and CoQ10 is best taken/absorbed when consumed with oily or fatty foods, since it is considered oil soluble.

Let’s touch on a few key issues, regarding the importance of using CoQ10.  First, there is yet hope, regarding a health challenge that seems to be growing in numbers, daily: High Blood Pressure (possibly due to increases in various types of stresses). Both the University of Texas and the Centre for Adult Diseases in Japan have shown that consuming CoQ10 may actually lower blood pressure, while enhancing the immune system. And this may be accomplished without drastically altering one’s lifestyle!

It has been said that some doctors have actually used CoQ10 to successfully treat side effects of Cancer and its subsequent Chemotherapy sessions. There are, of course, no “validating” clinical studies to verify the accuracy of this, however.  But, usually, we find that, just because our trials do not emulate the clinical trials, there is not necessarily any justification for dismissing the results.  After all, not all things need be scrutinized by the medical establishment before they can be said to work.

Next, let’s take a look at some other positive attributes of CoQ10. For example, it is said to be highly effective in reducing the size of tumours and reducing some of the negative aspects of Leukemia. This was accomplished in experimental animals; humans, however, seem to respond equally as well to such treatment.

 Diabetes sufferers seem to be “coming out of the woodwork” these days.  Could it be due to the link found between dairy consumption and the permanent destruction of insulin-producing pancreas cells?  Perhaps. But that is not the topic here, so it may have to wait for another day – and another article.

Heart health is, understandably, of major concern.  Without this wonderful little pump, life comes to a grinding halt. CoQ10 is said to improve overall heart health, while strengthening said muscle. A stronger heart is generally a healthier one. Once the heart muscle is stronger and its workload is reduced, blood pressure tends to drop to a healthier level.

Since we end up with less CoQ10 as we age, it’s not a bad idea to supplement our already- healthy diet (joke) with some amount of CoQ10.  How much do we need?  That’s an excellent question, and one which I generally find almost impossible to determine, precisely.  Since everyone’s system varies, so do our bodies’ nutritional requirements.  For example, an active, athletic person may need less of a specific nutrient (or even more, actually); a “couch potato”, on the other hand, will likely require totally different amounts.    Metabolisms vary considerably too, so they dictate how much of specific nutrients we need.  Bottom line here is that anywhere from 60mg. to around 200mg. daily is suggested.  But then, it depends on whose book you read.  Mine says that the aforementioned amounts are quite sufficient for most people to experience improved health. It is advisable to consult your own Health Practitioner to get more specific, but, for now, the above amounts should help to offer signs of improved health for many.

If you are already on medication from your Doctor please check with them first before starting any new supplements.

David's Bio: For over 40 years, Dave Dixon has been a devout Vegetarian. During this time frame, he has become certified as a Nutritional Consultant, worked as a Fitness Trainer, a certified Reflexologist, Deep Muscle Therapist as well as Quantum Biofeedback Practitioner in the South Okanagan area. Dave currently has a biofeedback practice in Summerland ~ 1-778-516-1198. - Email