What does Co-enzyme Q10 do for me!?

Co-enzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is often prescribed to people with cardio-vascular diseases.

Co-enzyme Q10 has been shown to improve cellular energy, the essential energy for life. That is because the body's cells use CoQ10 for aerobic metabolism.  Aerobic metabolism provides energy for cell growth and maintenance. High levels of CoQ10 are normally found in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. CoQ10 has shown effectiveness in the treatment of certain cardiovascular diseases, including congestive heart failure, certain types of cancer and gum disease. 

The body makes CoQ10, so it is technically not considered a vitamin. However, many researchers believe that humans do not make an adequate amount of CoQ10, and therefore need to supplement it for optimal health.  One report indicated that it actually increased the life span of laboratory animals up to 56 percent. Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body. This is also true for blood pressure and heart rate drugs known as beta-blockers.

CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant, more powerful than vitamin C or E.  Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, (very active molecules which usually contain oxygen). Free radicals can damage lipids, or fats in the cell membrane, and can also damage DNA, the substance of our genes.  Free radicals also suppress the body's natural immune system.

CoQ10 also appears to raise the level of some disease fighting white blood cells.  CoQ10 has an added benefit of protecting the liver from the effects of chemotherapy, drugs and alcohol abuse.

CoQ10 is widely used in Japan and Europe and for the treatment of heart failure, angina, heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure. There have been no serious side effects noted with this supplement.

It is reasonable to take 100 milligrams of CoQ10 daily.