Scientists estimate that
once levels drop below the 25% deficiency level, many disease states
begin to flourish including high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression,
peridontal disease, lack of energy, weight gain and even early death.
Co-Q-10 and Energy
Co-Q-10 is also known as ubiquinone. It is a member of the quinone cyclic compounds
that may be considered a relative of some potent anti-cancer drugs. Co-Q-10 can add
or remove oxygen from biologically active molecules. Every cell of the body contains
many subcellular components called mitochondria, which produce 95% of the total energy
of the body. Co-Q-10 is an integral part of the membranes of the mitochondria where it
is involved in the production of ATP, the basic energy producing molecules of the cells.
The Heart and Blood pressure
Co-Q-10 can be synthesized within the body, none the less deficiency states have been reported.
Deficiency could be a result of impaired CoQ10 synthesis due to nutritional deficiencies, a genetic or
aquired defect in CoQ10 synthesis, or increased tissue needs. Cardiovascular diseases, including angina,
hypertension, mitral valve prolapse and conjestive heart failure are examples of diseases which require
increased tissue levels of CoQ10.
CoQ10 deficiency is common in individuals with heart disease. Heart tissue biopsies in patients with
various heart diseases showed a CoQ10 deficiency in 50-75 % of cases. Being one of the most metabolically
active tissues in the body, the heart may be unusually susceptable to the effects of a CoQ10 deficiency.
Accordingly CoQ10 has shown great promise in the treatment of heart disease. In one study 12 patients
with stable angina pectoris were treated with CoQ10 (150mg/day x 4 weeks) in a double-blind crossover trial.
Compared to the placebo, CoQ10 reduced the frequency of angina attacks by 53%. In addition, there was a
significant increase in treadmill exercise tolerance (time to onset of chest pain and time to development
of electrocardiogram abnormalities) during CoQ10 treatment. The results of this study and others suggest that
CoQ10 is a safe and effective treatment for angina pectoris and other heart disease.
Co-Q-10 and Weight Loss
It has been shown at the University of Texas and the University of Antwerp, Belguim, that obese people can
lose weight simply with the addition of CoQ10 to the diet. This research showed that obese people can have as
much as a 50% deficiency of CoQ10 in their tissues. People who eat a lot and yet stay slim have significantly
higher levels of CoQ10 in their blood. This great nutrient can increase metabolic fuel efficiency within your
cells stimulating natural weight loss.
C0Q10 and Peridontal Health
CoQ10 exerts its protective and strengthening action in all tissues. Working from the cellular level, it
strengthens the gums as well as the heart muscle. Many scientists believe that peridontal (gum) disease is a
good indicator of low levels of CoQ10 in other tissues. The American Dental Asso., states that at least 87%
of the American population has some sort of gum disease. This has been shown to be somewhat related to nutrition
and particularly to levels of CoQ10, which has been shown to have a good protective effect on gum tissue.
The C0Q10 Family
There are at least 10 common C0-Qs, that is, different sized molecules from C0Q-1 to C0Q-10. The liver can
utilize other C0-Qs to make C0Q10. If the liver is not functioning efficiently, body levels can be too low,
especially with advancing age or if disease is present. Our internal ability to produce C0Q10 declines with age, and
as we get older, we must rely more on our diet. Since most people do not eat the perfect diet we must rely on
supplementation to ensure wellness.
Is C0Q10 Safe
In tests of thousands of people, no toxicity has ever been shown no matter how high the amount. Plants and
animals get it from the soil, but we get it from the plants and animals that contain various C0-Qs. Taking a
supplement, for most people, would seem to be the best way and to know you are getting adequate coverage of C0Q10.
Information taken from:
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
By Michael Murry N.D and Joseph Pizzirno N.D 1991
Amino Acids
By Dr. Donsbach, DC, N.D, Ph.D., 1994
Copyright 1999 Sharon A Meadows Ph.D.
This article is reproduced with permission of
"The Health Informer".
