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Coenzyme Q10 - Benefits, Deficiency Symptoms And Food Sources

Alternative name :: Ubiquinone

What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance found in all parts of the body whose actions resemble those of vitamin E. It may be an even more powerful antioxidant. It is also called ubiquinone. There are ten common substances designated coenzyme Q10, but coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in human tissue. This substance plays a critical role in the production of energy in every cell of the body. It aids circulation, stimulates the immune system, increases tissue oxygenation, and has vital anti-aging effects. Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease, diabetes, and muscular dystrophy.

Coenzyme Q10 was first isolated from the mitochondria of beef heart as yellow substance by Dr. Frederick Crane in 1957 then working at University of Wisconsin, well known for its vitamin researches in the mid 20th century. In 1958, Dr. Folkers and collaborators at Merck synthesized Coenzyme Q10 in the laboratory. By mid 1980, Coenzyme Q10 became widely available as commercial products and became increasingly popular along with reports from numerous scientific research and clinical trials. The University of Texas and the Center for Adult Diseases in Japan, coenzyme Q10 was shown to be able to lower high blood pressure without medication or dietary changes.

Benefits of Coenzyme Q10

Research has revealed that supplemental coenzyme Q10 has the ability to counter histamine, and therefore is beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory disease. It is used by many health care professionals to treat anomalies of mental function such as those associated with schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. It is also beneficial in fighting obesity, candidiasis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Coenzyme Q10 appears to be a giant step forward in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. A six­year study conducted by scientists at the University of Texas found that people being treated for congestive heart failure who took coenzyme Q10 in addition to conventional therapy had a 75-percent chance of survival after three years, compared with a 25-percent survival rate for those using conventional therapy alone. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality in 'experimental animals afflicted with tumors and leukemia. Some doctors give their patients coenzyme Q10 to reduce the side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Coenzyme Q10 is widely used in Japan . More than 12 million people in that country are reportedly taking it at the direction of their physicians for treatment of heart disease (it strengthens the heart muscle) and high blood pressure, and also to enhance the immune system. Research in Japan has shown that coenzyme Q10 also protects the stomach lining and duodenum, and may help heal duodenal ulcers.

Every bodily system in the older person would benefit from Coenzyme Q10 intake. Coenzyme Q10 will be especially helpful for enhancing immune system function, cardiovascular performance, liver and kidney functions. and for those who suffer heart failure or congestive heart failure. and liver and kidney performance.

Recommended Dosage of Coenzyme Q10

The minimum Recommended Dosage Allowance of Coenzyme Q10 are from 10-30 mg daily. Therapeutic dosages of Coenzyme Q10 for serious diseases range from 200-400 mg. daily, ideally under a physician's supervision.

Deficiency Symptoms of Coenzyme Q10

Symptoms of Coenzyme Q10 deficiency includes :-

• Chronic fatigue
• Cardiac failure due to different causes.
• Chronic malnutrition.

Rich Food Sources of Coenzyme Q10

Mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain the largest amounts of coenzyme Q10. It is also found in beef, peanuts, and spinach.

Some more information on Coenzyme Q10

The amount of coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over the age of fifty. A sublingual form containing 50 milligrams of this vital nutrient, available from Food Science Laboratories, is an especially easy to assimilate supplement. Nature's Plus and Carlson Labs both make soft gel-capsules of coenzyme Q10 in dosage levels up to 100 milligrams. Oil-based forms are best.

Cautions

Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and is best absorbed when taken with oily or fatty foods, such as fish. Be cautious when purchasing coenzyme Q10. Not all products offer it in its purest form. Its natural color is dark bright yellow to orange, and it has very little taste in the powdered form. It should be kept away from heat and light. Pure coenzyme Q10 is perishable and deteriorates in temperatures above 115 F. A liquid or oil form is preferable. Look for a product that includes a small amount of vitamin E, as this helps to preserve the coenzyme Q10.