COENZYME Q10:

THE WAY TO A HEALTHY HEART

· CoQIO and Heart Disease
· CoQ10 and Hypertension
· CoQIO and Ischemia

The popularity of Coenzyme Q10 supplements has become a worldwide phenomenon due to its well researched effects on the prevention of disease. Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance with a structure resembling that of vitamin K.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQIO) also known as ubiquinone, is one of the substances that drive the chain reactions which produce energy from the metabolism of food. Because of its importance to cellular function almost every living cell contains CoQIO. The concentration of CoQIO varies in the tissues, but in humans is found in relatively high concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Commercially, CoQIO is produced through a natural fermentation process that does not require the use of animals.

CoQIO and Heart Disease:
A review of over 67 clinical studies involving hundreds of individuals taking CoQIO, has substantiated its use in heart muscle disease, arrhythmia's, and strokes. In a study published in 1990, CoQIO significantly improved the survival rate of cardiomyopathy patients and compared favorable to more traditional medical treatments involving the use of drugs. In Japan, CoQIO has been approved for use in congestive heart failure. Coenzyme Q10 has also shown promise in reducing blood viscosity in patients with ischemic heart disease and in decreasing the formation of lipid peroxidation.

CoQIO and Ischemia:
Several double-blind studies comparing oral CoQIO to a placebo, showed that CoQIO supplementation caused a significant reduction in exercise-induced electrocardiogram abnormalities. These studies indicate that CoQIO has a favorable effect on exercise tolerance with ischemic patients. A major concern in cardiac surgery is the damage caused to the myocardium due to the restriction of blood flow. Again CoQIO has been shown to play a protective role by reducing this damage and limiting the potential for serious complications such as angina and heart failure.

Hypertension and CoQIO:
Twenty-five patients suffering from essential hypertension were given supplemental CoQIO at a dosage of 60 mg per day for a period of eight weeks. The results showed a highly significant decrease in blood pressure with a majority demonstrating a mean blood pressure reduction of 10% or more.

CoQIO and Immune Function:
There have been a number of studies concerned with the enhancing effects of CoQIO in animals and man. Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to increase phagocytic activity of macrophages and thus their ability to attack foreign organisms in the body. A study on humans with a variety of conditions such as cancer and diabetes, indicated that supplementation with CoQIO significantly enhanced levels of immunoglubulins in the blood.

Dosage:In most studies the usual dosage of CoQIO used to help correct various health problems was between 60-200 mg per day. Since CoQIO is a fat soluble nutrient and remains in the body for several days, healthy individuals may only need to take 60-100 mg every other day. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.