Monday 28 May 2012

The Powerful Vitamin-Like Coenzyme Q10 Is An Antioxidant

The  use of CoQ10 in heart disease has been  documented in trials.  CoQ10 deficiency is common in cardiac patients.  Biopsy results from heart tissue in patients with various cardiovascular diseases showed a CoQ10 deficiency in 50% to 75% of the cases 


Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is naturally present in foods, and can be synthesized by the body from the amino acid tyrosine during a multistage (17 stages) process requiring eight vitamins and several trace elements.

One of the best-known effects of this compound is its antioxidant qualities as well as the control it exercises on the flow of oxygen within cells, assistance with cardiovascular functioning, the production of energy, its assistance with absorption of other nutrients as well as its immune boosting properties.



“The  use of CoQ10 in heart disease has been  documented in trials.  CoQ10 deficiency is common in cardiac patients.  Biopsy results from heart tissue in patients with various cardiovascular diseases showed a CoQ10 deficiency in 50% to 75% of the cases”



It has been found to be effective with a variety of health problems, and great promise has been shown in assisting with cancer treatment, protecting patients undergoing chemotherapy. Studies showed that patients taking 90 mg of this compound experienced less pain and increase in appetite and decreased metastases.

Studies using 300 -900 mg, reported partial or total remission. People who stay thin and slim, yet eat a lot have much higher levels of this compound in their blood, and it also assists with fuel efficiency within the cells, which also assists weight loss.

People suffering from periodontal disease may also be deficient in this compound, as it has a protective and strengthening action in all tissues. (This is why it is also beneficial to the heart muscle.)

Deficiency of Coenzyme Q10

When we are deficient of this compound in our system, our general health will start deteriorating and should levels drop 25% below the optimum levels, many diseases may start progressing, diseases like high blood pressure, heart attack, angina, immune depression, periodontal disease, lack of energy and weight gain.

People suffering from congestive heart failure and taking coenzyme Q10 should NOT stop taking it suddenly since sudden withdrawal may intensify the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Dosage

The dosage underneath is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require per day, to ward off serious deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind.

No recommendation has been set.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake

Toxicity and side effects are not known, but pregnant or breast-feeding mothers should not take it in supplement form.

In extreme dosages, such as 600 - 1200 mg per day headaches, heartburn, fatigue, diarrhea and skin reactions have been reported.

Best used with

Since the compounds are fat soluble, it is best to take it with dietary fat present.

When more may be required

Should the liver perform under par, it cannot manufacture Q10 from the other Q coenzymes, and this production also diminish with age.

People suffering from angina, HIV, male infertility, diabetes, periodontal disease, high blood pressure, cancer and receiving chemotherapy could benefit from an increase in CoQ10.

Food sources of Coenzyme Q10

Good sources are found in beef, soy, mackerel, sardines, spinach, peanuts, soybeans and vegetable oil.


Note :

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant. This powerful vitamin-like substance is  essential to converting fats and sugars into energy in the body. C0Q10 is found in every plant and animal cell, and is concentrated in the human heart. CoQ10 is the second most important nutrient in the cardiovascular system after Nitric Oxide and research suggests that at least three out of four cardiovascular patients suffer from CoQ10 deficiency. When the body is deficient of CoQ10, metabolic function is impaired. This leads to tissues such as the heart, brain, and kidneys to suffer damage.

Benefits of CoQ10

~  Energy Enhancement:
CoQ10 enhances energy levels by assisting in the conversion of carbohydrates and fats to energy.

Improved Muscle Condition: 
CoQ10 helps prevent damage to muscles during exercise and increases stamina.

Better Athletic Performance: 
Studies of CoQ10 supplementation in sedentary individuals and athletes have shown improvement in physical function.

Cardiac Health: 
CoQ10 has been shown in many studies to significantly enhance the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Heart of the Matter

Science is finding that CoQ10 benefits a growing set of health concerns from cancer and diabetes to immune deficiency and the effects of aging. The single greatest benefit, though, is the promotion of a better functioning heart. CoQ10 can actually reverse or prevent the degeneration of the heart which often occurs in cardiovascular disease as a result of inflammation and free radical damage. Coenzyme Q10 provides optimal nutrition at the cellular level. It also acts as an antioxidant to prevent damage to healthy heart cells.

Statin Drug Connection

Many individuals are prescribed statin drugs which are designed to lower cholesterol levels. While there are natural alternatives to statin medications (such as Red Yeast Rice), it is important to follow the advice of your physician and, if necessary, follow a statin drug regimen. Of critical importance when taking a statin medication is CoQ10 levels. Statins deplete the body of CoQ10 which can negate any positive effects that the prescription offers. Anyone who takes a statin drug absolutely must supplement with CoQ10.

Recommended Dosage

Antioxidant support for optimal health: 200mg per day

Cardiovascular dysfunction: 400mg per day

Athletic Supplementation: 400-800mg per day

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