Co-enzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is naturally found in the mitochondria of our cells where energy is produced. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the major energy source of our cells and many biological processes in our bodies are reliant on this energy. Co-enzyme Q10 is involved in the production of ATP and therefore plays a vital role in energy levels.
Even though CoQ10 is produced in our bodies, its production starts to decrease after age 20 and a rapid decline sets in after age 40. Another superior feature of coenzyme Q10 is its anti-oxidative ability. Co-enzyme Q10 is taken as a food supplement by many people because of its recognition as a vital nutrient for optimal health. [1][2][3]
Co-enzyme Q10 as an antioxidant
Free radicals are damaging particles that occur naturally in the body and external or environmental toxins like smoking, radiation, air pollution and ultraviolet light can make these particles multiply in numbers. These free radicals have been connected to premature aging and illness. Anti-oxidant substances like CoQ10 are thought to scavenge these free radicals and neutralize them in order to limit or even prevent the damage they cause. [1]
Health benefits of CoQ10
The applications of Co-enzyme Q10 in the treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders relating to oxidative stress is widely supported. Some of the most prominent potential uses for Co-Q10 supplementation involve cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure and other heart conditions. Co-enzyme Q10 may also be beneficial for a number of other conditions like compromised immune systems, diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
Heart disease
It is believed that the antioxidant, anti-clotting properties of CoQ10 along with its likely function of improving the production of energy in the cells of the body are what make it beneficial for heart health. Co-Q10 may furthermore have a beneficial effect on atherosclerosis, which is a leading factor in heart disease. [1][4]
High blood pressure
Co-enzyme Q10 may have a lowering effect on blood pressure in people who suffer from high blood pressure. It has also been found that people with high blood pressure have low levels of CoQ10. [1][2][5]
High Cholesterol levels
People with high cholesterol levels tend to have lower levels of CoQ10 when compared to other individuals of the same age group. Which shows that supplementation may have potential benefits for lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the body. [1]
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart doesn’t pump blood effectively and through this causes the pooling of blood in certain body parts. Levels of Co-enzyme Q10 have been found to be low in people suffering from this condition. Some medical experts argue that CoQ10 supplementation could improve exercise tolerance, aid in the reduction of leg swelling and reduce excess fluids in the lungs to ease breathing in people with CHF. [1][5]
Heart surgery
It has been suggested that Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation in the time before heart surgery may be beneficial because it possibly reduces damage from free radicals, strengthens the functioning of the heart and reduces the occurrence of arrhythmia (irregular beating of the heart) during recovery from the surgery. [1]
Immunodeficiency
It has been reported that the degree of immunodeficiency is directly related to plasma levels of CoQ10. Research is starting to show that Co-Q10 supplementation may be advantageous in giving the immune system a boost. [1]
Diabetes
As it is a condition of weakened energy metabolism and raised oxidative stress, Co-enzyme Q10 levels have been connected to diabetes mellitus. Plasma levels of CoQ10 seem to be lower in people suffering from diabetes. Studies have shown that supplementation with CoQ10 is safe for diabetic patients as it does not interfere with the management of the disease. [1][2][5]
Weight control
Emerging studies are now suggesting that CoQ10 may play a role in the regulation of fat metabolism. Co-enzyme Q10 may prove to be a molecular target in the management of obesity and for weight control in general. [6]
Neurodegenerative diseases
Although more research is needed, some studies are beginning to indicate that Co-enzyme Q10 may be beneficial in the management of neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, it has been suggested that CoQ10 levels may be a predicting factor for the development of dementia. [1][5][7][8]
Future possibilities
Co-enzyme Q10 holds many possibilities for the future. Research on Co-Q10 is starting to reveal even more possibilities than we could imagine. Various preliminary studies are suggesting that CoQ10 may even:
- Enhance fertility through increasing sperm motility
- Improve athletic performance
- Reduce the damage caused by strokes
- Be beneficial in the management of Alzheimer’s disease
- Increase energy levels in individuals suffering from fatigue syndromes
- Be used in the management of fibromyalgia
- Be beneficial for the improvement of fatigue and depression in Multiple Sclerosis
Who knows what other promising “super-powers” are yet to be discovered from Co-enzyme Q10. [1][9][10]
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