Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q 10 is essentially a vitamin, or a vitamin like substance. Although it still remains controversial in the treatment of diseases, what has been found about it is amazing. Coenzyme Q 10's alternate name, ubiquinone, stems from the word ubiquitous, which means “found everywhere”. Coenzyme Q 10 is an enzyme that is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functions of human cells. It also helps convert food into energy, and is a very powerful antioxidant.

So why would you need a supplement if your body is already producing this substance? The truth is, as we age, our Coenzyme Q 10 production decreases, which allows for more destruction to our cells. Not only does it decrease with age, but also with some diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, heart conditions, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and diabetes. Some medications can also alter the production of Coenzyme Q 10, as well as smoking. This doesn't necessarily mean your cells will stop working with out this, but they simple will not function at their highest capacity without a sufficient amount in your system. Taking Coenzyme Q 10 supplements can increase levels in the body, and therefore help cells function at a higher level.

Coenzyme Q 10 is found in the membranes of many organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and vesicles. These are predominantly found in the inner membrane of the mitochondria, where they work and generate energy for the cells. Without going in to too much chemistry, Coenzyme Q10 works in the electron transport chain to create ATP. Coenzyme Q 10 functions as an electron carrier from complex to complex, which is a very unique job, and cannot be done by anything else. Since this is a one of a kind job, it works in every single cell to produce energy. If you are confused about the electron transport chain, watch this video to get a quick glimpse of its purpose and functions.

Coenzyme Q 10 can also act as an antioxidant. As an energy carrier, it is constantly going through the oxidation-reduction cycle. To make it simple, when it accepts electrons, it becomes reduced. As it gives up electrons, it is oxidized. Ah ha! Simple, yet the opposite of what makes sense (welcome to chemistry). So, when Coenzyme Q 10 become reduced, or gives up electrons, it becomes an antioxidant! Coenzyme Q 10 also inhibits lipid peroxidation, which protects not only lipids (fats), but also proteins, from oxidation. This is something specific to Coenzyme Q 10, as many other antioxidants cannot do this. Coenzyme Q 10 also has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants, such as Vitamin E. The circulating Coenzyme Q 10 in LDL will actually prevent LDL oxidation. So what does that mean? It means that it will then provide benefits to cardiovascular diseases!

Coenzyme Q 10 is mainly found in the cells within the liver, pancreas, kidney, and heart. It can also be eaten in your diet in very small amounts in seafood and meat, and is also manufactured to be used as medicine. Coenzyme Q 10 has been used to treat a large number of diseases: congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, and many more. One top of helping cure diseases, it is also known to have a helpful affect in the following areas:

Increased immune system, especially for those with HIV or AIDS
Helps male infertility
Increase exercise tolerance
Increased energy
Migraine headaches
Hair loss treatments

If you would like to see a more in depth description of the specific Coenzyme Q 10 benefits, visit : http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm

Or watch this video on the benefits from Dr. Ray Sahelian, MD:

Coenzyme Q 10 concentrations are highest in the first 20 years of life. By age 80, Coenzyme Q 10 concentrations can be lower than at birth! Ridiculous! This is something that we need to be more aware of, especially as we have the power to keep up our Coenzyme Q 10 levels. You may be thinking, is this something that can increase my life span? So far, scientists have been able to increase the life span with this in bacteria, but not in rats. Further research will need to be conducted in order to determine whether or not this is something than can be applied to the life span of a human being.

If you are interested in supplementing your diet with Coenzyme Q 10, we have already researched a few of the top supplements. If you are over the age of 20, this is something I would recommend. But as always, feel free to speak with your provider first. Enjoy!

Coenzyme Q10 60 mg Softgel 100 Softgels CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a micronutrient essential to all human life. It is a naturally occurring nutrient that works as a co-factor in the body's electron transport system where all of the body's energy is derived. CoQ10 regulates the flow of oxygen moving in and out of the mitochondria, which are the cell's power plants. The body's cellular power plants can?t function without CoQ10. Declines in CoQ10 levels occur with advancing age and appear to be correlated with deterioration of the immune system. Supplementation with CoQ10 could help to boost energy levels, strengthen and protect the heart and blood vessels, enhance the immune system and protect against free radical damage. Like all muscles, the heart needs adequate energy to contract, and CoQ10 facilitates the production of that energy. In those with coronary heart disease, supplementation may reduce the frequency of angina episodes and increases the amount of physical exercise that a person can perform before developing angina pain. Tissues that need the largest amounts of CoQ10, like the heart, are those that require the most energy.

Botanic Choice CoQ-10 with Fish Oils 60 softgels CoEnzyme Q-10 Plus Essential Fatty Acids