CoQ10 – (AKA: Coenzyme Q10, Ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble co-enzyme found in the body which is involved in the generation of ATP (our bodies energy source). It is synthesized in a complex process from the amino acid tyrosine and helps to create energy from glucose as part of a process called cellular respiration. High energy demand organs like the heart and liver require large levels of CoQ10 to function properly. The enzyme serves as a very strong anti-oxidant, which may be the reason it can be effective at fighting diseases. To get the same amount of CoQ10 as in one 30mg capsule, you would need to consume over 2 pounds of beef.

It was recently discovered that certain prescription drugs inhibit the synthesis of CoQ10. These drugs include cholesterol lowering statins and blood pressure medications called beta blockers. Some doctors may recommend supplementation with CoQ10 if these drugs are used over long periods. Researchers think that CoQ10 might reduce the risk of muscle damage that occurs sometimes with statins. It is unknown at this point how important co-administering coQ10 with these types of drugs is. But there have been many studies that show how effective Coq10 is at fight disease.

Heart Disease:

The heart contains the highest CoQ10 concentrations in the body, because of its need energy to pump blood around the body. Certain types of heart disease like “congestive heart failure” were shown to coincide with lower than normal levels of CoQ10 in the tissue and blood. Whether this is a cause or effect is not known. There have been multiple placebo controlled trials testing the effectiveness of adding CoQ10 to more common drug treatment regimens. Some studies showed that CoQ10 increased cardiac output and survival rates in patients with heart disease by over 2 years. One study(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19966871) showed that “plasma levels of CoQ10 [were] an independent predictor of survival” in HD patients and low levels coincided with the overall severity of the illness.

Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is very common and affects 25% of the population. Preliminary studies have shown that CoQ10 may be effective at treating hypertension. One paper that studied the relationship between CoQ10 and hypertension noted that full reduction in blood pressure took place after 1-3 months of treatment. It was also shown to increase the effectiveness of prescription blood pressure medication. Consult your doctor if you consider taking CoQ10 with other medications.

Parkinson’s disease:

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurological illness, that affects the movement and cognitive abilities of a sufferer. It is believed to be caused by the destruction of brain cells which produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. The neuron destruction in Parkinson’s Disease may have multiple causes, but its effects are progressive and chronic. A new study out of San Diego, California showed that CoQ10 “[slowed] the rate of deterioration in Parkinson’s disease”. It may protect brain cells from free radical damage and also increase energy output from poorly functioning mitochondria. CoQ10 may boost levels of dopamine which are deficient in Parkinson’s. Patients in this study had no side effects and were able to consume large doses without ill effect.

Diabetes:

CoQ10 was found to have no direct effect on blood sugar and does not lessen the need for medications to control blood sugar. But it may still have benefits to individuals with diabetes. People with diabetes were shown to have high levels of oxidative stress and high incidence of high blood pressure. CoQ10 has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels and lessen oxidative stress.

Side effects:

CoQ10 usually has minimal to no side effects. But some people noticed effects like insomnia, jitteriness, or heartburn. One important note is that CoQ10 may interact with the prescription drug Warfarin and may make it less effective. So if you are currently taking this drug you should speak with your doctor before taking CoQ10.