Coenzyme Q10

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. While dietary measures and exercise play an important role in preventing heart attacks, a general resistance to lifestyle alterations suggests that a fortifying substance is needed to keep the heart functioning properly. Research indicates that substance may come in the form of a nutrient called Coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring molecule similar in structure to vitamin K.

Its presence assists with the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), upon which all cellular functions depend. In addition, Coenzyme Q10s antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties prevent cellular damage resulting from normal metabolic processes. Large concentrations of CoQ10 are packed into the heart muscle cells, which have a high-energy requirement.*

CoQ10 is popular as a supplementary treatment for several heart conditions in Europe, Israel, and Japan. Researchers believe that CoQ10 aids the heart during times of stress, possibly by helping it to use energy in a more efficient manner. It is most commonly used for congestive heart failure (CHF); however, research has showed that it may be of benefit in other illnesses, including AIDS, angina, cancer, diabetes, male infertility, muscular dystrophy, and obesity. However, there is no clinical proof of its effectivness in treating these conditions.*

Research by Shults, et al. (Archives of Neurology 2002; 59:1541-1550) suggests that Coenzyme Q10 could slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease in people in the early stage of the disease. Results after eight months of treatment with 1,200 mg a day of coenzyme Q10 revealed that patients treated with the supplement were fairing significantly better than those given a placebo. So much so that they exhibited a 44 percent reduction in disease progression, compared with the placebo group. Event patients treated with the lowest dose of the supplement (300 mg a day) were more able to carry out simple daily activities (for example, dressing and washing), and demonstrated better mental functioning and mood.*

CoQ10 is also known to help prevent aging of the skin, and is a common ingredient in many moisturizers.*