The supplement, more commonly known as CoQ10, re-creates a vitamin-like substance that occurs naturally in every cell of the human body and is essential . . . → Read More: New Research Suggests CoQ10 May Aid Fertility]]>

Can the supplement Coenzyme Q10 help older women get pregnant? According to an article appearing on CTV.ca, the website for Canada’s largest private television broadcast network, preliminary evidence suggests it may be true.

The supplement, more commonly known as CoQ10, re-creates a vitamin-like substance that occurs naturally in every cell of the human body and is essential to the manufacture of energy at the cellular level. Levels of the substance drop as we age, which has led to its availability in supplement form. CoQ10 supplements are often prescribed to help people recover from heart surgery, and mounting evidence suggests that it can play a significant role in preventing heart disease as well as treating and preventing a number of age-related disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease.

A preliminary fertility study associated with Mt. Sinai Hospital suggests that supplemental CoQ10 may also have a positive effect on the eggs of aging female animals. In the study, the eggs of middle-aged female mice who were given supplemental CoQ10 appeared to rejuvenate, and they became pregnant more frequently and had more babies in their litters.

The outstanding results obtained with mice have led the Toronto Centre for Advanced Reproductive Technology to organize a similar study with human subjects. According to the article, researchers are in the midst of a trial on older women undergoing in-vitro fertilization, with some getting a placebo, the others getting the supplement. The study will test whether taking 1,200 mg of CoQ10 a day can lead to a higher number of chromosomally normal eggs.

For more details on these studies, you can read the entire article here. Although there is currently no official Recommended Dietary Allowance for CoQ10, clinical trials using doses as small as 30 mg per day have been associated with measureable improvements in patients with heart failure. The 1,200 mg dosage being tested in the study should not necessarily be treated as a general guideline for CoQ10 supplementation. Experts differ in their recommendations, and it’s important to check with your own physician before taking supplements of any kind.

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural vitamin-like substance manufactured by the body itself. Present mainly in the cellular mitochondria, or energy production center, . . . → Read More: CoQ10 Benefits For The Elderly: Help For Congestive Heart Failure]]>

Research suggests that one of the most significant CoQ10 benefits for the elderly may lie in the treatment and perhaps even prevention of congestive heart failure, one of the most critical age-related illnesses and conditions.

Coenzyme Q10 is a natural vitamin-like substance manufactured by the body itself. Present mainly in the cellular mitochondria, or energy production center, CoQ10 is a key component in the actual energy production process. Though the coenzyme is present in every cell of the body, the organs which require the most energy – the heart, liver, and kidneys – have the highest concentrations of CoQ10.

The coenzyme is also a powerful antioxidant, capable of preventing and even repairing the damage done by free radicals (chemically imbalanced molecules that are produced when cells interact with oxygen), which scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact.

The older we get, the more we need … but the less we produce

Because free radical damage is strongly associated with virtually all age-related diseases and conditions, the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 become increasingly important as we get older. However, the body’s production of the coenzyme has been shown to reach a peak in most people at some time in the early twenties and drops off sharply thereafter; by the mid-40s the body’s production of CoQ10 drops to 70 percent, and to 50 percent at age 80.

Since dietary sources of the coenzyme are limited (oily fish, organ meats, and whole grains), for most older people supplementation is the primary means of maintaining CoQ10 sufficiency.

Studies Link Low CoQ10  To Congestive Heart Failure

Coenzyme Q10 has long been recognized as crucial to the health and efficient operation of the heart and cardiovascular system. More than three decades of research have clearly demonstrated an indisputable link between congestive heart failure – one of the most pervasive and life-threatening conditions among the very elderly – and very low blood levels of the coenzyme.

Congestive heart failure, or the impairment of the heart’s ability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, can arise from a number of causes, ranging from disease processes such as coronary artery disease or thyroid disorders to high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, and even prolonged alcohol abuse.

Though heart failure can happen at any point in life, it becomes increasingly common with age and is a pervasive problem among the elderly; the condition effects about 1% of people 50 years of age, while about 25% of people 85 have some degree of heart failure.

In the US, about 5 million people are diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and about half a million new cases are diagnosed each year. CHF is the most common reason for Medicare patients to be admitted to hospitals.

How CoQ10 Helps Congestive Heart Failure

CoQ10 is believed to increase energy production in the heart muscle. This is supported by studies revealing that most patients with heart failure have measurably lower levels of the coenzyme in their heart muscles, and double-blind research suggests that increasing CoQ10 levels may reduce symptoms including shortness of breath, swelling of limbs, and difficulty sleeping.

Researchers stress that the current concepts of how CoQ10 helps heart failure are limited to a relatively small number of studies and clinical trials, noting that additional research is needed to clearly establish what, if any, role the coenzyme plays in improving the quality of life for CHF patients.

A naturally occurring compound that is found in all cells, CoQ10  helps convert fats and sugars . . . → Read More: CoQ10 Benefits Include Solutions to Common Age-Related Problems]]>

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or Vitamin Q, is one of the most promising tools in the anti-aging arsenal. Research has proven that CoQ10 benefits include playing a role in the treatment and prevention of a host of age-related disorders.

A naturally occurring compound that is found in all cells, CoQ10  helps convert fats and sugars to energy. It is a very powerful antioxidant and as such can neutralize free radicals, which are damaging compounds  believed to contribute to the aging process as well as serious health problems including heart disease and cancer. Since the body’s production of CoQ10 decreases with age, ongoing research is focusing on how deficiencies or declining levels of CoQ10 effect health. The effect of supplemental doses of CoQ10 has shown extremely promising results with regard to a number of age-related disorders.

Treatment and Prevention of Heart Disease: It is known that people with congestive heart failure have low levels of CoQ10. Clinical studies have shown that supplemental doses of this compound can have a significant positive effect on the effects of heart disease, including inhibiting blood clot formation and reducing swelling and the pooling of blood in lungs and legs. One important study found that people who received supplements within three days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks, chest pain, or heart disease.

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol Treatment: Ongoing clinical studies suggest that a regular course of CoQ10 supplements may lower blood pressure. It is known that common cholesterol-lowering medications deplete the levels of this coenzyme and it has been found that supplemental doses correct the deficiency, providing crucial antioxidant protection without effecting the drugs’ efficacy.

Diabetes Management: Though additional studies on the effect of supplements on diabetes are needed, clinical studies show a lot of promise. It is thought that supplements of this compound may assist in the regulation of blood sugar and help prevent common diabetes-related problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Breast cancer: Studies that used CoQ10 supplements in conjunction with Vitamins C, E, and Selenium suggest that this combination of powerful antioxidants may actually shrink tumors, reduce pain, and could even induce partial remission in some patients.

Periodontal (gum) disease: One of the most pervasive problems associated with aging, gum disease is associated with swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums and can lead to the loss of teeth. People with gum disease tend to have low levels of the compound in their gums. Studies using supplemental doses in the form of a mouth rinse resulted in faster healing and tissue repair.

Improved Immune Function: While this aspect of CoQ10 benefits is still being studied, a growing body of research indicated that supplemental dosages can result in significantly improved immune function, both in people with AIDS and in those with chronic yeast, bacterial, and viral infections.

Increased Energy, Stamina, and Endurance: The antioxidant properties of the compound have been repeatedly shown to dramatically boost energy levels in older people.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, plays an important role in many aspects of health. A naturally-occurring vitamin-like substance found in every cell, the coenzyme is essential . . . → Read More: What Is The Optimum CoQ10 Dosage For You?]]>

Is there an optimum daily CoQ10 dosage that will deliver maximum benefits? Officially speaking the answer is no, but experts agree that the older you get, the more you need.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, plays an important role in many aspects of health. A naturally-occurring vitamin-like substance found in every cell, the coenzyme is essential to the production of energy at the cellular level. This makes it crucial to all body systems and of particular importance to the organs that require the most energy, including the heart and cardiovascular system.

CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant, which makes it even more important as we age. Antioxidants are capable of preventing and even reversing cellular damage done by free radicals, which are chemically imbalanced molecules that scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact. Free radical damage is strongly associated with virtually all age-related disorders.

How Much CoQ10 Do We Really Need?

At this time no official Recommended Daily Intake has been set for CoQ10, but it is generally agreed that “average” intake of the coenzyme is somewhere between 30 and 90 IU per day. However, many experts assert that much higher doses are necessary to achieve maximum benefits, and research appears to support higher dosages as both safe and effective.

In clinical trials dosages far exceeding the average daily intake have provided significant positive effects with no negative effects. For example, a Baker Heart Research Institute review and analysis of dozens of studies and clinical trials done over more than a decade concluded that intake of up to 300 IU per day of CoQ10 is likely to have beneficial effects for patients with heart failure, high blood pressure, cardiac arrythmias, and post-cardiac surgery patients.

Even very high CoQ10 dosage is supported by research on its usefulness in treating or preventing a number of other age-related conditions, including Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease. In tests, dosages of up to 2400 IU per day were shown to be safe and well-tolerated, and appeared to significantly slow the progress of both diseases.

Is Supplementation A Must For Maximum CoQ10 Benefits?

While there is no universally accepted standard for the amount of the coenzyme that we need, some basic guidelines appear to apply. For people aged 40 and under, the average daily intake of 30 to 90 IU may be sufficient, while people over 40 may require more to see maximum benefits.

Individuals with specific health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and periodontal disease to name just a few, may benefit from significantly higher dosages but should consult with a physician before starting supplementation.

Minimal side effects have been observed, and those (which can include upset stomach, headache, and insomnia) generally subside on their own. The effects of the coenzyme are not generally immediately apparent, and a program of supplementation may need to be continued for several months in order to see maximum benefits.

Understanding Cholesterol

It’s easy to think of cholesterol as a cardiovascular villain, but in reality it’s a perfectly natural substance that’s essential to every cell in our bodies. . . . → Read More: The CoQ10 And Cholesterol Connection]]>

Is there a CoQ10 and cholesterol connection? Science says yes, and research shows that coenzyme Q10 can enhance heart health by helping to prevent cholesterol-related buildup in the circulatory system.

Understanding Cholesterol

It’s easy to think of cholesterol as a cardiovascular villain, but in reality it’s a perfectly natural substance that’s essential to every cell in our bodies. It’s a waxy, fat-like compound that’s crucial to building and maintaining strong cell walls. It’s also important to the production of essential hormones and plays a role in the digestive process.

Cholesterol is naturally manufactured by the liver, but is also present in animal-based foods including meats, eggs, and dairy products. It only becomes a problem when excess amounts of it are present in the body. This can be caused by a number of factors, but the leading one is dietary intake of high-fat animal-based foods.

HDL, LDL, and CoQ10

Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream via molecules called lipoproteins, which are complex particles made up of varying ratios of fats (lipids) and protein. LDL or “bad cholesterol” is carried by low density lipoproteins. When levels of LDL cholesterol exceed the body’s demand for it, the excess LDL molecules can oxidize and contribute to the formation of atherosclerosis, the potentially deadly buildup of plaque in the blood vessels.

HDL or “good cholesterol” is carried by high density lipoproteins that transport excess LDL molecules back to the liver, where it is synthesized as bile or moved into the intestines for excretion. Extensive research has proven that high levels of HDL cholesterol correlates strongly with positive health outcomes, particularly in regard to cardiovascular health.

The connection between CoQ10 and cholesterol is a complex one. Coenzyme Q10, a natural vitamin-like substance found in every cell, doesn’t actually lower LDL levels or increase the levels of HDL but it can nevertheless play an important role in cholesterol management. Because it is a powerful antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 helps keep LDL molecules from oxidizing and creating the buildup of cholesterol that eventually leads to atherosclerosis. Studies show that people with high LDL cholesterol counts tend to have low blood levels of CoQ10.

CoQ10, Statins, and Heart Health

In addition, commonly-prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins appear to deplete natural levels of CoQ10 in the body. Since CoQ10 is essential to the production of energy at the cellular level and is particularly crucial to heart function, depletion of the coenzyme can have serious health consequences.

A growing body of research indicates that CoQ10 sufficiency is absolutely essential to overall health, and is of particular benefit to the efficient working of the heart and circulatory system. The importance of the coenzyme has been recognized in Canada, where statins must carry a warning label stating that they may seriously deplete levels of CoQ10. Though no such warning is required in the US, many experts advocate CoQ10 supplementation for patients on statin therapy.

A naturally-occurring substance found in every cell in the human body, Coenzyme Q10 plays a dual role in maintaining health. Not only is it an essential component in the production of of energy at the . . . → Read More: CoQ10 Benefits Keep You Sparkling Through The Holiday Season]]>

Can CoQ10 benefits keep you sparkling through the stressful holiday season? The answer is a resounding yes, particularly if you’re over 50.

A naturally-occurring substance found in every cell in the human body, Coenzyme Q10 plays a dual role in maintaining health. Not only is it an essential component in the production of of energy at the cellular level, it is also a powerful antioxidant capable of preventing, repairing, and even reversing cellular damage.

Though the body produces the coenzyme naturally, our capacity to manufacture it reaches at peak at about 20 years of age and declines rapidly thereafter.

A power producer that keeps your body going strong
In its energy producing capacity, CoQ10 is an essential part of maintaining the normal function of the body’s most important systems. It is found in the mitochondria of every cell, where it helps transform fats and sugars into usable energy. The organs that use the most energy – the heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain – have the highest concentrations of the coenzyme.

A growing bank of international research confirms that maintaining adequate levels of coemzyme Q10 can increase energy, stamina, and endurance and even help prevent a host of common yet serious illnesses and conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

During the holiday season, when busy schedules wear us down and lavish meals and party snacks can wreak havoc on our healthy diet programs, maintaining sufficient blood levels of the coemzyme is particularly important. When blood levels drop into the area of deficiency, the cells can’t generate as much energy and exertion leaves us feeling more tired for a longer time. In addition, CoQ10 deficiency makes the metabolic process less efficient and as a result our bodies don’t get maximum benefit from food.

Reducing the effect of party food and holiday toasts
In its role as an antioxidant, CoQ10 can help us get through the hectic and stressful holiday season without sustaining significant damage from the free radicals that may be produced by drinking, smoking, and eating a less-than-healthy diet. Chemically imbalanced molecules that are produced by cellular oxidation, free radicals scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact. Free radical damage is implicated in a host of illnesses and health problems, including most age-related conditions.

Whenever the body and its systems are stressed by external factors, including alcohol and smoking, free radical damage is a risk. In addition, studies have shown that excess sugar in the system can actually boost the production of these damaging molecules.

Coenzyme Q10 can effectively neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging other cells.

How much is enough?
At this time no Recommended Dietary Allowance for CoQ10 has been set, but average intake is generally considered to include the range from 30 to 90 IU per day. Experts disagree on exactly how much of the coenzyme we need to realize maximum benefits, but clinical trials have shown that trial dosages of as much as 1000 to 2000 IU per day can be both safe and effective.

There are no contraindications for CoQ10, but individuals are advised to consult with a physician before starting and supplementation program.

Though the body generates its own supply of this crucial substance, there’s a biological irony at work: the amount of C0Q10 the aging body manufactures is inversely proportionate to how much it . . . → Read More: Do You Need Increase Dosage To Get Maximum CoQ10 Benefits?]]>

Do you need to up your daily dosage in order to get maximum CoQ10 benefits? If you’re over 40, chances are the answer is yes.

Though the body generates its own supply of this crucial substance, there’s a biological irony at work: the amount of C0Q10 the aging body manufactures is inversely proportionate to how much it requires. Simply put, the older we get and the less of it we can produce, the more it we need.

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring vitamin-like substance that is found in the mitochondria, or energy production center, of every cell in the human body. It plays a unique dual role in maintaining health, functioning as both a key factor in the production of energy at the cellular level and as powerful antioxidant capable of preventing and even repairing cellular damage.

Essential To Health For Aging Hearts
A growing body of research indicates that CoQ10 is absolutely critical to heart health, particularly as we age. As an energy producer it is essential to efficient heart function, and clinical studies show that it has been a valuable adjuvant treatment for post-heart attack patients. In addition, a course of supplemental CoQ10 taken before heart surgery is believed to minimize post-surgical complications like arrythmias.

Protection Against Age-Related Illnesses
CoQ10′s formidable antioxidant properties make it invaluable in helping the body fight the ravages of free radicals, chemically unbalanced molecules that are formed as a byproduct when cells interact with oxygen. Free radicals scavenge and damage the cells with which they interact, and this damage has been shown to be a major factor in almost all age-related disorders.

Supplemental CoQ10 has proven to be a valuable addition to the treatment of a number of age-related conditions, including Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Though research is ongoing, it is believed that the coenzyme attacks these diseases on multiple fronts, enhancing the immune system and reducing neural inflammation with its energy producing capability and at the same time neutralizing and perhaps even repairing free radical damage.

How Much CoQ10 Do We Need?
No RDA has been set and experts disagree on the optimum amount needed to maintain health and achieve the maximum CoQ10 benefits. The average intake of the coenzyme is generally considered to be somewhere in the 30 – 90 IU range, but research appears to support significantly higher supplementation. In clinicsal trials dosages up to and even exceeding 1000 IU per day have been shown to have demonstrable positive effects.

There are no contraindications for supplementation but experts agree that it’s important to check with one’s physician before starting any supplements.