Coenzyme Q10
"Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also called ubiquinone, a name that signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in the human body. CoQ10 is used by the body to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs."
"CoQ10 is found primarily in fish and meat, but the amounts in food are far less than what can be obtained from supplements."
Angina Heart attack High blood pressure Cardiomyopathy Cerebellar ataxia (familial) Congestive heart failure Gingivitis (periodontal disease) Halitosis (if gum disease) Macular degeneration (in combination with acetyl-L-carnitine and fish oil) Migraine headaches Parkinson’s disease Renal (kidney) failure Type 2 diabetes Alzheimer’s disease Athletic performance Breast cancer Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) HIV support Infertility (male) Insulin resistance syndrome (Syndrome X) Lung cancer Muscular dystrophy Prostate cancer Type 1 diabetes
"Deficiency is poorly understood, but it may be caused by synthesis problems in the body rather than an insufficiency in the diet. Low blood levels have been reported in people with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), morbid obesity, hypertension, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, AIDS, and in some people on kidney dialysis. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) may be deficient in CoQ10 because of dietary restrictions. CoQ10 levels are also generally lower in older people. The test used to assess CoQ10 status is not routinely available from medical laboratories."
"Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30–90 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician). Most of the research on heart conditions has used 90–150 mg of CoQ10 per day. People with cancer who consider taking much higher amounts should discuss this issue with a doctor before supplementing. There are several anecdotal reports of large amounts of CoQ10 resulting in improvements in certain types of cancer. However, controlled trials are needed to confirm these preliminary observations. Most doctors recommend that CoQ10 be taken with meals to improve absorption."
"Congestive heart failure patients who are taking CoQ10 should not discontinue taking CoQ10 supplements unless under the supervision of a doctor. An isolated test tube study reported that the anticancer effect of a certain cholesterol-lowering drug was blocked by addition of CoQ10. So far, experts in the field have put little stock in this report because its results have not yet been confirmed in animal, human, or even other test tube studies. The drug used in the test tube is not used to treat cancer, and preliminary information regarding the use of high amounts of CoQ10 in humans suggests the possibility of anticancer activity. Certain medicines may interact with coenzyme Q10. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines."