CoQ10 promotes heart and cardiovascular health, maintaining healthy blood pressure levels already in a normal range. It is also a powerful supporter of cognitive function and brain health.** In addition, CoQ10:
- Optimizes cellular energy production.**
- Converts into Ubiquinol, a powerful anti-aging antioxidant.**
- Supplements have been found to reverse a decline in your body's CoQ10 stores.
What is CoQ10?
CoQ10 (also known as coenzyme q-10 or ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like substance found in almost every cell in your body. Here, CoQ10 performs two life-promoting biological function:
- CoQ10 is needed for energy production throughout the body.**
- CoQ10 as Ubiquinol provides a powerful antioxidant protection.**
In a process called biosynthesis, Coenzyme Q-10 is manufactured by most cells in the body. It circulates widely, is present in all body tissues, and is concentrated in organs and tissues that require the most energy, especially the heart. Though we’re born with the ability to create our own Coenzyme Q10, this ability starts to decline around age 20 and plummets by age 40. Statin drugs taken to lower cholesterol are also known to significantly deplete CoQ10 levels within the body.**
CoQ10 is an important nutrient for overall well-being.** Coenzyme Q-10 may help with the immune system, cognitive health, skin health, exercise performance, blood sugar levels already within normal range, and more!** Coenzyme Q-10 is most well-known and widely used for its role in heart health, where its highest concentrations are found.**
Every day, the heart beats 100,000 times and pumps 1,800 gallons of blood. The heart requires abundant energy to achieve peak performance. In addition, the heart is the site of high oxidative stress. Heart problems have multiple causes, but are almost always characterized by energy depletion and free radical damage.**
CoQ10 helps to energize and protect the heart while promoting several aspects of cardiovascular health:**
- Helps the heart beat with greater output, stability and efficiency.**
- Defends heart tissues from free radical damage.**
- May protect the fragile DNA of the heart’s mitochondria.**
- May inhibit the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Oxidized LDL is associated with unhealthy arteries.**
- Supports free flowing circulation and blood vessel health.**
- Helps maintain blood pressure that’s already in a normal range.**
These potential benefits all point to a stronger, healthier, more energetic heart.** Interestingly, cardiac patients often have diminished Coenzyme Q10 levels in their hearts, and that patients with the worst heart problems have the lowest CoQ10 levels.** These deficiencies may be reversed with CoQ10 supplementation.** In some instances for those with heart concerns, Coenzyme Q-10 therapy may result in support for cardiac health and quality of life.**
Additional CoQ10 benefits include:
- Energy Levels: Bioenergetics refers to the process by which energy flows through all living things. CoQ10 is essential for the bioenergetic process, playing a key role in the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain.** CoQ10 promotes cellular ATP levels, sparking the cell’s mitochondria “power plants” to generate revitalizing life energy.**
- Statin Support: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are drugs that are used to treat high cholesterol. While statin drugs help many people's heart health, they also may deplete CoQ10 levels in the body. The good news is that CoQ10 deficiency that is caused by statins can be reversed with CoQ10 supplementation.**
- Skin Anti-Aging: Many topical wrinkle creams feature Coenzyme Q-10, as it may influence wrinkle depth and the appearance of fine lines.**
- Cognitive Health: Bioenergetic decline and free radical damage to brain cells are believed to precede cognitive decline. Coenzyme Q10, in its reduced Ubiquinol form, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that both protects and energizes brain cells, helping to support brain health and peak cognitive performance.**
CoQ10 Directions for Use
It is important to consult with your health care practitioner before taking Coenzyme Q-10 supplements or starting any other nutritional supplement regimen. In general, CoQ10 dosage ranges from 50 mg up to 1,200 mg daily. CoQ10 is converted by the body into its antioxidant form, Ubiquinol. Research has suggested that the ability to convert Coenzyme Q10 into Ubiquinol declines with age, especially after age 40. Adults over age 40 may benefit from pre-converted Ubiquinol supplements, which deliver all of CoQ10's benefits in a form that is easier to absorb and utilize.
