MMF-780x506px-4Coenzyme Q10, more commonly referred to as CoQ10, is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell in the body. Its alternative name – ubiquinone – comes from the word ubiquitous, meaning that it’s found everywhere.

CoQ10 plays a key role in producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate, the energy cells use for a variety of activities, including the contraction of muscles.

What are some common conditions CoQ10 can help with?

  • Heart failure
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Heart attack prevention
  • Heart attack recovery
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Gum disease
  • Kidney failure
  • Migraine
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Weight loss

What are the specific heart health benefits of CoQ10?

People with heart failure have been found to have lower levels of CoQ10 in their heart muscles. CoQ10 supplement increases energy production in the heart muscle, which increases its pumping strength.

How does CoQ10 affect Parkinson’s disease?

People with Parkinson’s disease were found to also have lower levels of CoQ10 in their bodies. When they took CoQ10, they had a significant reduction in their disability.

How can CoQ10 help people with diabetes?

People with diabetes who take CoQ10 supplements were found to have improved blood pressure and glycemic control.

What is the best dosage for CoQ10?

Although dosages are specific per condition, as low as 30 mg and as high as 200 mg have been found to help people improve their health. Since CoQ10 is fat-soluble, it’s better absorbed when taken with a meal that contains oil or fat. The effects are not immediate and may take up to 8 weeks to have an impact.

Are there any side effects to taking CoQ10?

Before starting a regimen of any supplement, make sure to speak to your doctor. Those with heart disease, kidney failure or cancer should only take CoQ10 under a doctor’s care. It may also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should also only use it under a doctor’s care.

Just as with any supplement, vitamin or herb, a physician or medical care provider should always be consulted before taking anything new. Some medications can be affected by taking a CoQ10 supplement, while other people may have specific allergies to it.

Sources

http://www.epic4health.com/whatiscoq10.html

http://exercise.about.com/od/exerciseglossaryterms/g/ATP.htm

http://biology.about.com/od/cellanatomy/ss/mitochondria.htm

http://www.draxe.com/all-about-coq10/

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