Coenzyme Q10 also known as CoQ10 is a natural fat-soluble compound that is synthesised in every living cell of the human body. Coenzyme Q10 is known by other names such as Q10, Vitamin Q10, Ubiquinone and Ubidecarenone.
Coenzyme Q10 plays a major role in cellular energy production by breaking down carbohydrates and fats into cellular energy known as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). It also improves immune function.
These enzymes are found in bacteria, plants, animals and also in humans. While low amounts of CoQ10 is found in lungs, larger quantities are found in heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys. However, amounts of these coenzymes in the body decreases with age.
Health Benefits of CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 plays two major roles …show more content…
While studies have revealed the potential benefits of the coenzyme, no studies have shown any absolute results. CoQ10 is sold as a dietary supplement.
It is always best to talk to your doctor or health care provider before taking these supplements for any related conditions. While, CoQ10 supplements are relatively safe for consumption, it can interact or reduce the potential of certain medicinal drugs.
Cardiovascular conditions and related problems
Certain studies have shown the use of CoQ10 supplements help improve production of energy in cells and prevent clot formation of blood. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant thereby aiding in heart-related conditions.
Some studies suggest that the intake of these coenzyme supplements separately or with combination of other drug therapies may help prevent or treat the following conditions
After Heart Attack
One clinical study has found that daily intake of CoQ10 supplements in 3 days of a heart attack is followed with fewer subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. Pre-treatment of CoQ10 also reduces the damage due to oxygen starvation during heart …show more content…
In conditions such as Congestive Heart Failure levels of CoQ10 fall. Heart fails to pump enough blood for the rest of the body. It will result in pooling of blood in lungs and legs and shortness of breath. Patients with severe heart failure were found with lower myocardial CoQ10 than patients with milder heart failure.
Several clinical studies have shown that these coenzyme supplements can help reduce fluid retention in the lungs, thereby making breathing easier. This results in increased exercise capacity in such patients. It also decreases the swelling in the lungs.
A clinical study done for one to three months on patients with congestive heart failure had showed improvements in some cardiac function measures. Subjects were given a number of intervention trials of 100-300 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 in addition with conventional medical drugs. However, few researches did not find any significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction or exercise performance in such patients.
However, the results are not conclusive as few studies have shown nil effect.
Heart Damage
CoQ10 studies have shown reduced damage to the heart caused as a result of certain chemotherapy drugs and other medications. However, conclusive results are yet to be