Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as I mentioned in my previous post, is a substance that we can find in mitochondria where cells get its energy from. Also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, or coenzyme Q. CoQ10 involves in the making of Adenosine Triphospate (ATP) molecule. ATP has the function to control a biological process including muscle contraction and protein production.
Naturally, CoQ10 is found in every cell of human body. It carries message in a unit called mitochondria, where oxidation of food element happens and produce energy. Since it has
a very important communication roles between cells, It also has a significant function to fix up broken cells. CoQ10 has been proposed as a treatment of some conditions, but its medical use remains controversial because has not been approved by the FDA, although it has been agreed for further research(as solubilized ubiquinol) as an orphan product in the treatment of Huntington's Disease and pediatric CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE (CHF).
Heart Disease
Patient of CHF have low plasma concentrations of CoQ10, which is also associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In a research of 236 patients with CHF, CoQ10 was an independent predictor of mortality. It available as medicine and food supplement in several European countries. Scientists also discover that dietary supplements with CoQ10 reduced oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Even results have not been published yet, investigators reported at the HEART FAILURE 2013 Congress that after 2 years, patients in the CoQ10 group had half the rate of mortality as patients in the placebo group. Other cardiologists said this study was consider as a breakthrough, but a bit premature and required further research. It is a bit disappointed since the price of supplement of CoQ10 is still expensive for middle-low society, although it has no such bad side effect. I vote : it worth trying.Migraine Headaches
It is certain, that supplementation of CoQ10 has been found to have a beneficial effect on the condition of some sufferers of Migraine Headaches. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found Statistically significant results with a small sample size of 42 patients. Dosages were 150 to 300 mg/day. It has been used effectively in the prophylaxis of migraines, especially in combination with a daily supplement of magnesium citrate 500 mg and riboflavin (vitamin B2) 400 mg.Cancer
CoQ10 is also being investigated as a relief from cancer treatment side-effects..
Cardiac Arrest
The latest study mentioned that consuming CoQ10 supplement in 3 consecutive days after the heart attack, will significantly reduce the risk of getting the second attack.
Inhibiting High Blood Pressure
The lack of CoQ10 in body cells will be the determinant of losing heart-muscle elasticity which will lead to the hardening of blood vessel and cause a high-blood pressure condition. So that, it has a definite co-relation between the benefit of CoQ10 existence with the health of heart and cardiovascular system.
Relieving Breast Cancer
A breakthrough research has been done to patients of breast cancer that consuming CoQ10 supplement. It seems that this substance somehow help to reduce the pain and shrink the size of the cancer of some patients. Additional anti-oxidant is suggested to be a compliment of CoQ10, such as selenium, vitamin C, and E.
Prevent gingivitis
Clinical study results that patients with gingivitis usually have a low CoQ10 level in their body. Since the enzyme helps cells to fix up the damage that occur, it helps the healing to happen faster. That is why some mouthwash contain CoQ10 in order to overcome mouth and gum problems.
CoQ10 concentration in food
You will find more complete list in some source like wikipedia, where i also quote a lot of knowledge from. But I rather make some summary which I consider is the best food contains CoQ10 :
- Red Flesh Fish (sardines is the most recommended)
- Soybean
- Olive oil
- Peanuts
- Parsley
- Avocado
Note : Cooking by FRYING food/meat will definitely reduce CoQ10 content by 14 - 32 %, besides FRIED food will also contain higher Triglyceride and LDL too. So choose wisely mate.
The Takers
Children and Teenagers
Children under 18 years old are not subjected to take CoQ10 without any supervision of a doctor or health care expert.
Adult
The suggested dose of CoQ10 for adults above 19 years old is between 30 - 200 mg per day. For a special condition, higher dose will be recommended . Soft gels are usually chosen to wrap up this supplement rather than capsule or other. Any of CoQ10 supplement should be eaten with meal containing a bit of fat, because CoQ10 is fat-soluble. The best time to consume it, is at night before you sleep to get optimum absorption.
In general, CoQ10 seems to have no major side effects, but a typical stomach upset. But unfortunately, scientists have not done any studies regarding the safety of CoQ10 to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding mother. All diabetic patients should consult their health care expert before taking CoQ10 because it has the capability to lower blood sugar level. So that it will avoid the hypoglycemic situation.
Possible Interactions
People with the medications below, should not take CoQ10 without any approval and monitor from your physician:
Chemotherapy medications
-- there is possibility that CoQ10 antioxidant could result chemotherapy medication become less effective. Oncologist might give you a precise suggestion about taking any antioxidant supplement during chemotherapy section.
Daunorubicin and doxorubicin
-- CoQ10 will lower the toxic effects on the heart caused by
daunorubicin (Cerubidin) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Several kind of cancers are treated by those chemotherapy medication.
Abnormal Blood pressure treatments -- CoQ10 will fit medications to lower blood pressure. Adding CoQ10
supplements allows the high blood pressure patient to lower their dose of these medications. Although further researches are still needed, please consult your physician for taking this supplement and don't stop the main medication.
Blood-thinning treatments
-- There are some conclusions that CoQ10 could make medicines such as
warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix) losing its effectiveness at thinning
the blood. If you take blood thinners, also consult your doctor first before taking CoQ10.
Betaxolol (Betoptic) --
CoQ10 could also reduce the heart-related side effects of betaxolol
drops (Betoptic), as a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma,
without reducing the effectiveness of the medication itself.
Other -- Medications that can reduce the levels of CoQ10 in the body:
- Statin (medication for cholesterol), including lovastatin (mevacor), pravastatin (pravachol), atorvastatin (lipitor), and simvastatin (zocor).
- Fibric acid derivatives for cholesterol, including gemfibrozil (lopid)
- Beta-blockers for Congestive Heart Failure, including metoprolol (lopressor or toprol), atenolol (tenormin), labetolol (normodyne), and propranolol (Inderal).
- Tricyclic for antidepressant medicines, including amitriptyline (elavil), imipramine (tofranil), and doxepin (sinequan).
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