This increasingly popular supplement is found in every human cell, hence its original
name: ubiquinone. Coenzyme Q10 has garnered a great deal of attention since its initial
discovery in 1957 because of its essential role in keeping each of
the body’s systems running smoothly. It has been touted to slow the progress of
Parkinson's disease, increase stamina in AIDS patients, stabilize blood sugar
levels in those with diabetes, enhance athletic ability, improve circulation in
Raynaud's disease, fight allergies, and help prevent macular degeneration. ...continued below [click here]
CoQ10 Supplements
While a number of these claims still require further investigation, scientists are
certain that it has a number of benefits for cardiovascular and cognitive function,
that it serves as an antioxidant and natural weight-loss supplement, and can even
serve as a treatment for male infertility. In fact, since the body’s natural production
of Coenzyme Q10 decreases with age, a number of doctors recommend supplementation for
everyone over 50. Aging populations in Japan, Sweden, Italy, and Canada seem to be
following that advice.
Specifically, Coenzyme Q10 has been shown to treat heart disease, congestive
heart failure, angina, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure. Because Coenzyme Q10
allows the heart to pump far more efficiently, many who use it have reported decreased
chest pain, less shortness of breath, and greater energy.
A number of studies have also shown benefits for those with breast and prostate cancer.
While more research is needed to explain the findings, scientists speculate that CoQ10’s
especially strong antioxidant effects play a role. These same antioxidant effects have
convinced a number of scientists that the supplement aids in preventing Alzheimer’s.
CoQ10 has also been shown to fight weight gain, by increasing smooth energy use on the
cellular level, and to complement cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. At the same time
that statin drugs block the mechanism that produces cholesterol, they block the production
of CoQ10, making supplementation a possible necessity.
Other benefits of Coenzyme Q10 include treatment for: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
fibrocystic breast changes, skin health, gum disease, multiple sclerosis, and general
aging. It has no known side-effects or interactions.
