Coenzyme
Q10 - A Brief Description
Coenzyme Q10,
(CoQ10) also known as ubiquinone has been receiving an increasing
amount of attention over the past 5 years for its cardio-protective
abilities.
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble molecule synthesized from cholesterol
and located predominantly in mitochondria (the cell's powerhouse)
where it plays a vital role in energy production.
Specifically
CoQ10 is crucial for the proper transfer of electrons through
the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Given that heart muscle requires
a tremendous amount of energy to function properly, it is not
unusual that significant levels of CoQ10 can be found in heart
muscle.
Since CoQ10 levels have been found to be lower under certain
circumstances, researchers have been investigating the effect
that supplemental CoQ10 can have on heart function.
Not surprisingly,
numerous clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in functional
parameters of the heart in patients with congestive heart failure
after supplementation with CoQ10. CoQ10 treatment prior to bypass
procedures has also yielded more positive outcomes when compared
with patients who did not receive supplementation.
CoQ10 levels
have also been shown to be reduced in patients taking statin drugs,
as cholesterol is required for the synthesis of CoQ10 in the body.
CoQ10 has been shown to be an effective antioxidant, protecting
against lipid peroxidation, DNA and protein oxidation and is also
capable of functioning synergistically to help regenerate other
antioxidants.
The research community continues to find strong
data indicating the benefits from supplementation with CoQ10,
especially in the area of cardiovascular health as it relates
to congestive heart failure.
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