This fat soluble antioxidant also known as ubiquinol is found in virtually all cell membranes and protects cells and helps them regenerate. It helps counteract environmental pollutants and stressors. Levels tend to drop after age 30 which means you are less able to repair cells contributing to aging.
Since coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and cholesterol are both synthesized from the same substance, mevalonate, statin drugs (Lipitor, Zocor, etc) also inhibit the body’s synthesis of CoQ10. This is not a “side effect,” of statins, but a direct, inherent function of the drugs.
In fact, the use of statins can decrease the body’s synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 by as much as 40%.
CoQ10 also protects against DNA damage and other forms of oxidative damage
CoQ10 is an essential component of the mitochondria (the “power-house” of the cell), playing a critical role in the formation of ATP, the body’s fundamental energy unit, from carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism.
Dr. Al Sears, author of The Doctor’s Heart Cure writes. “The story of coenzyme Q10 is an ironic one. Coenzyme Q10 is vitally important for the entire body, but has proven especially important to the heart. Yet the “heart-healthy” establishment guidelines hit CoQ10 with a double-whammy: statin drugs hit the body’s own synthesis of CoQ10, while red meat and organ meats have both been ridiculed as unhealthy “artery-clogging” foods, yet are the primary source of Co Enzyme Q10.”
Dr. Joe Mercola writes that, “supplementing with Co Enzyme Q10 will: help you produce more energy for your cells, support your cardiovascular system, reduce normal signs of aging, replace your Co Q10 levels if you’ve been taking a statin drug, support your immune and nervous system.”
It is automatic in Europe for doctors to recommend CoQ10 when they recommend a statin drug. Why? They understand nutrition and nutrient depletion; they’ve read the studies. They know that CoQ10 depletion can cause Alzheimer like dementia, cognitive disturbances, fatigue, muscle weakness, conjunctive heart failure and the list goes on. They also know that patients with cardiovascular disease, fibromyalgia, Parkinsons and even cancer may benefit from CoQ10. Unfortunately even after 15 years of studies and research on this topic, U.S. doctors lag behind.
It is recommended by many to take the reduced form of Co Q10 which is called Ubiquinol NOT the oxidized form called Ubiquinone. The oxidized Ubiquinone must be “reduced” by the body before it can be used. Some of the newer research shows Ubiquinone is less easily absorbed though most of theoriginal studies which showed efficacy were done with this version. The more recent animal and human studies do show the more expensive Ubinquinol not only is better absorbed but will remain longer in the blood. The younger you are the easier it is to convert/reduce the Ubiqinone to a usable form. No matter which form you take, take it with food as it is fat soluable. My husband and I both take Healthy Origins Ubiquinol 100 mg from www.iherb.com Get a $5 discount on first order by using coupon code BOT164.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended to substitute for medical counseling. Intentional Health does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment.