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Coenzyme Q10 - Health Benefits And It's Side Effects

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is also called ubiquinone, a name that signifies its ubiquitous (widespread) distribution in the human body. CoQ10 is used by the body to transform food into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy on which the body runs.

Coenzyme Q10 is present in the mitochondria of all the cells in the body. It is vital because it carries into the cells the energy-laden protons and electrons that are used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the immediate source of cellular energy. This is a constant process because the body can store only a small quantity of ATP at anyone time.

It is believed that as many as 75 percent of people over fifty may be deficient in coenzyme Q10. A lack of sufficient coenzyme Q10 can lead to cardiovascular disease because without it, the heart does not have not enough energy to circulate the blood effectively. Coenzyme Q10 is found primarily in fish and meat , but the amounts in food are far less than what can be obtained from supplements.

Health benefits of Coenzyme Q10

• Coenzyme Q10 can help weight loss because it helps stimulate the body's metabolism.
• Coenzyme Q10 appears to affect blood pressure by reducing resistance to blood flow. Several studies have reported that supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension.
• Coenzyme Q10 plays a key role in treatment of cardiovascular illnesses, including congestive heart failure.
• CoQ10 has a modulating effect on the immune system, and large doses have shown evidence of protection against a recurrence of breast cancer in high risk individuals.
• Coenzyme has show promising results in treatment of cancer and parkinson's disease, and Co Q10 has show to slow the effects of parkinson's disease.

Dosage information

Adult levels of supplementation are usually 30-90 mg per day, although people with specific health conditions may supplement with higher levels (with the involvement of a physician).

Side effects of Coenzyme Q10

• People with diabetes need to monitor blood sugar carefully, as glucose levels may go down with Coenzyme Q10 therapy.
• Coenzyme Q10 should not be stopped suddenly, as worsening symptoms of heart failure may occur.