Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, Q10, vitamin Q10, ubiquinone, or ubidecarenone, is a compound that is
made naturally in the body. A coenzyme is a substance needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a
protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body. The Q and the 10 in
coenzyme Q10 refer to parts of the compound’s chemical structure.
Coenzyme Q10 is used by cells to produce energy needed for cell growth and maintenance. Coenzyme Q10 is
also used by the body as an antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10 is a strong anti-oxidant, anti-aging nutrient. An
antioxidant is a substance that protects cells from chemicals called free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that can damage important parts of cells, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). (DNA is a
molecule inside cells that carries genetic information and passes it from one generation to the next.) This
damage may play a role in the development of cancer. Antioxidants and coenzyme Q10 improve cardiovascular
function and blood circulation. Coenzyme Q10 may provide energy, help prevent fatigue, and may help prevent
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Coenzyme Q10 is a vital metabolic catalyst in our cellular organelle (mitochondria) and a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals. Anti-oxidants such as coenzyme
Q10 protect our body from damages caused by toxic free-radical chemicals generated in our body or of
environmental origin. Anti-oxidants such as coenzyme Q10 thus slow wear and tear of our body (aging) and
reduce chances of illnesses. Anti-oxidants such as coenzyme Q10 are strongly linked to longevity. Deficiency of
anti-oxidants may not necessarily cause illness in short terms. However, in the long run, it will accelerate aging
and cause many illnesses.
Coenzyme Q10 is found in most body tissues. The highest amounts of coenzyme Q10 are found in the heart,
liver, kidneys, and pancreas. The lowest amounts are found in the lungs. Tissue levels of coenzyme Q10
decrease as people get older. Investigators believe coenzyme Q10 works by improving the function of
mitochondria, the "powerhouses" that produce energy in cells. Coenzyme Q10 is an important link in the chain of chemical reactions that produces this energy. It also is a potent antioxidant - a chemical that "mops up"
potentially harmful chemicals generated during normal metabolism. Previous studies carried out by Dr.
Shults, Richard Haas, M.D., of UCSD and Flint Beal, M.D., of Cornell University have shown that coenzyme Q10 levels in mitochondria from PD patients are reduced and that mitochondrial function in these patients is impaired.
Animal studies have shown that coenzyme Q10 can protect the area of the brain that is damaged in Parkinsons
Disease. Dr. Shults and colleagues also conducted a pilot study with PD patients which showed that consumption of up to 800 mg/day of coenzyme Q10 was well-tolerated and significantly increased the level of
coenzyme Q10 in the blood. Some studies have suggested that coenzyme Q10 stimulates the immune system
and increases resistance to disease in general. In part because of this, researchers have theorized that
coenzyme Q10 may be useful as an adjuvant therapy for cancer which means coenzyme Q10 is given following
the primary treatment to enhance the effectiveness of the primary treatment.
There have also been anecdotal reports that coenzyme Q10 has increased the survival of patients with cancers
of the pancreas, lung, colon, rectum, and prostate. (Anecdotal reports are incomplete descriptions of the
medical and treatment history of one or more patients.) The patients taking coenzyme Q10 described in these reports also received treatments other than coenzyme Q10, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and
surgery.
Patients should talk with their health care provider about possible interactions between coenzyme Q10 and
prescription drugs they may be taking. Certain drugs, such as those that are used to lower cholesterol or blood
sugar levels, may reduce the effects of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 may also alter the body’s response to warfarin (a drug that prevents the blood from clotting) and insulin. Numerous researches and clinical trials
conducted thus far demonstrates health benefits of taking coenzyme Q10, which include the improvements in the
heart function and circulation for those with congestive heart failure, weakened heart muscle, high blood
pressure, heart rhythm disorders, and chest pain (angina). Studies suggest coenzyme Q10 may also help to protect against blood clots, heart attacks, chronic fatigue, and other problems linked to damages from free
radicals such as aging and cancer, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. Since coenzyme Q10 is a strong
metabolic catalyst and antioxidant, it may also protect the nerve cells (neurons) and help slow Alzheimer's or
Parkinson's disease. Taking other antioxidants in addition to coenzyme Q10 would increase the health benefit.
Results of the first Coenzyme Q10 placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial of the compound coenzyme Q10
suggest that it can slow disease progression in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD). While the
results must be confirmed in a larger study, they provide hope that coenzyme Q10 may ultimately provide a new
way of treating Parkinson's disease.
No serious side effects have been reported from the use of coenzyme Q10. Some patients using coenzyme Q10
have experienced mild insomnia (inability to sleep), elevated levels of liver
enzymes, rashes, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. Other reported side effects have included dizziness, visual sensitivity to light, irritability,
headache, heartburn, and fatigue. Coenzyme Q10 is used by the body as an antioxidant does not interfere with
the effects of other conventional therapies.
CoEnzyme Q10
Sublingual (100 mg)
CoQ 10 is a dietary supplement to support cardiovascular and
periodontal functions.* CoEnzyme Q10 is an essential catalyst for
the creation of energy at the cellular level. Coenzyme Q10 is an
important antioxidant and is recommended to support proper heart,
liver and gum tissue functions.* Product is a pleasant tasting
tablet that is dissolved under the tongue.
Each tablet contains 100 mg Coenzyme Q10.
Other ingredients: xylitol, cellulose, vegetable stearate.
As a dietary supplement, take 1 tablet daily with a meal. For
maximum assimilation, let tablet dissolve by gently moving under
tongue.
* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.
Go
to Coenzyme Q10 page 2
