CoQ10 is fat-soluble coenzyme found naturally in every cell of your body. It is a power plant of the body, with an especially high concentration in the heart, the organ that requires high levels of energy for optimal function. CoQ10 is produced naturally within your body, and is then converted into its active antioxidant form called Ubiquinol. In addition to its critical role in energy production, Ubiquinol is also one of the most powerful known lipid-soluble antioxidants available.
Conventional CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) and Ubiquinol are both forms of CoQ10. Ubiquinone is the oxidized form of CoQ10 with which most people are familiar; it has been available as a dietary supplement and studied for more than 30 years. Although researchers have known about Ubiquinol as long as they have Ubiquinone, Ubiquinol simply has not been commercially available due to its sensitivity to light and air.
Ubiquinol has been shown to be more absorbable than conventional CoQ10 in every clinical trial to date.
The body’s ability to efficiently convert CoQ10 to its usable form Ubiquinol decreases as we age or develop health maladies.
Ubiquinol is the predominant form of CoQ10 in a healthy body. In fact, the predominant form of CoQ10 in the plasma and tissue in a healthy person is in the Ubiquinol form.
Any health benefit a CoQ10 supplement user has experienced in the past has been because the body was able to effectively convert it to the usable Ubiquinol form.
In the body, CoQ10 must be converted to its usable form Ubiquinol to provide antioxidant protection or generate cellular energy. In young healthy individuals, this conversion process is very efficient. However as we age or become health compromised, the body’s ability to make this conversion diminishes. Because Ubiquinol is pre-converted, it is ready for immediate use by the body and therefore allows the body to utilize higher levels of CoQ10.
Ubiquinol delivers antioxidant protection that conventional CoQ10 cannot provide. Ubiquinol is one of the strongest lipid soluble antioxidants. It works hard to protect cells against damage from free radicals and oxidation, which are associated with the aging process and many age-related conditions.
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or Vitamin Q, is one of the most promising tools in the anti-aging arsenal. Research has proven that CoQ10 benefits include playing a role in the treatment and prevention of a host of age-related disorders.
A naturally occurring compound that is found in all cells, CoQ10 helps convert fats and sugars to energy. It is a very powerful antioxidant and as such can neutralize free radicals, which are damaging compounds believed to contribute to the aging process as well as serious health problems including heart disease and cancer. Since the body’s production of CoQ10 decreases with age, ongoing research is focusing on how deficiencies or declining levels of CoQ10 effect health. The effect of supplemental doses of CoQ10 has shown extremely promising results with regard to a number of age-related disorders.
It is known that people with congestive heart failure have low levels of CoQ10. Clinical studies have shown that supplemental doses of this compound can have a significant positive effect on the effects of heart disease, including inhibiting blood clot formation and reducing swelling and the pooling of blood in lungs and legs. One important study found that people who received supplements within three days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks, chest pain, or heart disease.
Ongoing clinical studies suggest that a regular course of CoQ10 supplements may lower blood pressure. It is known that common cholesterol-lowering medications deplete the levels of this coenzyme and it has been found that supplemental doses correct the deficiency, providing crucial antioxidant protection without effecting the drugs’ efficacy.
Though additional studies on the effect of supplements on diabetes are needed, clinical studies show a lot of promise. It is thought that supplements of this compound may assist in the regulation of blood sugar and help prevent common diabetes-related problems, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Studies that used CoQ10 supplements in conjunction with Vitamins C, E, and Selenium suggest that this combination of powerful antioxidants may actually shrink tumors, reduce pain, and could even induce partial remission in some patients.
One of the most pervasive problems associated with aging, gum disease is associated with swelling, bleeding, pain, and redness of the gums and can lead to the loss of teeth. People with gum disease tend to have low levels of the compound in their gums. Studies using supplemental doses in the form of a mouth rinse resulted in faster healing and tissue repair.
While this aspect of CoQ10 benefits is still being studied, a growing body of research indicated that supplemental dosages can result in significantly improved immune function, both in people with AIDS and in those with chronic yeast, bacterial, and viral infections.
The antioxidant properties of the compound have been repeatedly shown to dramatically boost energy levels in older people.
CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like substance produced by the human body. Just because CoQ10 is a naturally occurring human compound, it does not automatically mean that it is free of side effects. For most people, these side effects are merely bothersome. In fact, most people tolerate CoQ10 supplements quite well, often with no side effects or just mild side effects.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects of CoQ10. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of CoQ10 side effects with you.)
Some people may experience gastrointestinal CoQ10 side effects, such as:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Heartburn
Upper chest or throat discomfort.
In general, studies have shown that CoQ10 supplements are not likely to cause serious side effects. However, based on reported side effects or theoretical problems that could occur, there are a number of side effects with CoQ10 that you should report to your healthcare provider. These side effects may indicate that you should stop taking it. These include but are not limited to:
Dizziness or fainting, which could be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension)
High liver enzymes (early studies suggested that CoQ10 could increase liver enzymes, although later studies have not confirmed this)
Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
CoQ10 supplements are regulated as dietary supplements, not as medications. Because dietary supplements are not as closely regulated as medications, they could be more likely to contain contaminants or have more or less of the active ingredient than stated on the label. As a result, it is reasonable to predict that some poor-quality CoQ10 supplements could cause side effects due to contaminants or other manufacturing defects. This is why it is important to choose high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers.
Excellent product January 08, 2010, From New York
My mom has Parkinson's and was prescribed this product by her neurologist a few years ago. Taken in conjunction with her prescription medication it has significantly slowed down the progression of her desease. After I saw the results, I decided to try this product myself. In addition to improving my skin, it eliminated my gum desease and strengthened my gums. Now I am also purchasing this product for my father who is on a number of heart medications. This product is known to reduce negative effects of statins. I highly recommend this product, especially to people who are on heavy prescription meds for heart condition or cancer.
This product is awesome November 27, 2007, From California
Eversince i have been using this product, almost for 6 month, my cholestrol level have been reduced by 24 points (total) and LDL by 10 points
Excellent product ... October 25, 2011, From Tennessee
Since my husband started taking the CoQ10 about 18 months ago, his leg cramps have disappeared totally and his shaking from Parkinsons has greatly diminished. His neurologist advised us to get the highest dosage we could find... …
good September 28, 2011, From Japan
I am taking this for over a month. Still feel no definite effects. But so far no harm and live healthy, so think it good.
Multiple food sensitivities September 01, 2010, From Washington
I am very picky about my vitamins as I cannot have a variety of food including soy, dairy and carob. I like this product because it meets my dietary requirements without substances to which I am sensitive.
more and more coQ10 January 02, 2011, From Washington
The effects on dogs (and mice) are similar to the effects on mankind. On mice, 50% longer average life, and just as important, active up to the end. On dogs, effective to diminish heart problems and increase physical energy. Heal gum disease... So my 20 lb cairn terrier gets one of these 60 mg Vcaps opened and the powder pasted with oil to a small piece of cheese each morning. (I get 600 mg)
Great Cardio. supplement September 26, 2009, From North Carolina
Ordered this for my mother. She is 76 years old. She presents with COPD, Atrial Fib. Since taking this supplement, she now breathes much better and the Atial Fib. seems to have improved. Will continue to order this for my mother. …