Health Benefits of CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an enzyme that's involved with producing the energy utilized by the body's cells. It's also known by the name ubiquinone. Adequate energy is required for cellular function, so CoQ10 is essential for the health of almost all the body's tissues and organs. CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant. The body synthesizes CoQ10 naturally; however, certain health conditions may impair the body's ability to keep up with CoQ10 demand. In these scenarios, CoQ10 supplementation may be helpful. Before taking CoQ10, consult with a nutritionally-trained health care professional to determine your personal needs and ensure proper dosage and safety.

Cardiovascular Health

Coenzyme Q10 may be useful in a variety of cardiovascular ailments. The heart cells have a high rate of metabolism so they require ample levels of CoQ10 to supply the cellular energy source, ATP. According to Drs. Alan Gaby and Laurie Mischley, a medical doctor and naturopathic doctor, respectively, and contributors to the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," CoQ10 deficiency is found in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Restoring CoQ10 levels can correct this deficiency and help the heart muscle to function optimally. This can treat and prevent conditions such as ischemic heart disease, where the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen and nutrients; cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle is inflamed; congestive heart failure; angina; heart murmurs and high blood pressure. Drs. Gaby and Mischley also suggest that CoQ10's antioxidant capacity may be helpful for prevention against atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become hardened and the risk of heart attack increases.

Immune System Function

Like the cardiovascular system, the immune system has high metabolic needs and therefore requires sufficient levels of CoQ10 for optimal function. Drs. Gaby and Mischley explain that CoQ10 stimulates immunity by increasing the activity of the immune system cells, macrophages and granulocytes. This increase in immune cell activity works to counter microbial infections. Also, CoQ10 may be helpful to slow the aging process, which often coincides with decreased immune function. Drs. Gaby and Mischley suggest that CoQ10 may also be a helpful in treating and preventing cancer, by shrinking tumors and inhibiting their growth. Of course, individuals with cancer or any other health condition should consult their doctor for a well-rounded treatment plan that may or may not include CoQ10 supplementation.

Antioxidant Protection

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals -- substances that form both from internal metabolism and external toxin exposure and cause damage to cells. In other words, antioxidants protect the body's cells from harm and help repair existing damage. According to Drs. Gaby and Mischley, free radical formation is implicated in a number of diseases, such as asthma, heart disease, Parkinson disease, gastric ulcers and infertility. Optimizing CoQ10 levels in the body may be a useful adjunct in treating these diseases, by optimizing cellular energy and minimizing harm to the tissues and organs. In addition to supplementation, CoQ10 is also available from the diet, especially from oily fish, organ meats and whole grains.