Co-enzyme Q-10 is a vitamin-like nutrient that has several benefits for the cardio-vascular system. Co-enzyme Q-10 can help lower blood pressure and is also involved in normal heart contraction and rhythm. The therapeutic benefits of this nutrient derive from its ability to improve energy production at the cellular level and from its antioxidant qualities. Individuals with hypertension, or high blood pressure, often are deficient in co-enzyme Q-10.
Sources
Co-enzyme Q-10 is an important component of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing units of cells in the body. It is naturally present in small amounts in foods such as fish, especially sardines and mackerel. It can also be found in peanuts, soy oil, whole grain germs and organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef. However, the best source of co-enzyme Q-10 in individuals who are deficient in this nutrient is supplements.
Research
Research has been shown that co-enzyme Q-10 reduces blood pressure. In one study, published in the 1994 issue of "Molecular Aspects of Medicine," 109 individuals with high blood pressure were given an average of 225 milligrams of CoQ 10 in oral form, in addition to their existing drug plan. The subjects experienced significantly improved systolic and diastolic pressure and an overall improvement of functional status of the heart. In addition, 51 percent of patients were able to halt completely one or more of their blood pressure drugs in approximately four months after starting supplementation with co-enzyme Q-10.
Disease-Induced Deficiency
Although co-enzyme Q-10 is produced in the body, deficiencies may exist as a result of decreased production or increased tissue needs of co-enzyme -Q-10, such as in cases of angina, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. In addition, CoQ-10 levels decline with advancing age, so older persons should always be evaluated for a potential deficiency of this nutrient.
Drug-Induced Deficiency
In the book "Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook," Dr. Ross Pelton and associates describe various groups of conventional drugs that create nutrient deficiency, including co-enzyme Q-10 shortages. According to Pelton,the following drugs or classes of drugs used for cardiovascular conditions deplete co-enzyme Q-10 from the body: thiazide diuretics, beta blockers, clonidine, methyldopa, cholesterol-lowering agents such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and fenofibrates.
Considerations
Co-enzyme Q-10 works in tandem with Vitamin E, and when this vitamin is decreased in the body, Co-enzyme Q-10 helps restore its levels. Dr. James Balch, co-author of "Prescription for Drug Alternatives," suggests taking up to 100 milligrams daily in co-enzyme Q-10 supplements for adults who have no cardiovascular diseases, and 100 milligrams three times daily for individuals with heart disease and high blood pressure, but these doses should be tailored on an individual basis.
Co-enzyme Q-10 supplementation should be used under medical supervision, especially for individuals who are on blood-thinning medications.
References
- "Molecular Aspects of Medicine"; "Treatment of essential hypertension with co-enzyme Q-10"
- "Prescriptions For Drug Alternatives"; Dr. James Balch et al; 2008
- "Drug-Indduced Nutrient Depletion Handbook"; Ross Pelton et al; 2001
