Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is beneficial to health, particularly for the heart. CoQ10 is found in virtually every cell of the body within the mitochondria. Higher levels are concentrated in the liver, kidneys and heart. RD411.com explains that CoQ10 is crucial to the cells because it helps generate energy, creates protein and assists in muscle contraction. CoQ10 is found in supplemental form and in tuna, salmon and whole grains.
CoQ10 and Heart Disease
CoQ10 plays a role in preventing the blood from clotting, as well as functioning as an antioxidant. These roles contribute to prevention of heart disease. Prevention of blood clotting internally is important because inappropriate clotting may lead to a heart attack. A study published in the 2005 journal Current Neurovascular Research explained that alterations of CoQ10 are common in people with heart disease -- which explains how crucial CoQ10 is for cellular defense from oxidate damage or cellular harm.
CoQ10 and Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure, or CHF, is another heart-related condition in which coQ10 has shown promise. The Annals of Internal Medicine reported in a study in 2000 that people with heart failure have reduced levels of CoQ10 -- and the greater the deficiency of CoQ10, the greater the degree of heart failure. A study in the European Journal in 2006 showed that supplementation with CoQ10 benefited people with CHF in their ability to exercise longer. Studies are not strong enough to make strong claims, but results seem promising.
CoQ10 and Blood Pressure
CoQ10 may be able to lower blood pressure. A study in the 2007 Journal of Human Hypertension reported participants had a slight decrease in blood pressure after taking CoQ10 for one to three months. One promising aspect of CoQ10 assisting with blood pressure is the potential to lower the amount or frequency of blood pressure medications. Researchers in the study also noted no negative side effects.
CoQ10 and Blood Cholesterol
People with high cholesterol also tend to have low levels of CoQ10. Often, CoQ10 levels drop even more due to certain medications, such as statins, explains RD411.com. Researchers in the 2000 Free Radical and Biology journal provided 12 participants with high cholesterol with 50mg CoQ10 three times daily for four weeks. After the four weeks, levels of LDL cholesterol had improved to healthier levels. The research pointed out that CoQ10 was not able to improve or heal the inside surface of the blood vessels.
References
- RD411.com: Coenzyme Q10 Fact Sheet
- "Current Neurovascular Research"; The Emerging Role of Coenzyme Q-10 in Aging, Neurodegeneration, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer and Diabetes Mellitus; Dhanasekaran M, et al.; 2005
- "Annals of Internal Medicine"; The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure; Meenakshi Khatta, et al.; 2000
- European Heart Journal; Coenzyme Q10 and Exercise Training in Chronic Heart Failure; R. Belardinelli, et al.; 2006
- Journal of Human Hypertension; Coenzyme Q10 in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Trials; F. Rosenfeldt, et al.; 2007
- "Free Radical and Biology Medicine"; Coenzyme Q improves LDL Resistance to Ex Vivo Oxidation but Does Not Enhance Endothelial Function in Hypercholesterolemic Young Adults; Olli T. Raitakari, et al.; 2000
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