Although coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is commonly sold in the United States, it is not a vitamin; instead, it is a chemical compound with vitamin-like properties, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Coenzyme Q10 is found in the largest amounts in oily fish, such as tuna, salmon and mackerel. Beef, spinach and peanuts also contain coenzyme Q10. This chemical compound may have several uses and health benefits.
Antioxidant
Coenzyme Q10 may offer antioxidant benefits similar to vitamin E, according to Balch. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit the oxygen supply to free radical molecules, which are unstable molecules found in your bloodstream. Oxygen enables free radicals to attach to and damage healthy tissue cells. Oxygenated free radicals may also encourage the formation of cancerous tumors.
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, is characterized by bleeding and swelling of gum tissues. It can also cause chronic mouth pain. Gum disease is linked to low levels of coenzyme Q10, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplementing your diet with coenzyme Q10 may help speed the healing of periodontal disease. However, current scientific evidence is not sufficient to conclusively prove the connection between coenzyme Q10 and gum disease treatment.
Immune System Enhancement
Coenzyme Q10 may boost the function of your immune system, according to Balch. It may stimulate the production of white blood cells that attack viruses, fungi and bacteria that can replicate in your body and cause disease and illness. This may help you avoid a variety of conditions, such as skin infections, influenza, thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Coenzyme Q10 may be particularly important if you have acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. However, you should avoid using coenzyme Q10 if you take immune-suppressing drugs.
Diabetes Management
Coenzyme Q10 may help regulate blood glucose levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may reduce diabetes-related symptoms such as dizziness, mental impairment and fatigue, and may prevent coma and death associated with chronically high blood glucose levels in diabetics. Coenzyme Q10 may also lower "bad" cholesterol levels, which can contribute to heart attack and stroke. High blood cholesterol is a common complication of diabetes.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
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