Depression is a common but treatable illness. It affects women more than men in daily life. Depression and other anxiety disorders constitute a common co-morbid problem among heart disease, cancer and diabetic patients.You can try to relieve symptoms of depression with coenzyme Q10, coQ10 -- a vital therapeutic nutrient. Speak with your doctor to know if the benefits of coQ10 outweigh the risks for you.
Antioxidant Property
According to a study published online in 2009 in the journal "Neuro Endocrinology Letters," enhanced inflammatory response and oxidative and nitrosative stress are major contributors to suffering in many depressed individuals. Coenzyme Q10 works as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and therefore helps relieve symptoms of depression. Coenzyme Q10 has also been reported to reduce cardiovascular risk factors in people with depression.
Mitral Valve Prolapse Syndrome
Mental depression is a common complication among children with mitral valve prolapse syndrome and chest pain. Mitral valve prolapse syndrome occurs when one of your heart's valves doesn't function properly. Coenzyme Q10 improves diastolic function at molecular level and may be effective in relieving depression and anxiety disorders, according to the Department of Pediatrics at Fukuoka University.
Therapeutic Dosage
Take coQ10 supplements in doses of 30 to 200 mg daily to reap their positive health benefits. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient, which means that it should be eaten with some fat for better digestion and absorption. It is also available in soft-gel capsules. You should not give this product to your child without first consulting with a pediatrician.
Precautions
Coenzyme Q10 is generally safe when used by adults. It may cause mild side effects that usually do not last long, such as stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The safety and effectiveness of taking coenzyme Q10 during pregnancy and lactation are not known. Therefore, avoid coQ10 while you are pregnant and breastfeeding. Consult a doctor before using coQ10 if you have a blood pressure problem, because it lowers blood pressure more than is desirable.
References
- United States Department of Agriculture; B Vitamins and the Brain: Depression; D'Anci, Kristen; Dec. 1, 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 3, 2009
- "Neuro Endocrinology Letters"; Lower Plasma Coenzyme Q10 in Depression: A Marker for Treatment Resistance and Chronic Fatigue in Depression and a Risk Factor to Cardiovascular Disorder in that Illness; M. Maes; 2009
- "The Clinical Investigator"; Recovery of the Frank-Starling Mechanism by Coenzyme Q10 in Patients with Load-induced Contractility Depression; T. Oda; 2003
