Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, is a compound synthesized in your body that is involved in energy production in the center of the cell known as the mitochondria. It plays a vital role in making ATP, the main molecule used for energy by the body. In addition, coenzyme Q10 also is an antioxidant, helping destroy free radicals that cause disease and illness. Coenzyme Q10 might also be effective for treating diabetic kidney disease; however, further research is needed.
Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease. In people with diabetic kidney disease, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the kidneys, which prevent them from filtering your blood properly. This results in useful substances such as protein and red blood cells passing in your urine. Other signs of diabetic kidney disease include swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Coenzyme Q10 Status
Scientists at the Universita Cattolica del S. Cuore examined coenzyme Q10 levels in patients with kidney failure. They discovered that patients with kidney failure had significantly lower coenzyme Q10 levels compared with those who had normal kidney function, according to research reported in the 1994 issue of the journal "Molecular Aspects of Medicine."
Treatment
Coenzyme Q10 might be an effect treatment for those suffering from kidney disease and failure, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Medical Hospital and Research Centre in India. They assigned patients with chronic kidney failure 60 mg of coenzyme Q10 or a placebo three times daily for four weeks. At the end of the treatment, which was published in the 2000 issue of the "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine," scientists found that those in the coenzyme Q10 group experienced improvements in kidney function compared with those in the placebo group. In addition, coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduced the need for dialysis.
Safety
Researchers at Kaneka Corporation in Japan reviewed the safety of coenzyme Q10 supplementation. They reported in the 2008 issue of "Biofactors" that coenzyme Q10 supplementation has low toxicity and has no serious adverse effects. If you plan on taking coenzyme Q10 supplements, consult your health-care provider.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Chronic Kidney Failure; May 2010
- "Molecular Aspects of Medicine"; Coenzyme Q10 Levels, Plasma Lipids and Peroxidation Extent in Renal Failure and in Hemodialytic Patients; S. Lippa et al.; 1994
- "Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine"; Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Chronic Renal Failure: Discovery of a New Role; R.B. Singh et al.; 2000
- "Biofactors"; Safety Assessment of Coeznyme Q10 (CoQ10); T. Hidaka et al.; 2008
Member Comments