Coenzyme Q-10, also known as Ubiquinone, gets more attention as its function in the human body becomes more defined through medical research. According to the Mayo Clinic, Coenzyme Q-10 is "vital for the basic functioning of cells. ... Coenzyme Q-10 levels are reported to decrease with age, and to be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as cardiac conditions, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS."
Deficiency
Coenzyme Q-10 is a powerful antioxidant, responsible for destroying damaging, free-radical cells in the body. Coenzyme Q-10 deficiencies have been found to cause a variety of severe metabolic and mitochondrial disorders, including muscle weakness in patients with muscular dystrophy. Deficiencies of coenzyme Q-10 are also often responsible for causing compromised immune function, decreased athletic performance, decreased sperm motility, increased damage from stroke, excessive fatigue in fatigue syndromes, ringing in the ears, and even early aging.
Availability
Produced naturally in the human body, coenzyme Q-10 is also available in foods such as salmon and tuna, organ meats such as liver, and whole grains such as cereals and whole wheat products. Coenzyme Q-10 is also available in supplement form, though it is important to consult your physician before taking supplemental coenzyme Q-10. Dosages of coenzyme Q-10 vary, and according to the Mayo Clinic are usually between 50 mg and 1,200 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects involving interference with other medications may occur, as coenzyme Q-10 sometimes decreases the effectiveness of cancer medications, and may decrease the effects of blood thinners such as Warfarin. For that reason, it is critically important to consult a physician before taking coenzyme Q-10. Additional minor side effects of coenzyme Q-10, though infrequent and easily remedied, include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, heart burn, diarrhea, decreased appetite, skin rash, insomnia, headache, dizziness, irritability and fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
Possible Causes
Coenzyme Q-10 deficiency may be caused by taking statins and fibric medications for cholesterol, beta blockers for increased blood pressure, and anti-depressants such as Elavil, Sinequan or Tofranil, as they deplete coenzyme Q-10 stored in the body. Diet also plays an important role in coenzyme Q-10 deficiency.
Benefits
Coenzyme Q-10 is used to treat cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, angina, asthma, cancer, chronic fatigue, renal failure, migraine and diabetes. According to a University of Maryland study, "introducing coenzyme Q-10 prior to heart surgery can decrease damage caused by free radicals, strengthen cardiac function and decrease the chance of arrhythmia during recovery."
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