The Heart Health Benefits of Co-Enzyme Q10
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Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring nutrient essential for a wide range of important biological processes in the body.
Over 600 published medical papers on Coenzyme Q10 have well established its benefits.
CoQ10 has been described by some experts as a natural spark plug, required for energy production in each and every cell in the body.
It is also supports the immune system as a powerful antioxidant and has been shown to influence arterial elasticity.
About Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is synthesised in the liver from the amino acid tyrosine but can also be absorbed from a variety of foods or taken in supplement form.
CoQ10 was first isolated in England in 1957 by Professor Morton. Morton named the nutrient ubiquinone. By the 1970’s it could be produced in quantities large enough to facilitate clinical trials.
Co-enzyme Q10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes.
CoQ10 and Heart Health
CoQ10 is directly involved with a healthy cardiovascular system and reduced levels of CoQ10 have been found in the heart cells of people with heart failure. CoQ10 deficiency has been used to predict mortality in chronic heart failure. 1
Researchers believe that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to improve energy production in cells, inhibit blood clot formation, and act as an antioxidant.
A recent Swedish study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that a combination of Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 may decrease cardiovascular mortality by about 6%.
Researchers suggest that the effects of the supplements may be synergistic as selenium is essential for the activity of selenoproteins, vital for the efficacy of CoQ10.
Many researchers maintain there is good reason to be excited about the benefit of CoQ10 in heart disease, from both supplementation and nutritional sources. 2
You can buy CoQ10 on the high street but cheaper prices can be found online from websites such as Healthspan who have a quality range of Coenzyme Q10 available.
CoQ10 and High Blood Pressure
A number of small studies have suggested that CoQ10 may lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However larger studies are needed to confirm the role of CoQ10 in treating high blood pressure.
Don’t try to treat high blood pressure by yourself. Talk to your doctor about whether CoQ10 would be beneficial as part of your blood pressure management programme.
You should also talk to your doctor about possible interactions with Co-enzyme Q10 if you are taking blood pressure medications, blood-thinning medications or statins for cholesterol management.
References
- Sarah L. Molyneux 2008 Coenzyme Q10 An Independent Predictor of Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure. http://content.onlinejacc.org/cgi/content/short/52/18/1435
- Hargreaves IP, Duncan AJ, Heales SJ, et al; The effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on coenzyme Q10: possible biochemical/clinical implications.; Drug Saf. 2005;28(8):659-76. [abstract]
