What is CoQ10?
CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, is a compound that occurs naturally in the human body. In fact, it is necessary to produce adenosine-5-triphosphate, the primary source of fuel used by the mitochondria of every cell for energy and to manufacture proteins. CoQ10 is also found in abundance in organs that require the most energy to function, such as the liver and heart. For this reason, it is available from certain dietary sources, such as fish and organ meats. CoQ10 is known to possess antioxidant properties, meaning that it may prevent DNA mutation and cellular damage by neutralizing free radicals. As such, CoQ10 has become a popular dietary supplement that may reputedly help to prevent or treat a variety of health ailments. In addition, CoQ10 is credited with increasing energy and stamina, as well as providing enhanced immunity. CoQ10 is often recommended to help compensate for a deficiency of this compound due to metabolic and mitochondrial disorders, such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome. In fact, su
Coenzyme Q-10 has been established as one of the most intensively studied cardio protective nutrients. It is vital for the generation of all cellular energy for muscles, enzyme actions and respiration. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation can contribute to your health and overall energy and stamina. It is a powerful antioxidant and acts as a cell – membrane stabilizer against free radicals. Coenzyme Q-10 is a quinone that functions as an electron transfer agent between cytochromes in the Krebs or energy cycle. In its version known as coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinol, this nutrient has become well known as a product that will increase your cellular energy. CoQ10 is an enzyme found in all cells of the body. It occurs naturally, and is the co-factor in the electron transport chain between cells. CoQ10 is located in the mitochondria, tiny power plants found in every cell in the body, and effectively supports their energy producing pathways to help fuel the body’s daily activity. If you lack CoQ1
CoQ10 short for Coenzyme Q10 — is a naturally occurring nutrient and antioxidant found in each cell of the body. CoQ10 was first identified by University of Wisconsin researchers in 1957. CoQ10 has been gradually becoming more popular in the past decade. How Does CoQ10 work? Each cell in the body needs a source of energy to survive, so cells break down sugars, fats, and amino acids to make energy. Small enclosures within cells that produce this energy are called mitochondria. CoQ10 exists naturally in our mitochondria and carries electrons involved in energy metabolism. CoQ10 is essential in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic energy molecule of each cell. Other mechanisms of action may include stabilization of calcium dependent slow channels and alteration of prostaglandin metabolism. What Foods Contain CoQ10? CoQ10 is found in foods, particularly in fish and meats, and small amounts are found in nuts. There is little or no CoQ10 in grains, vegetables or fruits.
It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body and serves as a coenzyme for several of the key enzymatic steps in the production of energy within the cell. It also functions as an antioxidant which is important in its clinical effects. It is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods but is particularly high in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel, and peanuts. To put dietary CoQ10 intake into perspective, one pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and one half pounds of peanuts, provide 30 mg of CoQ10. CoQ10 is also synthesized in all tissues and in healthy individuals normal levels are maintained both by CoQ10 intake and by the body’s synthesis of CoQ10. It has no known toxicity or side effects. 2. Should I take CoQ10? This question can be asked in two ways. First, should a reasonably healthy person take CoQ10 to stay healthy or to become more robust? At present I do not belie
Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines coenzyme Q as ubiquinone (suggesting its widespread occurrence in nature) and describes it as “a quinone that functions as an electron transfer agent between cytochromes in the Krebs cycle.” Today, in a version known as coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ-10) or ubiquinol, this nutrient has become a popular seller and a product that is synonymous with increasing users cellular energy. Further, many studies have shown, it has value in combating various forms of cardiovascular disease, reducing the number and size of some tumors and treating gum disease. In fact, according to the newsletter Nutrition News, it has extended the life span of laboratory animals up to 56%. Yet, for almost 30 years, this powerful nutrient languished in the shadows, little understood and used by a scant few of the nutritional cognoscenti. Today, CoQ10 has been clinically shown to improve heart function! In the book All About Coenzyme Q-10, an entry in Avery Publishing Groups seri
