CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) Supplements

The Science Behind Coenzyme Q10 Supplements

Coenzyme Q10 (or CoQ10) is an essential nutrient that functions like an antioxidant and is required by every single cell in the body. Coenzyme Q10 benefits include cell growth and maintenance, as well as protects our tissues from the effects of aging. CoQ10 is also responsible for generating energy in our cells (mitochondrial ATP production), as well as promoting optimal heart health. Although our body can and does produce CoQ10, it doesn’t always do so consistently, and our production also naturally decreases as we age (in fact, our levels start to drop off as early as of age 20). Compounding the problem is the fact that certain conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's, and heart disease, all tend to lower our levels of CoQ10.

CoQ10 is naturally found in meat, fish, and nuts; however, not in quantities significant enough to increase CoQ10 levels in the body. Fortunately, Coenzyme Q10 supplements are widely available and used extensively in both conventional as well as complementary medicine circles.

CoQ10 deficiency is associated with free radical damage throughout the body, and the onset of the following conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, unhealthy cell growth, fibromyalgia, migraines, heart disease as well as poor cognitive, and physical performance. In turn, CoQ10 supplementation is taken to help treat/manage all of these conditions and more.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) Supplement Benefits

• Anti-Aging Supplement
• Boosts Energy Production
• Improves Heart Health
• Prevents Free Radical Damage
• Protects the Brain & Cognitive Function

Who Needs Coenzyme Q10 & Its Benefits

Your physician may recommend a CoQ10 supplement to help protect your heart, especially for those with heart failure, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as during the convalescence period following bypass or heart-valve surgery. CoQ10 may also be recommended to those living with chronic diseases, those who do not adhere to a clean and healthy diet, and who may have nutritional deficiencies (especially in B vitamins), people affected by mitochondrial diseases, as well as anyone on statin drugs. CoQ10 is also frequently suggested to those over age 50 to promote optimal brain health and preserve cognitive function and memory. Since it's an antioxidant, many also take coenzyme q10 for skin benefits as well as during pregnancy, although you should discuss that with your doctor beforehand 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Supplement Varieties

COQ10 Potency

CoQ10 supplements come in various potencies with the most popular being coenzyme q10 100mg or coq10 400mg. The typical recommended daily dose is usually in the 100–1,200mg range.

COQ10 Forms

It comes either as coenzyme q10ubiquinol or ubiquinone, the former of which is considered the active form (the exact form the body produces from ubiquinone).

COQ10 Formats

CoQ10 supplements may be purchased as capsules, chewable tablets, liquid coenzyme q10, or fast-melt wafers, as well as may be administered via IV by your health care practitioner.

Getting The Most Out Of Your CoQ10 Supplement

CoQ10 supplements are generally well-tolerated, though they can interact with certain medications, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, and chemotherapeutics.

Because CoQ10 works in many of the same ways as statins, if you start taking CoQ10, your medication dose may need to be adjusted down. Before adding CoQ10 supplementation to your daily regimen it's important to speak to your treating physician if you're on any prescription drugs.

Buying Quality CoQ10 Supplements

If this supplement is right for you, you can buy coenzyme q10 both in-store and online at National Nutrition.ca