What is Co-Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, or
Co-Q10 is a vitamin-like substance present in every cell in the body.
Because it is required for energy production in the mitochondria of the cell
where carbohydrates and fatty acids are converted into energy (ATP), it is vital
for cellular energy. And because of that, the organs with the highest energy
requirements—such as the heart, liver and kidney—have the highest CO-Q10
concentrations.
This correlation has lead to research about the benefits
of Co-Q10 in promoting cellular energy and
cardiovascular health. A recent (2007) meta-analysis of the clinical trials
of Co-Q10 for hypertension (high blood pressure) concluded that it has the
potential in hypertensive patients to lower both systolic and diastolic blood
pressure, without significant side effects.
In addition to promoting
cardiovascular health, Co-Q10 functions as an antioxidant. As an antioxidant,
Co-Q10 scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on cells throughout
the body. It protects cardiac cells, prevents lipid oxidation and promotes the
regeneration of vitamin E, another antioxidant. Co-Q10 especially contributes to
the health of the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. It also supports
already-normal-range blood pressure levels.
Benefits
of Co-Q10:
- Helps
reduce oxidative stress in all cells throughout the body.
- Supports the health of the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas.
- Promotes healthy cardiovascular function and general longevity.
- Supports energy production.
- Exhibits antioxidant and neuron-protective properties.
- Supports already-normal-range blood pressure levels.
Sources of Co-Q10
 Meat and fish are the richest source
of dietary Co-Q10. Broccoli, grape, and cauliflower are modest sources of
Co-Q10; however, most fruit and berries represent a poor to very poor source of
Co-Q10, with the exception of avocado, with a relatively high Co-Q10 content.
That’s why it can be a good idea to take a Co-Q10 supplement, especially if
you want to support cardiovascular health. However, it’s important to pay
attention to the type of Co-Q10 in the supplement you decide on.
Co-Q10
is often marketed in a crystalline state, which is less absorbable by the body.
To gain the full benefits of this coenzyme, look for supplements that offer it
in un-crystallized forms. This will yield maximum bioavailability, as a
double-blind human clinical trial showed that this form of Co-Q10 was at least
eight times more readily absorbed by the body than Co-Q10 in crystalline form.
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