Coenzyme Q-10, also called ubiquinone, is an essential compound to life. It appears in the mitochondria of plant and animal cells. Integral to the manufacturing of ATP, CoQ-10 makes energy available for all body processes. The benefits of this supplement are seen mostly in treatments for cancer and heart disease. It is valuable for its ability to improve energy production and its antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, CoQ-10 is thought to protect against atherosclerosis by working to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
The benefits of CoQ-10 in various heart conditions are quite extensive. Generally speaking, the supplement is able to reverse and/or prevent cardiac degeneration and promote better functioning of this vital organ. Heart patients are often deficient in this compound. Research in 1994 showed that CoQ-10 lessens the patients' dependence on other heart medications. In the case of congestive heart failure, CoQ-10 has been studied as an adjunct to treatment with other drugs. A 1993 study found the benefits of the supplement to be most significant in patients with a milder stage of the disease. Research from 1984 revealed the supplement's effect of preventing the negative side effects that accompany beta-blocker medications (often prescribed for various heart problems) without effecting the benefits of these drugs. Researchers also found that large doses of CoQ-10 can prevent much of the free radical damage that occurs after open-heart surgery.
The coenzyme appears to lower blood pressure in hypertensives. It is thought to lower blood pressure indirectly by first lowering cholesterol and acting as an antioxidant to stabilize cellular membranes. An estimated 39% of high blood pressure cases occur in persons who are deficient in the coenzyme. A study from 1985 cited benefits of the supplement in cases of cardiomyopathy, and also noted improvement declined when supplements were discontinued.
Diabetics, especially those on oral hypoglycemic medications, are likely to be deficient in the coenzyme. The supplement has also been shown to be beneficial in periodontal disease by speeding recovery time and alleviating related symptoms of gum disease. Studies suggest CoQ-10 plays a positive role as an adjunctive treatment in breast cancer. A report from the New England Institute also indicates the effectiveness of CoQ-10 against cancer. In these studies the mortality rate of animals with tumors and leukemia declined when CoQ-10 was administered.
There has been some speculation of the coenzymeÕs role in obesity, though research findings to date have been inconclusive. Because it can inhibit histamines, CoQ-10 is beneficial in treating respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma. There is also some evidence that this nutrient may benefit conditions such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and candidiasis. Through its ability to boost energy production, a 1981 study found that coenzyme supplements increased physical work performance in sedentary subjects. Its effect in athletes and its role in chronic fatigue are areas which would merit preliminary research. Because of its immune-stimulating effect, the coenzyme has also been speculated as a potential treatment in AIDS.
Coenzyme Q-10 has additionally been indicated for the following conditions: mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery bypass, angina, periodontal disease, immune deficiency, and muscular dystrophy. The effects of the supplements may not appear until eight weeks after the start of treatment. Vegetarians have significantly higher plasma levels of CoQ-10 than eaters of both meats and plants. It is thought that a high intake of plant foods may conserve body levels of this coenzyme.
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