Welcome to Ounce of Prevention’s
Words On Wellness. Recently, a substance called Coenzyme Q10 has received widespread
attention. People that have heard about Coenzyme Q10 may know about its ability to help
the heart and circulatory system, but there are other health benefits Coenzyme Q10
provides. Please read on to discover some lesser known benefits of this increasingly
popular nutrient. All
statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA. All statements are based on studies
and/or research,
are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnosis,
treat, cure or prevent any disease. The nutritional supplement discussed in this
newsletter is not a drug and should not be used as a drug or in lieu of
drugs prescribed by your physician. Always consult with your physician
before taking any pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. 
© Jeffrey
S. House, D.C.
To understand exactly what Coenzyme Q10 is, we need to
understand what enzymes and coenzymes are. Enzymes are protein substances that are
manufactured in most cells of the body. Their function is to either cause or accelerate
chemical reactions that occur constantly in the body without actually entering into the
reaction itself. This concept should become clear if you think of an enzyme as a burner on
your stove with a pot of ice cubes resting on it. By igniting the burner, the ice cubes
will melt as the burner heats. Even though the ice cubes would eventually melt without the
added heat, the heat greatly increases the rate at which the ice melts. This is exactly
what enzymes in the body do, only they do it to chemicals. Additionally, enzymes are
usually specific for a particular chemical substance and its reaction. Coenzymes work in a
similar way as enzymes; however, coenzymes usually contain a mixture of phosphorus and
vitamins instead of protein. Coenzyme Q10 simply is a coenzyme that belongs to a group of
coenzymes, known a Q, that are composed of similar substances and function in similar
ways. Although there exist several coenzyme Qs, Coenzyme Q10 is the only one found in
humans and, as is the case with many nutritive substances in the body, decreases in
quantity as we age.
Research has shown Coenzyme Q10 may be helpful in the management of a multitude of diseases and disease processes. These include cardiovascular diseases, the ill-effects of aging, tumors and tumor-like processes, allergies, asthma and other respiratory diseases, conditions affecting the brain such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and gum disease and diabetes, just to name a few. Is Coenzyme Q10 a miracle substance? No. As explained earlier, it is a substance that helps normal chemical reactions occur. Simply put, Coenzyme Q10 helps the body work more efficiently and effectively. How CoEnzyme Q10 Works
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of little things in cells called mitochondria. Mitochondria are considered the "power house" of the cell, responsible for generating 95 percent of the body’s energy needs. Without Coenzyme Q10, we could not generate enough energy to live! Fortunately, the body manufactures this important coenzyme; however, as stated above, as we age, the levels of Coenzyme Q10 decline, making supplementation a worthy consideration. Coenzyme Q10 and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
For the simple reason that it aids in energy production, Coenzyme Q10 may play a beneficial role in individuals suffering from a lack of energy, either physical or metabolic. Coenzyme Q10 has earned great respect these past few years regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. By assisting the body in manufacturing its energy, Coenzyme Q10 may help counteract the run down feeling associated with this condition. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 may increase the oxygen supply to the various tissues, again possibly counteracting the common symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Coenzyme Q10 and the Cardiovascular System
The heart’s job is to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. Conditions that make it difficult for the heart to perform this task, such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathies, hypertension and atherosclerosis, may benefit from Coenzyme Q10 supplementation. As is the case with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Coenzyme Q10 accomplishes this with its energy enhancing and oxygenating abilities. By enhancing the ability to deliver oxygen to the various tissues, the demand placed on the heart is lessened, allowing it to perform its job with less effort. We must remember that the heart is a muscle that is working our entire lives. The only time it rests is between beats. Reducing the demand placed on it by increasing the quality of what it pumps will allow it more time to rest. Coenzyme Q10 and Mental Function
In addition to its energy producing aspects and its oxygenating characteristics, Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant and immune system enhancer. Antioxidants play an increasingly important role in maintaining health by reducing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that researchers have linked to no less than 60 diseases and disease processes. By utilizing Coenzyme Q10’s free radical scavenging capability, we may be able to reduce the effects of or actually prevent certain diseases affecting cognitive skills. This is accomplished by eliminating the possibility of damage causes by free radicals to the vast capillary network in the brain. By keeping the capillaries in top shape, vital nutrients are able to easily reach the nerve cells in the brain and provide their nourishment so that the cells stay healthy and we stay mentally sharp. Summary
Coenzyme Q10 is a vital component of a cell’s "power house," the mitochondria. Without Coenzyme Q10, we are unable to generate 95 percent of our energy needs. As is the case with may substances in the body, Coenzyme Q10 decreases in quantity as we age. Studies have shown that by supplementing the diet with this important coenzyme, certain diseases and the ill-effects they have on our health and well-being may be avoided. Ounce of Prevention Nutrition Shoppe carries several brands of Coenzyme Q10 in strengths from 30 milligrams to 200 milligrams.
