This essential co-enzyme offers numerous benefits via cellular protection
and rejuvenation.
Coenzyme Q-10, known as CoQ-10 for short, has become an increasingly
popular dietary supplement, as more people realize that it is a naturally
occurring vitamin that is essential not only for health but for life.
In an article entitled "Miracles of Coenzyme Q-10," which appeared in the
January/February 1997 issue of Health Freedom News, authors Debasis Bagchi,
Ph.D., FACN; S.K. Dash, Ph.D., and Dipak K. Das. write "Coenzyme Q-10...is
a naturally occurring substance that is an esscntial component of the
mitochondrial respiratory chain where aerobic energy is produced. It is an
important regulator of the cardiovascular svstem. CoQ-10 acts as the
catalyst that allows the body to produce energy at the cellular level. This
energy enhances the immune system, the body's primary line of defense
against disease. Without adequate enhancement, the immune system can no
longer prevent illness."
Health researchers describe this coenzyme as being a nutrient that helps
revitalize and maintain homeostasis, particularly in the heart and blood
vessels. It also has been demonstrated to optimize trans-plasma membrane
electron transport systems; such systems help bring about healthy
regeneration of tissue, as well as cell growth.
Professor F.L. Crane and his group was the first to isolate Coenzyme Q-100
in pure form at the University of Wisconsin, in 1957. This was followed by
a re-isolation of CoQ-10 from beef muscle, by Dr. Karl Folkers, Ph.D., a
medicinal chemist. He also not only characterized and interpreted the
structure of CoQ-10 but synthesized the pure compound and went on to show
that it is an essential vitamin supplement for maintenance of
cardiovascular and immunological health," write Dash. Bagchi and Das. "In
the early 1960s, Dr. Folker hypothesized that CoQ-10 was essential to the
body's production of energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) Dr.
Folker established his hypothesis that CoQ-10 is absolutely essential for
human life."
Dr Folkers and his colleagues performed a study on the effects of CoQ-10
treatment for diabetes, cancer and heart and blood vessel disease on eight
aging patients. The study showed that seven patients had an increase in
antibody levels. In addition, write Dash, Bagchi and Das, "Scientists have
shown that people afflicted with cancer and heart disease have an
alarmingly low supply of CoQ-10." The trio believes therefore that
supplementation of CoQ-10 is "very important."
CoQ 10 can be found as a naturally occurring substance in bovine muscle and
heart, and in eggs. It also occurs in lesser quantities in beans, grains,
spinach and certain oils. The obvious deterrent to trying to obtain
adequate amounts of CoQ-10 from beef products and eggs is their high
cholesterol contents, Therefore, those people who want to refrain from
eating beef and egg products and who do not eat enough beans, grains and
spinach, may opt to choose a supplemental form of CoQ-10.
According to Dash, Bagchi and Das. this coenzyme has strong antioxidant and
membrane stabilizing properties. As an antioxidant-acting nutrient. CoQ-10
works to scavenge free radicals when oxygen free radicals are generated.
"Additionally." they write, "exogenous CoQ-10 has been shown to be
inhibitory to the ccllular phospholipases responsible for degrading cell
membranes. Exogenous administration of CoQ-10 has been shown to be a potent
blocker of lipid peroxidation.
In Nutrition News, Vol. X, No. 8, publisher and editor Siri Khalsa, citing
information from The Miracle Nutrient: Coenzyme Q-10 written by Emile G.
Bliznakov, M.D and Gerald L. Hunt, writes, "CoQ-10 is a vital catalyst to
the creation of energy on a cellular level. Within each cell are tiny
energy generators (mitochondria) which produce 95% of our total energy
needs. CoQ-10 is held within the membranes of these organelles where it
synthesizes a substance called adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic
energy molecule of the cell."
She goes on to point out that studies have demonstrated that a 75%
deficiency of CoQ-10 in the body renders organs and systems unable to meet
their energy requirements, and that major ill health and disease states can
or will result.
Khalsa writes that known results stemming from oral CoQ-10 usage are an
increase of energy, heart function improvement, prevention and cure of gum
disease. immune-system boosting. and possible extension of life.
She adds that after age 35 or so, humans' ability to synthesize this
coenzyme starts to decline. "Because of CoQ-10's role in energy production
and oxygen utilization within every cell in the body some people experience
a major increase in energy and reduced sleep needs when they use CoQ-10
supplements."
Literature from OptiPure, a division of Chemco Industries, a
dietaryupplement raw material manufacturer notes that "Vital to producing
cellular energy, acting as a unique membrane surface antioxidant, and
protecting lipoproteins from attack by free radicals CoQ-10 is one of the
most important nutritional discoveries in the last half of the 20th
Century." The literature also emphasizes that CoQ-10 is made more
bioavailable when it is in a completely solubilized state, "such as when
carried in a diluent such as vitamin E and/or other lipid-soluble media."
There seems to be good scientific work demonstrating the benefits of
CoQ-10; however, before arbitrary supplementation, it may be wise to
consult with your healthcare provider first. WF
References:
Health Freedom News, January/February 1997
Nutrition News, Vol. X, No. 8
Literature from OptiPure, div. of Chemco Industries
Whole Foods/May 1997
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been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to
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