Co-Q10, a complex organic compound also known as ubiquinone, is produced naturally in all plants and animals.  It is an essential nutrient that supplies the biochemical “spark” that creates cellular energy. 

What does this mean?  It means that Co-Q10 is critical to the production of energy within each cell in the human body.

This spark is especially important to athletes active lifestyle and fitness enthusiasts who have an interest in ATP production as well as recovery.  Here’s why:

Co-Q10, as with all enzymes consists of two parts—a protein and either a mineral or vitamin.  When coupled with a vitamin, it is referred to as a co-enzyme.  Co-Enzyme Q10 serves a catalyst in several chemical reactions that lead to the production of energy—in this case, ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).  ATP is critical for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to constantly replenish their ATP supply.  The ability of the human body to manufacture its own Co-Q10 can decrease with age.  Without it, muscles, nerve impulses and body organ activities may slow down.

Overall Co-Q10 has been shown to:

· Help in fat loss programs as it helps stimulate the body’s metabolism

· Help in cell respiration, electron transfer, ATP production, control of oxidation reactions

· Play a key role in treatment of cardiovascular illnesses, including congestive heart failure.

CO-Q10 and Statin Drugs

    Nearly 40 million people will be taking Lipitor this year in the United States alone, with an additional 20 million taking other types of statin drugs (known as HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) to help lower cholesterol.   Most of these people will be over 50 years of age and few will be on supplemental Co Q-10.

    This has caused some controversy within the medical community, itself.  While statin drugs are successful at inhibiting cholesterol production, they are equally successful at inhibiting the body’s production of necessary Co Q-10—as well as other important biochemical processes.  To some, this deficiency is particularly alarming.  

     Side effects of Co-Q10 deficiency include muscle wasting leading to weakness, severe back pain, heart failure (the heart is a muscle), neuropathy and inflammation of the tendons and ligaments, often leading to rupture.

     People taking statin drugs should consult with their physicians regarding the potential benefits of Co-Q10 supplementation as well as appropriate dosage.

 Amount Per One (1) Softgel Capsule

CO-Q10 Questions & Answers
 

How is Coenzyme Q10 Created?
     Coenzyme Q10 is also called ubiquinone, because its presence in nature is ubiquitous, meaning universal or everywhere. Plant and animal foods regularly supply the body with a daily micro-stream of coenzyme Q10. The body is able to produce coenzyme Q10 if adequate other nutrition is present and liver function is healthy. Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 can arise when people fail to choose most of their food from the natural whole food category. Manufactured and refined foods may fail to deliver sufficient quantities of coenzyme Q10, or the nutrition required to produce coenzyme Q10 in the body.

Who Should Use Coenzyme Q10?
     Coenzyme Q10 supplementation makes the most sense in those who are older, in whom nutritional deficiencies and compromised liver function have curtailed coenzyme Q10 production. Every bodily system will benefit in the older person. Of special importance is the way coenzyme Q10 enhances immune system performance, cardio performance, especially with heart failure and congestive heart failure, and liver and kidney performance. Nevertheless for those who seek optimal nutritional enablement, daily supplementation can be justified without regard to age (30 to 60 mg).

Is Coenzyme Q10 An Antioxidant?
     Coenzyme Q10 also acts as an antioxidant, preserving our cells from damage due to inappropriate oxidation. Inappropriate oxidation accelerates the cellular decline of body tissues and the aging process. Athletes in particular may benefit from 30 to 60 mg per day due to the greater flow of oxygen through the body. Even those who daily endeavor to stay physically fit may need to enhance control over inappropriate oxidation.

How Do I Use Coenzyme Q10?
     Routine daily supplementation is recommended in the older set, and may be useful in a younger set suffering from chronic infections of any kind, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Coenzyme Q10 is oil soluble and best absorbed in the oily meal portion, so it should be taken with meals.
     Anywhere from 30mg to 120mg per day may be appropriate, depending on age, size, and severity of health problems. Higher doses are quite well tolerated if you and your physician feel it will be beneficial. It is best to divide your daily dose into 30 to 60 mg doses taken at meal time. Divided doses ensure more successful absorption of the full daily dosage.

Speak With Your Physician!
     Please speak with your physician before starting coenzyme Q10, if you have serious health problems and/or heart failure being treated by medication. This helps your physician monitor your expected benefit and tailor medication. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural part of human nutrition.