Lynda Wharton Naturopath Acupuncturist Writer

(part one and two of this blog discuss the use of CoQ10 for cardiac health)

CoQ10 not just about heart health

CoQ10 is essential for the normal and optimal function of every type of cell in the human body, and not surprisingly there are a multitude of different disease states which have proven responsive to supplementation with this antioxidant. CoQ10 supplements make a huge difference to energy levels as well as strengthening the immune system and boosting our resistance to infection. Supplementing with CoQ10 raises antibody levels and super boosts the killing ability of macrophages (the immune cells which devour bacteria and viruses). Even the normal age related decline in immune function can be slowed with CoQ10 supplementation.

Periodontal disease effects 60% of young adults and 90% of people over 65. It is often the cause of tooth loss with aging, and research has shown that most people with periodontal disease have low levels of CoQ10 in their gum tissue. One study demonstrated that after only three weeks of treatment with CoQ10, patients showed improvements in their periodontal disease consistent with 6 months of normal periodontal disease treatment.

CoQ10 research has also produced some exciting results in the field of cancer research. In one study a group of 32 women with “high risk” breast cancer had CoQ10 included in their treatment protocol. None of them showed signs of further distant metastases, and quality of life improved for all. Six patients showed a partial remission. One of these was given an increased dosage of CoQ10. After two months the mammogram confirmed the tumour had gone. A second patient was then treated. Within three months she was in excellent condition with no residual tumour tissue.

A couple of years ago, researchers from the University of Miami presented their findings at a national cancer conference, showing a very powerful cancer killing ability for CoQ10. Using lab animals and test tube studies, they found that by delivering CoQ10 to breast and prostate cancer cells, they could be triggered into self destruction. CoQ10 was found to greatly inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells, while providing a stabilising effect on normal breast cells.

CoQ10 has also been used successfully to prevent damage to the heart caused by chemotherapy drugs, which can themselves cause serious levels of toxicity with long-term treatment. In one test, seven patients were given CoQ10 daily from before the start of their treatment with a common chemotherapeutic agent. This prevented the decrease in heart function that occurred in the study patients taking the drug without the addition of CoQ10

Supplementing with CoQ10

Research into CoQ10 is extensive and increasing rapidly, but as yet it is still not known exactly how much CoQ10 is required as an ideal “preventative” dose. Research shows that blood levels of CoQ10 and heart function change with supplementation of just 30 – 60mg daily. Many aware cardiologists recommend 100mg of CoQ10 daily to safeguard cardiovascular health. Patients with active heart disease are often prescribed doses of between 400 – 600mg a day. CoQ10 is a fat soluble compound which is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat. A recent New Zealand study demonstrated that not all forms of CoQ10 are equally absorbable and bioavailable (NZMJ 8 October 2004, vol 117). Ensure that any supplement you use is in an oil based encapsulated form rather than a tablet, for maximum absorption.

CoQ10 levels can be measured with a blood test. Normal levels are between 0.8 – 1.2 micrograms per milliliter of blood. For therapeutic benefit however, CoQ10 levels need to be increased to 2.5 to 3.5 by supplementation.

Finally, if you decide to supplement with CoQ10 and you are taking any type of cardiac medication it’s important to let your GP know as the effects can be dramatic, and existing medication may need to be reduced or altered. For example, blood pressure may drop significantly, leading to low blood pressure if existing medication is not reduced.

Lynda Wharton
www.lyndawharton.com

Tags: Heart Health, Supplements