Discovered only in 1957, coenzyme Q10, abbreviated CoQ10, is a naturally-occurring molecule of critical importance to health and life itself. It’s presence is essential for all of the body’s cells, tissues and organs. CoQ10 is also called ubiquinone, formed from the word ubiquitous (everywhere present) and the coenzyme quinone. CoQ10 is similar in molecular structure to vitamin K, and is within every cell of the human body.

There are presently 10 known CoQs—CoQ1 through CoQ10—various forms of which are contained in yeasts, bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, including humans. Human cells contain only CoQ10. Coenzymes from lower life forms—plants and animals—can be converted into Q10 within the human body by the liver, but this ability declines with age. Deficiencies of CoQ10 greater than 50% have been observed in the elderly. As Q10 levels decline, there is a corresponding decrease in health and freedom from disease states.[2]

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Dr. Karl Folkers of the University of Texas at Austin, recognized as the “father of CoQ research,” was the first to identify CoQ10's crucial role in cell respiration and energy production. Folkers believes that overt disease states such as diabetes, hepatitis, and some cancers may appear at deficiency levels of 25-75%, and death may occur at deficiency levels of 75-100%.3 The significant increase in mitochondrial energy levels produced by supplemental CoQ10 administration is the principal mechanism by which it achieves its profound results in many age-related illnesses.

The highest concentrations of Q10 are found within the organs that have the greatest energy requirements—the heart muscle, the liver and the cells of the immune system which continually ward off microbial invaders. A CoQ10 deficiency can arise as the result of impaired Q10 synthesis due to a nutritional deficiency; illness (infection or other suppression of the immune system); the aging process; a genetic or acquired defect; increased cellular requirements; or taking statin drugs.

CoQ10 has been found useful in the treatment of many types of cardiovascular disease. It can prevent or reverse degenerative heart lesions that form as the result of high blood pressure. It also can treat angina and congestive heart failure by supplying optimal cellular nutrition. Many recent studies conducted in several countries including the U.S., Japan, and Italy have found CoQ10 to be extremely effective in treating congestive heart failure (CHF), the inability of the heart to pump blood efficiently.[4]

In a study reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,5 89% of 80 treated patients with cardiomyopathy (reduced force of heart contractions) improved while taking 100 mg of CoQ10 daily for 12 weeks, maintained that improvement, but deteriorated when treatment was discontinued. Other studies have found CoQ10 to be an effective treatment in many ailments of the heart including angina, arrhythmias, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart transplants, high blood pressure, hypertension, hyperthyroid heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, and valve replacement.

There are various forms of CoQ10, some better and more absorbable than others. The natural molecule (trans) is preferable to the synthetic (cis). Also, CoQ10 should either be mixed with an oil (borage, flax, coconut, etc.) which has been shown to aid absorption, should be taken with a meal containing fat, or should have some other type of delivery system that aids absorption.

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