Co Enzyme Q 10 is a natural substance found in every living cell, it is vital for the production of energy through its part in the manufacture of A.T.P. (Adenosine Triphosphate), a substance involved in 95% of the energy process. It also supports heart function by enhancing the pumping system. It is also a potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenger. Studies have shown that as we grow older the natural production of Co-Enzyme Q-10 in the body diminishes and needs to be replenished.
Co-Enzyme Q-10 and Parkinsons
The results of a small but impressive study** suggest that high doses of Coenzyme Q10 could possibly slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease. parkinson's is a chronic disorder typically affecting people over age 55. The condition is caused by the death of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain, leading to characteristic problems with movement such as difficulty walking, a shuffling gait, decreased facial expressiveness, tremors, and trouble talking. Of the 80 people in the study, the 23 on the highest daily doses of Coenzyme Q10 (1200mg) showed the least decline in mental function, movement, and ability to perform daily tasks. (The best results). CoQ has long been mentioned as one of the potential treatments for Parkinson's Disease, but until this point there has been no scientific evidence to support the theory. This is the first odf what will certainly be larger and more statistically definitive studies in this area.
This new and promising development Coenzyme Q10 and its multiple and documented heath benefits.
** This study was conducted at the University of San Diego, California, published in the October 15th, 2002 issue of the Archives of Neurology, and was funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), an arm of the National Institutes of Health.
1. Provides more energy. Co Q-10 is a natural substance, found in most foods, that is essential to our diet. This powerful antioxidant preserves human tissue by fighting off bad cells known as "free radicals" and restores energy to human cells.
2. Enhances immune system function. Co Q-10 is an immune stimulant because it has been shown to
increase white blood cell activity. Medical professionals tend to recommend Co Q-10 during disease state conditions in which the immune system is not operating at an optimal level.
3. Promotes a healthy heart. Several studies indicate that the super antioxidant power of Co Q-10 protects cardiac tissue from damage. Also, by improving oxygen intake, Co Q-10 enhances the heart's pumping system.
4. Protects several organs including the liver, kidneys and pancreas. As we grow older, the natural
production of Co Q-10 in our bodies decreases. A reduced amount of Co Q-10 levels in these important organs have been linked to the development of certain degenerative diseases.
5. Helps lower blood pressure. Several studies reveal that patients with arterial hypertension have
benefited from Co Q-10 use.
1Supplementing Statin drug use with coenzyme Q10- could help between 125,000 and 575,000 people avoid statin-induced liver dysfunction, cardiomyopathy or congestive heart failure. Julian Whitaker, MD asserts in a May 29, 2002 citizen petition submitted to FDA.
Whitaker suggests that CoQ10 supplementation could help reduce the incidence of these adverse events since it is "an essential element in cellular energy production" and in "the functioning of the heart muscle" due to the heart's extraordinary requirements.
He notes that "the method by which statin drugs work to block cholesterol also causes them to block production of CoQ10". However, oral intake of 100mg to 200mg per day of CoQ10 would help offset this effect of statin treatment, Whitaker maintains.
2CoQ10 has shown great promise in the treatment of heart disease. In one study 12 patients with stable angina pectoris were treated with CoQ10 (150mg/day x 4 weeks) in a double-blind crossover trial. Compated to the placebo, CoQ10 reduced the frequency of angina attacks by 53%.
Source: 2 Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murry N.D. and Joseph Pizzimo N.D. 1991, Amino Acids by Dr. Donsbach, DC, N.D, Ph.D., 1994. 1 Based on data in the 1998 Physicians' Desk Reference indicating that 25 mil. patients use statins worldwide and .5% to 2.3% experience adverse events including myopathies.
Recommended Dosage: One softgel one to two times daily as a dietary supplement, preferably with a meal.
