Coenzyme Q-10 is a star now in anti-aging supplement and skin routines! Co Q-10 (pronounce Coe-cue-10) is an antioxidant that protects the cell membrane. Coenzyme Q-10 also supports cellular energy production, healthy cardiovascular function and seems to provide a protective and restorative effect to skin. Co-Q10 helps all cells - particularly heart and muscle cells - utilize oxygen.
Coenzyme Q-10 is concentrated in the mitochondria and improves the function of this energy machine found within each cell. Also known as Ubiquinone, Co-Q-10 is found throughout all cells in the body, and the heart and the liver contain the greatest amount of coenzyme Q-10.
In some studies, rodents treated with supplemental CoQ10 lived up to 30 percent longer than their untreated counterparts. It's believed that Co Q-10 protects the part of the brain that is damaged in Parkinson's Disease so supplementation may be able to slow the progression of Parkinson's. It is known to reduce risks of breast and prostate cancer, improve metabolism to lose weight, protect against gum diseases and protect the cell membranes against oxidative damage which has a visible impact on skin.
Sound like a winner?
Body-builders love Co Q-10 because of the ATP connection. The body needs coenzyme Q-10 to make ATP. ATP, adenosine triphosphate, found in every cell, is a source of energy for many bodily processes and provides reserve energy for your muscles. Therefore, your heart, a muscle, needs a constant supply of ATP. Since Co Q-10 is used to make ATP, reserve energy for muscles, the theory is that taking Co Q-10 as a supplement will ensure those muscles will perform better, for a longer time and when under high demand. If it's true of any old muscle, imagine the impact this news has on your heart!
Co Q-10 levels decline as we age so people take a supplement to protect their hearts, their skin and their muscle performance - it is now widely considered one of the star anti-aging supplements. Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking COQ10 will additionally improve energy levels. In fact, some have reported they don't like taking 100mg - it's too much - because they have too much energy at night!
Important to know: Coenzyme Q-10 is not very stable and diminishes in quality very quickly once exposed to air. Softgels dissolve 200% faster than tablets or capsules.
Preserves antioxidant action of Vitamin C (imagine coq10 with a topical vitamin c ester regimen!)
Protects cell membranes and protects mitochondria
Stimulates immune system
Aids in prevention of toxicity from drugs used to treat diseases
Stimulates immune system
Heart benefits
Aids respiration of the heart muscle
Provides protection against viral-caused heart inflammations
Helps prevent cardiac arrhythmias
Minimizes myocardial injury caused by heart bypass surgery
Reduces angina and high blood pressure
Reduces risk of heart attack
Can relieve congestive heart failure
Symptoms of a Deficiency:
CoQ10 is synthesized by the body but is used by cells during respiration and is depleted during the normal course of aging. CoQ10 can affect brain and nerve function, so deficiencies can result in anxiety, irritability, anger, insomnia, mood swings - but those symptoms can be a result of a lot of things. CoQ10 deficiency is common in people with different types of heart disease, and as we know, levels decline beginning at around age 30.
Minimum Daily Requirement/Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA, MDR) - How much should I take?
30 to 300 mg. No toxic effects have ever been observed from taking too much coq10 but heart patients should talk to their doctor before taking coQ10 to learn the right amount to take. It takes about 150 milligrams or more to lower blood pressure.
Food Sources of CoQ10:
Meat, cereals, eggs, dairy products and vegetables are food sources. But you really can't get enough coQ10 from foods to get even the minimum amount recommended, says Dr. Perricone. 30 mg. twice a day in a gelcap for best absorption is often recommended.
When to Take CoQ10:
It appears this supplement is best absorbed when taken with meals. It is fat-soluble so it's best to take a softgel /gelcap in an oil base, or eat it with a food that has some fats.
