 |
| Search FGS |
|---|
News and Events
| Co-enzyme Q10 |
Since it was discovered in 1957 a lot of research has been carried out into Co-enzyme Q10 leading to a Nobel Prize for Chemistry for Englishman Peter Mitchell in 1978.  We now know that co-enzyme Q10 plays a very important role at a very fundamental biochemical level as a carrier in a process known as the “electron transport chain”. This process occurs within every cell of the body in an area known as the mitochondria and is the method by which the body produces energy. Energy is produced in the cells by converting the calories in sugars and fats into the fuel we run on, called adenosine triphosphate (or ATP). When levels of Co-enzyme Q10 decline the process cannot function efficiently and consequently our energy levels decline. Parts of the body that work the hardest, such as the heart and liver, and events that require extra energy, such as infection, healing and sperm production, also call for greater concentrations.Almost everything we eat contains various forms of Co-Enzyme Q. However only a small amount is present as Q10 or ubiquinone as it is otherwise known. The average intake for meat eaters is 3-5mg and for vegetarians just 1mg per day. Human tissue only contains Q10 and lower numbers cannot be directly be utilized. However the body can utilize the lower numbers by transforming them in the liver. This conversion is, however, weakened by illness and more importantly by age. This situation is unfortunate because many age related issues such as tiredness and cardiovascular problems are where Co-enzyme Q10 is particularly beneficial. Our levels of Co-enzyme Q10 naturally begin to decline around the age of 20 due to lower levels being made in the liver and less being absorbed in the intestines. Many of the trials involving Co-enzyme Q10 have focused on cardiovascular support and the wealth of evidence for the supportive role it plays is growing. Studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of abnormal blood clots, help control blood glucose levels, help blood vessels to dilate properly and improve blood pressure. People suffering from heart failure have been found to have lower levels of Co-enzyme Q10 in heart muscle cells. A study was carried out on 641 people with congestive heart failure to determine the effectiveness of Co-enzyme Q10 with this particular condition. The group was divided into two with one half receiving 150mg Co-enzyme Q10 daily whilst the rest of the group were given a placebo plus standard treatment. The study took place over a year and the conclusion was that people in the Co-enzyme Q10 group had a significant reduction in symptom severity and fewer hospitalisations. A recent meta-analysis of studies on blood pressure showed the benefits of Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation. The 12 trials reviewed involved 362 patients and assessed the overall efficacy and consistency of therapeutic action and side effect incidence. The results of the research show the potential benefits of Co-enzyme Q10 for patients suffering from high blood pressure. A reduction of 17mm Hg was seen overall in systolic blood pressure and a reduction of 10mm Hg was seen overall in diastolic blood pressure without serious side effects. Healthy levels of Co-enzyme Q10 are associated with a strong pumping action in the heart and less resistance to blood flow leading to healthy blood pressure. Co-enzyme Q10 also enhances the antioxidant activities of vitamin E, helping to maintain healthy arteries. Another area of recent interest in Co-enzyme Q10 is in the area of gum health due to the fact that diseased gum tissue contains very low levels of Co-enzyme Q10. Trials have shown Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation helps restore gum health by stopping the progress of gum disease and increasing the rate of gum healing. Co-enzyme Q10 supplementation has been linked to improvement in Parkinson’s Disease. In a recent placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial the subjects were given 300mg, 600mg, or 1200mg of Co-enzyme Q10 with vitamin E or a placebo with vitamin E daily for over 16 months. At the end of the study an assessment was made of the subjects and it was found that the 1200mg group showed 44% less decline in mental function. We have seen a significant increase in infertility problems over recent years and therefore it is also worth bearing in mind that sperm from men taking Co-enzyme Q10 were more than twice as likely to fertilise an egg compared to those not taking Co-enzyme Q10. Millions of people around the world have seen their cholesterol levels fall by taking HMG-CoA reductase drugs also collectively known as statins. Statins generated an estimated $16 billion worldwide in 2003 and have now surpassed hypertension medications in generating revenue for pharmaceutical manufacturers. However, studies have shown that statin products such as Lipitor (atorvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin) can deplete natural levels of Co-enzyme Q10 in the body. The link between statin use and depletion of co-enzyme Q10 has long been understood. In fact in 1989 and 1990 Merck, manufacturers of Zocor, applied for patents for Co-enzyme Q10/ simvastatin combination products. The 1989 patent application states that a combined product might be effective against not only cardiomyopathy, but also elevated levels of the enzyme transaminase, which reflects liver damage. These patents have yet to be used and other statin manufacturers have still to acknowledge the risk. A number of side effects have been attributed to the use of statins. Liver and muscle problems are well known side effects with many people using statins long term experiencing muscle pain, weakness and tenderness. Memory, thinking and concentration problems have been noticed by some people with other problems noticed including depression, irritability, sleep problems, sexual function problems, swelling, shortness of breath and vision changes. With promising results against such a wide array of health conditions it is a wonder that the widespread acceptance of Co-enzyme Q10 by orthodox medicine lags so far behind our industry. As larger and more varied studies are undertaken with Co-enzyme Q10, and the results analysed, the day when this critical nutrient gains the attention it so richly deserves appears to be drawing ever nearer. |