CoQ10, The Heart-Healthy Antioxidant

Coenzyme Q10- The Heart-Healthy Antioxidant

Coenzyme Q10 has been dubbed the “cellular spark plug” because it is essential in body cells for the production of energy. The highest need and concentration is in cells of the hardest working organs. What works harder than the beating heart? It should not be any surprise that heart patients often have dangerously low levels of CoQ10. For about 3 decades CoQ10 has been used to treat and prevent heart disease in Japan and by some US physicians. It is also used to treat gum disease. There is extensive research to support both uses.

CoQ 10 is one of many antioxidants needed to disable dangerous free radicals connected with most diseases. When energy production in body cells necessarily produces free radicals, CoQ10 is there to quench those harmful free radials before they do harm. It also recycles some antioxidants like Vitamin E. CoQ10 is carried by LDL (mistakenly called “bad cholesterol“). Low levels of CoQ10 allows LDL to be oxidized by free radicals. Oxidation of LDL is an important factor of hardening of the arteries, not the needed LDLs themselves. High levels of CoQ10 can help protect vital LDL.

It is hard to get enough CoQ10. Sources of CoQ10 are: sea foods, nuts, lean meats, organ meats. The body also makes CoQ10, but this ability lessens with age. Many drugs and conditions increase the need for CoQ10. The “statin” family of drugs lowers CoQ10 in the body by interfering with the body making CoQ10. Antioxidant research scientist Dr. Lester Packer recommends a minimum of 30 mg/day to maintain good health and 50mg/day for those at high risk. (Most information taken from the book, “The Antioxidant Miracle” by Lester Packer, PhD and Carol Colman)

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CoQ10, The Heart-Healthy Antioxidant