Coenzyme Q-10 For Heart Health
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Research & Development
Sep 10, 2006
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Cardiovascular disease has long been and continues to be the number one killer in the US. Fortunately,
lifestyle interventions including exercise, behavior modification, and dietary treatments remain powerful weapons
in the war against this devastating disease. There has been great interest and some promising research on the
cardiovascular health benefits of dietary supplements. CoQ10 functions in the mitochondria, the "powerhouses"
of the cell to assist in making energy (ATP) from carbohydrates and fats. CoQ10 primarily acts as an antioxidant
in the heart and is involved in the synthesis of energy (ATP), but also has other important functions inside the
mitochondria such as stabilizing membranes. Because of CoQ10s role in oxidative stress, energy production, and
stabilization, it is useful in preventing damage to the heart during periods of stress. CoQ10 levels have been
shown to be depleted in patients with a variety of heart conditions and in patients during therapy with a variety
of cholesterol-lowering drugs including statins. Research spanning over 30 years with CoQ10 show potential for
use in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients (1). Preventative doses usually range
from 30 to 60 mg/day whereas therapeutic doses are usually greater than 100 mg/day. CoQ10 may be appropriate to
recommend as an adjunct to conventional treatment or as a preventive treatment.
1. Sarter B. Coenzyme Q10 and cardiovascular disease: a review. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2002 Jul;16(4):9-20.