Notes and Articles

Coenzyme Q10

the Body's Spark Plug

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring substance and is a very important molecule for the formation of ATP, the bodies energy reserve. Co Q10 is also an important fat soluble anti-oxidant and like vitamin K and E, and is therefore an important molecule in protecting against oxidation of membranes and cholesterol. Oxidised cholesterol is what is responsible for the formation of blocked arteries in arteriosclerosis. The average human heart beats over 100,000 times per year and to do so requires a great deal of energy, Co Q10 plays an important role in producing that energy. Co Q10 synthesis is lowered if cholesterol lowering drugs are used and as a result of this it is necessary to us a supplement. Co Q10 is also known to be better than vitamin E at protecting against the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol and what's more it can lower it. This make Co Q10 a multi purpose heart helper.

A number of clinical trials over the last 20 years have shown that small doses of Co Q10, in the range of 30mg-45mg per day, will result in a slightly improved clinical response in heart failure patients while 100mg-300mgs per day is known to induce far greater improvements in patients with moderate and advanced heart failure patients. It was also shown in 1985 that cardiomyopathy may be a consequence of a deficiency in Co Q10 as most patients were shown to have low circulating and tissue levels of Co Q10.

Therapeutic uses of Co Q10

Co Q10 and Performance

Co Q10 has been shown in a number of clinical trials to improve athletic performance. A daily supplementary dose of between 60mg and 100mg has been shown in numerous studies to improve VO2 Max by 20% and markedly reduce recovery time. Recovery time can also be improved if you use a supplement that contains taurine, vitamin C, magnesium and the amino acids proline, lysine and hydroxyproline all of which hasten the repair of muscle and connective tissue.

Supplemental anti-oxidants synergise well with Co Q10. Vitamin C plays an important role in releasing lactic acid from muscle, it is also known to be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.