Q10 For Energy

Q10, also known as ubiquinone or coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like substance that plays a central role in the cell's energy production and is therefore essential for the well-being of the whole body. Q10 is a universal energy supplement, providing improved strength and vitality. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

There is a large amount of documented evidence supporting Q10's positive effect on heart disease, periodontitis and high blood pressure and it has been shown to be beneficial for patients taking medication to lower their blood cholesterol levels. Q10 has no known side effects. Research has shown that a soft gelatine capsule containing Q10 dissolved in soy bean oil (as in Bio-Quinone) is the form most readily absorbed by the body.

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally-occurring substance and a vital element in the cell's energy production line. Without Coenzyme Q10, cells cannot produce the energy necessary for all the body's activities. The word ubiquinone derives from Latin and means "everywhere"; and indeed, ubiquinone is found in almost every cell. More specifically, the substance is concentrated in tiny structures inside the cell called mitochondria, which act as the cell's energy factories. Inside the mitochondria, complex processes extract energy from food, which is then used for all the body's activities. The so-called electron transport chain carries out the energy extraction. Q10 is an important link in the electron transport chain, transferring energy from nutrients to a molecule called ATP. Heart patients have proven low levels of Q 10, and it has also been shown that the body's ability to produce Q10 is reduced with age.

Q10's role in energy production has been amply demonstrated in the treatment of cardiomyopathy. In this condition the heart muscle is weakened, leaving it unable to pump blood around the body effectively.

Nutrients are combusted in the mitochondria to create energy. The most prevalent of all heart diseases is arteriosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the coronary arteries (arteriosclerosis is often complicated by coronary thrombosis, a dangerous condition where blood platelets form thrombi, or plugs, inside the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes). There is increasing evidence that Q10 will find a valuable clinical role here, too. Studies in various countries have shown that Q10 can help to treat this disease, strengthening cardiac function even where the heart muscle has been weakened by a chronic lack of oxygen.

The body cells can synthesise a certain amount of Q10. In addition, part of our Q10 requirements can be met by quinones, Q10-like substances that occur in our diet. Fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel are good sources of these quinones, as are meat and poultry, wholemeal products, nuts, and vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Unfortunately, most of the quinones in our food must undergo a chemical transformation in the liver to turn them into Q10, which is the only form of coenzyme Q that human cells can use. This chemical transformation in the liver is a potential weak link. It is badly affected by liver disease, and, more importantly, it deteriorates with age. It is no coincidence that many of the problems of old age such as lack of energy and heart disease are associated with low levels of Q10, and are precisely the areas where coenzyme Q10 supplements have been shown to be of benefit. A dietary supplement of Q10 may often be necessary to ensure a sufficient supply of this energy-creating substance.

No side effects of Q10 have ever been observed, even with large doses given over long periods. This has been confirmed by intensive investigations carried out by national regulatory organizations such as the FDA in the United States. Heart patients who received large, daily doses of Q10 of up to 200mg for six years show no signs of any side effects whatsoever. Q10 can therefore be taken as a daily dietary supplement without risk of side effects.

Many use Q10 simply to provide extra energy. There are lots of people who feel run down in their everyday lives, and in these cases a course of Q10 can be extremely effective. Elderly people, who are more prone to Q10 deficiency, are particularly likely to benefit from a daily supplement. The initial dose should be between 10 and 30mg, and this can be increased as required.

An increasing number of athletes use Q10 to improve their performance. Needless to say, this does not constitute doping. Rather, it is considered to be a form of replacement therapy, due to the finding that exercise increases the body's requirements for Q10. For example, cyclists have less Q10 in their bloodstream during the summer racing season than during the winter. This is because during intensive competition, the muscles require so much Q10 that the blood is almost depleted of its Q10 supply. For this reason, not only cyclists but also runners, rowers and many other athletes, take Q10 regularly during training and competitions as a vital dietary supplement.

Q10 is becoming an established medicine, well-suited to aiding the chronically ill, those suffering from heart diseases, periodontitis or high blood pressure. There is well-documented evidence to support the use of Q10 in all these conditions, and with every month that passes further indications are being found for this surprising new nutrient. For example, many patients with myocardial infarction (ME) have started to use Q10 to boost their flagging energy levels; and the preliminary reports indicate that this may well become another standard indication for Q10 therapy.