CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

Get all the latest from Natural Health Techniques delivered directly to your inbox when you join our newsletter here.

Stay in touch:

Sign up for occasional updates/videos/tips/specials and receive the Fast-Start Bonus Report with or 150 Tips and Tricks to optimize your health today!

CoQ-10

Alias names: Ubiquinone, Coenzyme Q10

History of CoQ10:

Coenzyme Q10 was first discovered in 1957. Coenzyme Q10, or simply CoQ10, is also called ubiquinone.

CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant which helps to process food, converting it into cell energy (called ATP). Virtually every cell in the human body contains Coenzyme Q10 (especially the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas.) The mitochondria within each cell–those powerhouse work factories that make energy in the form of ATP—contain the most CoQ10.

Many researchers believe that CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions because it can improve energy production in cells, prevent blood clot formation and act as an antioxidant.

CoQ10 has been found to be effective for the following disease processes:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Angina-helps increase exercise ability
  • Diabetes
  • Gum disease
  • Heart failure/Congestive heart failure
  • Heart surgery (post op)
  • Hearts damaged by chemotherapy
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Suppressed immune function in people with HIV or AIDS
  • Infertility-Increases sperm motility (improving male fertility)
  • Migraine headache prevention
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Post heart attack
  • Premature aging (prevents telomere shortening)

Natural Sources of CoQ10 include:

Fresh fish (Salmon/Tuna/Sardines/Herring/Pollack), organ meats (heart and liver), and meats.

Grains, fruits and vegetables also contain CoQ10 but in very small amounts compared to fish and animal meats. One source stated that these foods must be raw, fresh and unprocessed—no milling, canning, preserving, freezing and best if grown and produced in an unpolluted environment. I’m not sure if that means that the fish and meats should be raw (I hope not) but if that’s the case then protomorphogen/glandular/cytosol products would be your best option. Standard Process Labs Cardio Plus and Myotrophin contain CoQ10. These are both protomorphogen/glandular products (and work great!)

Because Coenzyme Q10 is fat-soluble, it is best taken with a meal containing a bit of fat. CoQ10 is safe to take during pregnancy and breast feeding. As in all cases of taking supplements, if you feel nauseous when you’re taking it, it’s probably not what your body wants or needs—or you’re reacting to something within the supplement they use as a filler. Take the best quality supplements that you can find. (They are much cheaper in the long-run and better for your body.)

Even though Coenzyme Q10 often takes several months of taking this supplement to see the benefits, people taking this supplement should not stop taking it abruptly if they are using it for heart issues because it may exacerbate the health issue by removing the beneficial actions of it.

Contraindications for taking CoQ10:

CoQ10 may lower blood sugar and blood pressure so if you’re taking medications for these health challenges please consult your health care team to determine what is best for your body. CoQ10 may also interfere with beta blockers, tricyclic antidepressants and statin drugs.

What is Ubiquinol?

Ubiquinol is the newest, latest, greatest active form of Ubiquinone (CoQ10).

Helpful Links and References for CoQ10: