CO-ENZYME Q10 is a substance all cells need to live. It
is also called “ubiquinone,” which is very fitting because CO-Q10 is
literally ubiquitous (everywhere) in your body, as well as in all living
systems. It is one of the vital keys to the process that produces most of your
cellular energy.
Co-Q10 is like a spark plug
in your car’s engine for without the spark to ignite the fuel, the engine will
not be able to run. Likewise, without Co-Q10, your cells cannot produce
the energy needed to live. Moreover, if your car has faulty spark plugs, it runs
noisily and inefficiently. So, with insufficient Co-Q10, your body may
not be able to function at peak performance. The body can obtain Co-Q10
from the diet. Foods high in Co-Q10 include all meats, vegetable oils,
nuts, grains, and vegetables. These foods also contain shorter Co-Q molecules,
containing less than 10 “isoprenoid” side chains. For instance, plants contain
Co-Q9 as well as Co-Q10. The liver is able to process and piece these
chains together to form Co-Q10. Or, it can synthesize its own Co-Q10
from the amino acids tyrosine and mevalonate. Thus, Co-Q10 is not
technically a vitamin because the body can manufacture it. However, studies have
shown that elderly, malnourished and chronically ill people have lower blood
levels of Co-Q10. Also, the use of Statin drugs may lower blood levels of
Co-Q10. Supplementation with Co-Q10 raises and helps normalize low
blood levels in people who are susceptible to low Co-Q10 levels. The
amount of Co-Q10 found in foods is usually too low to adequately raise
blood levels for those who are deficient.
WHERE IS CO-Q10 FOUND IN THE
BODY? Everywhere! Cells in the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle have the
highest contents, possibly because these organs require the most energy. If
Co-Q10 levels sink below 25% of normal levels, cells begin to die.
HOW DOES CO-Q10 WORK? Within
each cell are components called mitochondria, where energy in the form of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is produced. In order for mitochondria to do their
work, electrons must continually flow through them, ultimately reaching oxygen
molecules. Co-Q10 is a vital link in this electron flow. Without energy,
the cell dies. With insufficient amounts of Co-Q10, the electron flow
slows down, and the body is not properly oxygenated. Co-Q10 also
functions as an ANTIOXIDANT by helping to decrease free radical activity. Free
radicals are unstable molecules which can initiate destructive chain reactions
in the body. Co-Q10, along with beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and
antioxidant enzymes helps stabilize free radicals and prevents damage.
DOES TAKING CO-Q10 SUPPLEMENTS
ACTUALLY HELP INCREASE ITS CONTENT IN THE BODY? When taking Co-Q10
supplements, studies show significant increases in blood concentration. For
instance, one study found that a single dose of 100 mg increased plasma
concentration from 1 mcg/ml to 3.8 mcg/ml. Furthermore, supplementing 100 mg
daily for 2-8 months resulted in a 20-80% increase of Co-Q10
concentration in the heart muscle. In summary, Co-Q10 is found in
all living organisms and is essential to life because it is necessary for ATP
production. While it is normally obtained through the diet or manufactured by
the body, certain people have exhibited shortages of Co-Q10. Research has
shown supplementation can increase the body’s levels of Co-Q10.
