The benefits of CoQ10 are numerous, and it is one of the most important compounds for maintaining the proper functioning of the heart. A deficiency of CoQ10 (CoEnzyme Q10) can lead to various kinds of heart disease among other very serious health conditions.
What is CoQ10 and why is it so important?
CoQ10 is a naturally occurring compound found in the body, and a powerful antioxidant. It is a coenzyme, similar to a vitamin, and as such assists in various internal processes.
Specifically, CoQ10 plays an essential role in the production of cellular energy. Without this energy, your cells simply cannot function.
CoQ10 is found in high concentrations in tissues and organs that require a lot of energy. The heart requires huge amounts of energy to function which is why CoEnzyme Q10 is such an important compound for proper heart function. The benefits of CoQ10 are crucial to maintaining cardiovascular health.
What is the link between CoQ10 and statins?
CoEnzyme Q10 research has shown that cholesterol lowering drugs, known as statins, can actually decrease the body’s supply of CoQ10. These drugs act to inhibit the enzymes that are involved in cholesterol production, which takes place in the liver. However, they also inhibit the production of CoQ10 in the process! So the problem with CoQ10 and statins is that while these drugs – Lipitor, Pravachol, etc. can help decrease cholesterol in the body, they are also depleting the important CoQ10 that your body needs, which some argue may be worse for your heart than a buildup of cholesterol. Interesting huh?
This is why if you must take a statin (and there are natural alternatives), you should probably supplement CoQ10 to ensure that your heart has enough of this important compound. The statin CoQ10 dilemma has been the topic of much recent debate.
Featured CoQ10 Supplement
We have been taking a specially formulated product called Total Balance as our core nutritional supplement. It contains all of the heart healthy nutrients we discuss on our site, as well as vitamins, minerals and amino acids for overall health and well-being.
The ingredients of Total Balance stimulate the production of COQ10 in the body, which has been shown to be a better method than supplementing CoQ10 pills. Read more FAQ’s about Total Balance by clicking the link above.
Is it necessary to take a CoQ10 supplement?
Research shows that CoQ10 production does in fact decrease as we get older, as does the production of other naturally occuring compounds. Some health conditions may compromise the body’s CoQ10 supply, and we’ve just learned how statin drugs can decrease CoQ10 production. So it may be important to supplement CoQ10 to ensure that your heart and the rest of your body have required amounts.
However a CoQ10 supplement, even pharmaceutical grade, may not be your best option. As a stand alone supplement, CoQ10 is very unstable. A very small percentage ever makes its way into your bloodstream.
Therefore, if you are interested in maintaining the body’s CoQ10 supply you are probably better off with a supplement that will stimulate the production of CoQ10 in the body. There are health supplements with ingredients that can naturally stimulate its production, one of which is featured on this page. This will ensure you reap the benefits of this compound.
Are there any CoQ10 side effects?
Although minimal and usually short lived, CoQ10 side effects could include appetite loss, nausea and diarrhea. Therefore, rather than a pharmaceutical grade CoQ10 supplement you might want to take a health supplement that can stimulate natural production of CoQ10 in the body as well as provide other health benefits.
As with all health supplements, please consult your physician or other qualified medical professional before taking any supplement for the benefits of CoQ10.