What is CoQ10?Heart Energy Engine and More.

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Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency.

Coenzyme Q10 CAS 303-98-0 photo picture image Normal production of coenzyme Q-10 by humans is highest at about 20 years of age and then it declines gradually. Deficiencies of coenzyme Q-10 are rare, but they result in serious symptoms that include fatigue, muscle weakness, and seizures. Smoking cigarettes reduces the amounts of coenzyme Q-10 in the body, and taking certain drugs such as doxorubicin, some beta-blockers, or certain statins may also lower coenzyme Q-10 levels. Low levels of coenzyme Q-10 are associated with conditions ranging from AIDS and some cancers to periodontal disease. Generally, the extent of coenzyme Q-10 deficiency seems to correlate to the severity of the condition. That is, conditions affected by coenzyme Q-10 levels seem to worsen as coenzyme Q-10 decreases.

 Athletes sometimes take supplemental coenzyme Q-10 in the belief that it may increase their ability to perform extended exercise, but study evidence has failed to support this belief.

 Normal blood and tissue levels of CoQ10 have been well established by numerous investigators around the world. Significantly decreased levels of CoQ10 have been noted in a wide variety of diseases in both animal and human studies. Insufficient dietary CoQ10, impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis, excessive utilization of CoQ10 by the body, or any combination of the three, may cause CoQ10 deficiency. Decreased dietary intake is presumed in chronic malnutrition and cachexia.

 The relative contribution of CoQ10 biosynthesis versus dietary CoQ10 is under investigation. Karl Folkers takes the position that the dominant source of CoQ10 in man is biosynthesis. This complex,17 step process, requiring at least seven vitamins (vitamin B2 riboflavin,vitamin B3 niacinamide,vitamin B6,folic acid,vitamin B12,vitamin C,and pantothenic acid) and several trace elements,is,by its nature,highly vulnerable. Karl Folkers argues that suboptimal nutrient intake in man is almost universal and that there is subsequent secondary impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis.This would mean that average or normal levels of CoQ10 are really suboptimal and the very low levels observed in advanced disease states represent only the tip of a deficiency "ice berg".

 HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis also block CoQ10 biosynthesis. The resulting lowering of blood CoQ10 level is due to the partially shared biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10 and cholesterol. In patients with heart failure this is more than a laboratory observation. It has a significant harmful effect, which can be negated by oral CoQ10 supplementation.

 Increased body consumption of CoQ10 is the presumed cause of low blood CoQ10 levels seen in excessive exertion, hypermetabolism, and acute shock states. It is likely that all three mechanisms (insufficient dietary CoQ10, impaired CoQ10 biosynthesis, and excessive utilization of CoQ10) are operable to varying degrees in most cases of observed CoQ10 deficiency.

 Patients with certain conditions tend to have lower levels of CoQ10, and may benefit from supplements. Some diseases that are associated with decreased amounts of this nutrient are AIDS, chronic fatigue, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and inflammatory gum disease. Levels of CoQ10 tend to decrease with age; tests for its presence in the body are not widely available. Adverse effects from this supplement are rare and mild, so anyone suffering from one of the listed conditions should consider discussing supplementation with a health care provider.

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citations1.What is CoQ10?Heart Energy Engine and More.

last edit date:13th,May.2009.