Understanding Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 levels are also reported to be low in patients with some chronic diseases such as heart disease like angina,congestive heart failure and high blood pressure,muscular dystrophies,Parkinsons disease,cancer,diabetes,and HIV/AIDS. Some prescription drugs may also lower CoQ10 levels.

Deficiency may also occur in patients with impaired CoQ10 biosynthesis due to severe metabolic or cellular disorders,not enough dietary CoQ10 intake,or too much CoQ10 use by the body. With lower levels of CoQ10,oxidative stress increases like in ageing. Preliminary research suggests that it may be of value for treating certain conditions.

It occurs naturally in high amounts in organ meats like liver,heart and kidney; fish (sardines and mackerel),nuts,and some oils (soybean),while much lower levels can be found in most dairy products,vegetables,fruits,and cereals. In healthy individuals levels of CoQ10 are maintained both by synthesis of CoQ10 in the body and food intake. It has no known toxicity or side effects. Levels of CoQ10 in the body can be increased by taking CoQ10 supplements,although it is not clear that replacing low CoQ10 is beneficial. No safe intake levels of CoQ10 for human beings have been established. There is also,as yet,no simple clinical test to measure CoQ10 deficiency.

As most cellular processes require energy,CoQ10 is essential for health. It is distributed in membranes of the cells and possibly serves as a membrane antioxidant. CoQ10 supplements have been used to aid cardiac patients,especially those with high blood pressure and heart failure. However,it requires larger long-term trials.

CoQ10 also bolsters the immune system and improves immune function in patients with AIDS or HIV infection,increase energy levels,promote weight loss,and enhance gum health. Its also been shown to be beneficial in chronic fatigue syndrome and several neurodegenerative disorders,including Alzheimers disease,Parkinsons disease,and Huntingtons disease. CoQ10 helps protect against the side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Its role as a hypo-glycemic agent (reducing blood sugar levels) is being explored.

Promising results in animal studies showing that CoQ10 may be effective against cancer prompted researchers in Denmark to conduct similar studies on small groups of women who had breast cancer. In many cases,the women in these groups responded positively,sometimes experiencing complete remission. However,the results were not conclusive because many women were taking other supplements and receiving standard cancer therapy while they were taking CoQ10.

CoQ10 has been used,recommended,or studied for numerous conditions,but remains controversial as a treatment in many areas. Benefits are not conclusively proven; well-designed long-term research is needed to strengthen recommendations.

Ishi Khosla is a former senior nutritionist at Escorts. She heads the Centre of Dietary Counselling and also runs a health food store. She feels that for complete well-being,one should integrate physical,mental and spiritual health. According to her: To be healthy should be the ultimate goal for all.