Coenzyme Q10 is a biological compound naturally manufactured by the human body and belongs to the family of amalgams known as quinones. When the scientists first isolated coenzyme Q10 in 1957 they called it ubiquinone owing to the substance's omnipresent nature. The fact is that coenzyme Q10 can be found in all living beings and is even present in some foods like nuts and oils. Since the last 10 years, coenzyme Q10 has emerged as one of the most favored nutritional supplements worldwide. According to those advocating the use of coenzyme Q10, the nutrient is essential to preserve one's health and also cure heart disease and several other ailments. On the other hand, many physicians are of the opinion that coenzyme Q10 is so essential for maintaining general health that it should be termed 'vitamin Q'. This singular claim of the physicians is enough to express the high regard they have for this compound.
It may be mentioned here that the main role of coenzyme Q10 is to act as a catalytic agent in the metabolic process during which complex compounds are broken down into simple energy required by the body. Coenzyme Q10 derives its name from the fact that it acts in association with enzymes. Coenzyme Q10 is useful as it accelerates metabolism and hence supplies the requisite energy to the body. The compound helps the cells to digest the food, cure wounds, sustains strong muscles and simultaneously conducts many other essential functions that are beneficial for general good health. Since the primary function of coenzyme Q10 is to produce energy, it is found in all cells of the living creatures. In fact, coenzyme Q10 is found in abundance in the energy concentrated cells in the heart and helps the vital organ to beat over 100,000 times daily! On the other hand, similar to vitamins C and E, coenzyme also functions like an antioxidant and helps in counteracting the free radicals that destroy cells in the body.
Researches conducted on the compound has found that coenzyme Q10 may possibly be used to prevent and treat cancer, heart attacks and other diseases that are associated with the damages done by the free radicals or reactive molecules formed in the body. Coenzyme Q10 is a popular remedy for anti-aging and is also widely used as a common energy booster. Many physicians recommend the use of coenzyme Q10 supplements right from the age of 40 as the concentration of this useful compound begins to lessen with age as well as with specific ailments.
The findings of the researches conducted on coenzyme Q10 over the years have given rise to much hope and enthusiasm over the compound's potential use in treating heart ailments, particularly congestive heart failures or a deteriorating heart. During clinical studies it has been found that the conditions of people suffering from weak or poorly functioning hearts showed significant improvements when coenzyme supplements were given to them along with their normal medicines and therapies. Some other researches have shown that people suffering from cardio-vascular disorders have much less content of coenzyme Q10 in their heart, resulting to weak and less heart beats.
Several other researches have shown that the compound coenzyme Q10 also has the potentiality to defend the heart against blood clots, lessen high blood pressure, do away with lopsided heart beats, cure mitral valve prolapse, reduce signs of the Raynaud's disease or poor blood circulation as well as alleviate angina or chest pains. So, if you are suffering from any heart ailments, consult your physician on taking coenzyme Q10 and always bear in mind that the compound is just a supplement and not a substitute for your normal medicines. Hence, it is advisable not to take coenzyme Q10 instead of the other remedies prescribed by your physician. It should always supplement them and not be taken as the sole medication for the ailments.
Although the consequences are questionable, a few researches conducted on coenzyme Q10 have suggested that the use of the compound possibly will make survival of the patients suffering from breast and prostate cancer longer. In addition, coenzyme Q10 is also beneficial in curing as well as reducing the soreness and hemorrhages in gum diseases and also accelerates the recuperation process after an oral surgery. Significantly, few researches have also found the compound to be potentially useful in treating Parkinson's as well as Alzheimer's diseases and fibromyalgia - a disorder that causes pains and exhaustion. Coenzyme Q10 is also believed to be useful in enhancing endurance among patients suffering from AIDS.
There are some medical practitioners who are of the opinion that coenzyme Q10 is capable of keeping the blood sugar levels in diabetes patients stable. In addition, many others have claimed that a supplement comprising the compound helps in retarding the aging process, helps in weight loss, improve the performance of athletics, counteract insistent fatigue syndrome, alleviate numerous allergies and enhance the immunity system in the body. All said and done, more research is required to ascertain the compound's efficiency in treating the above mentioned as well as other conditions. Before that is done, it is difficult to vouch for the various functions and benefits of coenzyme Q10.
Normally, physicians prescribe a common dosage of 50 mg of coenzyme Q10 to be taken two times daily. However, higher doses of 100 mg are also recommended for heart problems, circulatory disorders, Alzheimer's disease and other explicit conditions. Physicians recommend intake of coenzyme Q10 supplements once in the morning and another in the evening. It is best to take the supplements with food as this will help in the assimilation of the substance in the digestive system. It may be mentioned here that since it take around eight weeks or more for coenzyme Q10 to produce the desired results, the substance should be taken for longer periods.
According to the findings of most of the researches on coenzyme Q10, supplements prepared with the substance are safe even if taken in heavy amounts. However, there are infrequent instances when people complain of diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset or loss of appetite after ingesting the supplement. Although coenzyme Q10 is generally safe, it is always advisable to consult your physician before taking the supplement while you are pregnant or nursing. This is simply owing to the fact that not much research has been conducted on coenzyme Q10 yet.
