HEALTH, FOOD, NUTRITION, and SUPPLEMENTS

[SPARK]

Facts about Coenzyme Q-10
What is it?

It is vitamin-like chemical that is found in practically all the cells in our body, especially the heart. It shows antioxidant properties and the body uses it the generate ATP, a storage form of energy. Coenzyme Q-10 levels drops after the age of 20 and after 80 years old, it can be lower than the levels found in you at birth.

Is has been used in Japan since 1974 to treat congestive heart failure.

Coenzyme Q10 is used extensively in Europe, Russia and Japan. The Japanese uses it to treat heart disease and is approved for use in treating congestive heart failure.

Some prescription medications are thought to lower the Co Q10 levels in our body. These includes:

?antipsychotic medications
?beta blockers
?diabetic drugs
?"statins" for lowering cholesterol such as Zocor, Mevacor and Crestor
?Alzheimer's disease medications
?heart medications
?cancer drugs
?"water pills" (diuretics)
What happens when you are having a Coenzyme-Q10 deficiency?

Research studies suggest that low levels of Co Q10 are found in people with heart disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes, muscular dystrophy and HIV/AIDS.

As well, low levels of coenzyme Q10 might interfere with the energy production pathway in our body. The benefits of taking Co Q10 have not been clearly shown in research studies in humans.