CoQ10 is a powerful, fat-soluble compound found naturally in all forms of animal life. Biosynthesized in the membranes of cells, CoQ10 plays a vital role in the production of cellular energy.

A Little History

First isolated in 1957 and named “ubiquinone” CoQ10; in recognition of its presence in every human cell. It functions in concert with enzymes—that is, acts as a “coenzyme”—as part of essential chemical reactions in the cells. It is especially crucial for preserving the health of cells and tissues that require abundant energy, such as those of the cardiovascular and immune systems. In addition to its vital role in cellular energy production, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that prevents oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Life Extension Foundation first introduced coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to the United States in 1983.

While CoQ10 is widely recognized as a nutrient that protects heart health, new research indicates that CoQ10 may have a wide range of benefits that include preventing skin cancer and photoaging,  guarding against prostate and breast cancers, supporting healthy blood sugar levels, slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease,  in preventing migraine headaches, supporting immune health,  periodontal disease, vision, male fertility and averting endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease.

Breast and Prostate

Research suggests in addition to protecting against melanoma, CoQ10 may help aging men and women to avert prostate and breast cancers and it is beneficial to cancer patients who are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy. In a study from Spain, CoQ10 dramatically altered the growth of malignant human prostate cells without adversely affecting the growth of non-malignant prostate cells. This led the Spanish research team to propose that CoQ10 may be an important preventive therapy for prostate cancer.

For women undergoing conventional treatment for breast cancer, CoQ10 plays an important role in improving their outcomes. In a Danish clinical trial, 32 women with breast cancer were treated with CoQ10 in conjunction with conventional cancer therapy. All 32 subjects survived for the two-year duration of the study. Six patients experienced partial tumor regression and two saw a complete remission of their cancer. CoQ10 may thus help extend survival following conventional treatment for breast cancer.

Blood Sugar

Diabetes has now reached epidemic levels in the United States. Two important clinical trials indicate that CoQ10 can help maintain optimal blood sugar control and avert the lethal complications of this disease.

An Australian study found that patients with type II diabetes who took 200 mg of CoQ10 a day over 12 weeks showed improved blood sugar control. Supplementation produced, on average, a threefold increase in CoQ10 levels in the trial subjects, while decreasing their blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C, a long-term indicator of blood sugar control. By improving blood pressure and optimizing blood sugar, CoQ10 may help prevent the dangerous metabolic complications of diabetes.

Synthetic vs. Natural CoQ10

CoQ10 can occur as one of two isomers, which are molecules that share the same chemical formula but have different physical arrangements in space. Animals, fish, and humans naturally make the trans-isomer of CoQ10. By contrast, the cis isomer of CoQ10 does not occur naturally in animals or humans, and can only be created in a synthetic process in the laboratory.

While the benefits of natural trans CoQ10 are well documented, scientists have not yet determined whether the synthetic form of CoQ10 can be utilized by the human body, or whether it confers the same protective benefits as naturally occurring trans CoQ10. Kaneka’s yeast-fermented CoQ10 provides the trans isomer, while many synthetic CoQ10 products on the market today contain the unproven form.

“Since CoQ10 is essential to the optimal function of all cell types, it is not surprising to find a seemingly diverse number of disease states that respond favorably to CoQ10 supplementation,” says Dr. Peter Langsjoen, one of the world’s foremost authorities on CoQ10. Dr. Langsjoen believes that CoQ10 is as fundamentally important as vitamin C for maintaining optimal health and longevity.

The cost

If you are unable to justify the cost of your nutritional supplements, I encourage you to evaluate the expense of health insurance, medications, sick days, work loss, and hospitalization. In today’s economy there may be no safer way to protect your health and that of the ones you love. Go to lef.org or vrp.com to read more about nutrients and the impending danger to your health freedoms. Be informed, take action, and protect your rights.

Tammera Karr has a private practice in Douglas County Oregon. You can read other articles written by Tammera in the reading room of her website or contact her at wwwyourwholenutrition.com 2009©