CoQ10 – Effects, Potential Side-Effects, Dosage and Synergies

CoQ10 – Effects, Potential Side-Effects, Dosage and Synergies

CoQ10, short for Coenzyme 10, is a coenzyme present in most of the human and animal cells, located in their mitochondria. We are talking about a nutrient that is normally produced in our cells, a nutrient that most healthy people have in enough amounts for a proper cell functioning. CoQ10 is also found in numerous foods including fatty fish such as trout and sardine, meats such as chicken, pork, beef, kidney, liver, heart, vegetables especially spinach and broccoli, nuts and seeds and so many others.

So if a person is maintaining a healthy diet and with the help of the normal CoQ10 production in the body, it is possible that he or she maintains good, healthy levels of CoQ10, essential for good health and wellbeing. However, there are times when food and normal production of CoQ10 are just not enough to satisfy our bodies needs for this essential nutrient. Unfortunately, due to the normal aging process, the production of CoQ10 gradually reduces, and our bodies start to fail at producing enough CoQ10 for proper functioning. This is where the CoQ10 supplements take place. In today’s post, we will tell you all about the CoQ10 supplements!

Overview of CoQ10

CoQ10 supplements are meant to satisfy the body’s needs for CoQ10. CoQ10 supplements are recommended to anyone who is undergoing the normal aging process, as well as, to people who are suffering from different conditions, such as heart disease. The aging process and certain medical conditions reduce the levels of CoQ10 in the body, and that is when problems start to develop. Luckily for us, we have pills, capsules and IV forms of CoQ10 to choose from and satisfy our body's needs for this essential nutrient. You might wonder why we go on and on with how CoQ10 is an essential nutrient and how it is of primary importance to satisfy your body's needs for this nutrient. Well, that is for a very good reason. It is because CoQ10 has numerous beneficial effects and vital functions in our bodies. Number one would be its function to convert food into energy so that our cells, tissues, organs and body systems can work properly at all times. But that is not all. CoQ10 is also found being able to lower high blood pressure, eliminate oxidative stress, lessen the symptoms of autism, prevent complications during surgery and so on. Actually, we can go on and on about the beneficial effects and functions of this great nutrient.

How Does it Work?

So how does it work? Once that the CoQ10 supplement enters our body, it is transferred into the bloodstream from where, with the help of the blood, is transferred to every single cell in the human body so that it can join the naturally produced CoQ10 in the mitochondria and join them into the quest of preserving and improving our health and wellbeing. The CoQ10 reaches every area of our body where it is needed, completing the task that it is required to do in order to maintain our good health.

Benefits of CoQ10

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  • 1. Reduces Free Radical Damage
  • One thing that is for sure when it comes to CoQ10 is that it is a great antioxidant. Thanks to its presence in our bodies, we are enjoying the positive effects of the constant elimination of free radicals in the skin and the increased levels of antioxidants in the blood. CoQ10 helps eliminate the waste material in the body and free us from the present oxidative stress.

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  • 2. Improve Heart Health

  • Because heart disease is one of the most common conditions guilty for the reduced levels of CoQ10 in the body, it is understandable why it is recommended to use this supplement during the treatment of heart disease of any kind. It has been scientifically proven that the use of CoQ10 has been linked with improved heart health, prevention and decreased risk of heart disease worldwide.

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  • 3. Reduces the Detrimental Effects of Aging

  • Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, as well as cognitive decline, reduced libido, menopausal symptoms and so on all happen due to the normal aging process. However, some of them could be potentially life-threatening, and some of them can at least make your life more difficult. Luckily, taking a CoQ10 on a daily basis is bound to improve your wellbeing and health, and with that to reduce the harmful effects that come with the normal aging process.

      

    4. Enhances Cognition by Decreasing Activity of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

    Cognitive decline is expected due to the normal aging process. In some cases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, this cognitive decline happens faster and to a much greater extent. Research has found that the CoQ10 is able to aid the ATP synthesis and the related mitochondrial functions and with that slow down the cognitive decline and the progress of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

     

    Suggested Dosages

    We mentioned that CoQ10 could be found in three different forms – pills, capsules and IV. Depending on your age, sex, health condition, possible diagnosis and requirements, you and your doctor, together, will determine the right type of supplement and the dosage.

    The usual dose of CoQ10 is 90-200 mg/day. If you are using any medications at the moment, you have to report to your doctor. For example – for people who are taking statin medications, the recommended dose of CoQ10 is 30-200 mg/day.

    If you are breastfeeding, please do report to your doctor. Although CoQ10 is naturally present and produced in the human body, this might not be the best time to proceed towards a CoQ10 supplement at the moment. CoQ10 supplement should be taken during the breastfeeding period only if it is instructed by the doctor. On the other hand, mothers-to-be are encouraged to take CoQ10 during their pregnancy. That is because this nutrient is found to reduce fetal stress during development. This is quite the good news for new mommies to hear!

    Potential Side Effects

    So far the therapy with CoQ10 supplementation has shown very little to no side effects. However, when side effects are to be present, you should look for:

    • Nausea
    • Upset stomach
    • Diarrhea
    • Skin rash
    • Insomnia
    • Loss of appetite

    Overall Summary

    CoQ10 supplements will replace the reduced levels of CoQ10 in your body and once again introduce the needed CoQ10 amounts required for good health. From eliminating oxidative stress, preventing heart disease, reducing cognitive decline to keeping your skin young and refreshed, this powerful nutrient is all that you need!

    References

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