What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a substance that the human body makes naturally. Cells use it to generate energy. CoQ10 is known to function as a powerful antioxidant to help fight free radicals that can damage cells and DNA.
It is know that our body produces less and less CoQ10 as you get older. People with certain conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and heart problems, tend to have low levels of CoQ10. Research is being conducted to see if disease causes the deficiency or if the deficiency appears first, causing cells to age faster and making disease more likely.
How can we get more CoQ10?
Even though your body produces its own CoQ10, you can also get it from certain foods. Some good sources of CoQ10 are organ meats such as beef liver and oily fish. Whole grains also contain CoQ10. You can also obtain CoQ10 from supplements.
A high quality and effective CoQ10 supplement such as the Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega + CoQ10 soft gels can greatly improve your health. Here are some of the benefits of taking a CoQ10 supplement:
- Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
- Helps Lower Blood Pressure
- Helps Increase Energy Levels
- Helps Improve Cardiovascular Health
- Helps Cellular Energy
- Helps Maintain Natural CoQ10 Levels
When looking for a good CoQ10 supplement, make sure it contains pure CoQ10 and preferably in liquid capsule form. Liquid capsules are absorbed better than powder capsules.
Here is an abstract excerpt from the National Institute of Health:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or ubiquinone was known for its key role in mitochondrial bioenergetics as electron and proton carrier; later studies demonstrated its presence in other cellular membranes and in blood plasma, and extensively investigated its antioxidant role. These two functions constitute the basis for supporting the clinical indication of CoQ10. Furthermore, recent data indicate that CoQ10 affects expression of genes involved in human cell signalling, metabolism and transport and some of the effects of CoQ10 supplementation may be due to this property.
You can get more info from the following NIH link: CoQ10 Abstract
Some things to consider when taking CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 supplements have some reported side effects. The most common seems to be stomach upset. CoQ10 can also lower blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely while taking it or avoid the supplement altogether.
CoQ10 supplements can interact with some medications,such as chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Check with your doctor to see if a change to your statin dosage is needed if you also take CoQ10 supplements. Thus, be sure to consult your doctor before taking CoQ10.
If you’re taking statins and have unpleasant side effects, discuss CoQ10 supplements with your doctor. CoQ10 appears to be safe and well-tolerated and taking it may be a good option for you.