CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q10 for better heart health

CoEnzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 and ubiquinol, is a naturally occurring nutrient normally present in every cell in the body. Food sources that provide CoQ10 are meats and fish, especially the organ meast like liver and heart. The body makes CoQ10, but it appears that a gradual deficiency develops as we age making supplementation highly desireable.

CoQ10 helps in the energy production of each and every cell (along with the B vitamins, Carnitine, and alpha lipoic acid). More importantly, CoEnzyme Q10 serves as an antioxidant and limits the production of dangerous free radicals, the destructive molecules that damage an otherwise healthy cell.

CoQ10 has been studied in a number of disorders, but so far the obvious benefits have been found in it's effects on cardiovascular disease. CoEnzyme Q10 can play a role in improving the function of heart muscles, energy production and thusly the cardiovascular system.

I have heard that individuals taking "statin" cholesterol lowering drugs (like Lipitor) should also take Coenzyme Q10. Is this true and why?

CoQ10 is critical to energy production, low levels will impair the heart cell's ability to repair damage. Without a doubt, statin drugs decrease CoQ10 levels in the body. Although they have the beneficial effect of lowering cholesterol, they may also unknowingly be creating another cardiovascular risk factor -- low CoQ10 levels in the heart.

Fortunately, there is a very easy solution to this problem that has been well documented and is supported by numerous clinical trials. It has been proven that generous supplemention with CoQ10 (at least 100mg daily) can address the problem associate with statin drug use. It is a well documented, but not commonly known fact that must be brought to the forefront due to the high number of Americans on statin drugs.