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Another Guest Article About CoQ10

Should You Be Taking CoQ10?
Author: Laura Turner

In my quest for the "supplemental" truth it seems necessary to explore the qualities of the latest hot supplement topic: Coenzyme Q10. Everywhere I turn these days, I'm reading about the benefits which range the gamut from anti-aging to heart protection. But, is Coenzyme Q10 right for you? Read on!

First: The Claims:

A Rich Source of Anti-oxidants:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, has been documented as a rich source of anti-oxidants. In much of the research and articles I've read, CoQ10 is consistently thought to act in much the same way that vitamin E does. In fact, CoQ10 has been found in many studies to be much more effective than vitamin E in lowering cholesterol and creating an optimum environment for the cells to create energy. Other strong anti-oxidant qualities include: the reduction in risk of heart disease and regulation of blood pressure.

Stimulates The Immune System:

CoQ10 has also been shown to be an important component in the function of the immune system. It both inhibits bacteria as well as increases immune function. It also increases white blood cell production. In many cases when the body is deficient in CoQ10 (which becomes more common as we age) the immune system becomes compromised. Supplementation can often counteract this.


Anti-aging Qualities:

Studies also suggest there is possible anti-aging effects in CoQ10. It has been shown to slow the aging process through its antioxidant qualities. Anti-oxidants, as we know, prevent "free radical" damage - the instability of cells which causes them to mutate unnecessarily creating everything from sun damage to cancer. CoQ10 has also been noted to increase endurance during exercise and is currently being used as a therapy and reversal for Alzheimer's.

Heart Health :

CoQ10 depletion has also been linked to hypertension. Therefore supplementation of CoQ10 is currently being used as a natural remedy to decrease blood pressure. It is also recommended in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and for prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which causes plaque.

Oral Health:

Like green tea, CoQ10 has been thought to promote oral health. CoQ10 is supposed - in many studies - to slow or arrest periodontal disease. CoQ10 also protects the gums and heals damage from gingivitis as well as protects teeth from cavities.

Weight Loss:

Obesity can lead to a decrease in the production of CoQ10. Therefore, in many of the studies I found, supplementation of CoQ10 was given to both to patients suffering from obesity and patients looking to manage weight.

The Bad News

What's the bad news? Not much. There doesn't seem to be any documented toxicity from supplementing with CoQ10. However, if you are pregnant or a nursing mom it would be best not to take this supplement as the long terms effects have not been recorded. Some reports suggest CoQ10 will decrease the effectiveness of warfarin - a blood thinner, but there is no evidence to suggest it is decidedly so. Finally, the dosage should not exceed 200 mg per day as this - in some cases - has been shown to cause diarrhea and nausea.

Other FAQ's About CoQ10:

How much CoQ10 is enough to reap the benefits? For Best results (in the literature I consulted) 1, 30-60mg capsule up to 3X per day is a safe dosage when taken with meals. When choosing a supplement, it is important to be sure the capsule is in CoQ10's natural form which is dark bright yellow in color.

In Summation:

Once again, in this scientist's opinion, I would mark CoQ10 as being well worth your consideration. Do your homework, however. As with any change in your healthcare program, always consult your healthcare practitioner. If you are on any other medications be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possibility of interaction. Conduct your own research project. Here are some great resources that will help get you started.

Research for this article has been created through careful consideration of research and articles appearing on WebMD and though several working texts which include:

Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing. New York: Penguin Putnam, 2004.
Khalsa, Dharma Singh, M.D. Food As Medicine. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. The Vitamin Bible. New York: Warner Books, 2004.
Mindell, Earl, R.P.h., Ph.D. Prescription Alternatives. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.


About The Author: Laura Turner is a natural health practitioner and author. She hosts http://www.beauty-and-body.com and publishes the New Body News and Wellness Letter, The Online Magazine Healthy People Read. ( http://www.new-body-news.com ) Subscribe for f.r.e.e. and receive her Special Report: "Take Charge of Your Health!" and check out her latest book: Spiritual Fitness!

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with a wide range of diseases.

The latest data links Vitamin D deficiency with a wide range of diseases.

Vitamin D deficiencies are very common, particularly in northern climates. Lack of sunshine, wearing clothing, and use of sunscreens inhibits the natural creation of Vitamin D in the skin.

Do you know what your Vitamin D levels are?

Having optimal Vitamin D levels is a simple and inexpensive health change that can affect a:

78% reduction in type1 diabetes in children

33% reduction in type 2 diabetes

72% reduction in number of falls in the elderly

42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women

And those without adequate Vitamin D levels are at risk for:

200% increase in type 1 diabetes in children

30-50% more cancers

Optimal levels of Vitamin D result in a 77% reduction in cancer incidence.

Life Extension Foundation Research shows that achieving adequate Vitamin D levels in the US population could prevent as many as ¾ of all cancers in as little as four years.

Research also reveals that 275,00 American lives could be saved each year if a nationwide program to get adequate vitamin D levels was implemented.

Low levels of Vitamin D have been identified as a “health crisis emergency”. Everything should be done to ensure that everyone achieves optimal Vitamin D status.

“Because of convincing evidence of benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we urge those who have the ability to support public health – the media, vitamin manufacturers, and policy makers - to undertake new initiatives that will have a realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition.” --American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A review article in the July 19, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine documents that those with less than optimal Vitamin D levels have increase incidence of: Autoimmune diseases Osteoarthritis Depression Hypertension Pulmonary disorders Schizophrenia Cardiovascular diseases

In addition, low levels of Vitamin D have been related to:

Osteoporosis

Muscle weakness

Hypothyroidism

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Chronic low back pain

Fibromyalgia

Stroke

Between 40-100% of elderly people in the US and Europe have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D. Even children and young adults who supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D and consume Vitamin D rich foods can be low in Vitamin D.

And don’t count on sunlight exposure to increase your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D levels can remain low in some people despite abundant exposure to sunlight. 51% of individuals who had a mean of 11.1 hours per week of total body skin exposure with no sunscreen used still remained low in Vitamin D levels. Tanned skin loses its ability to manufacture Vitamin D and as we age our ability to convert vitamin D in the skin becomes further diminished.

Your Vitamin D status can be assessed by having your blood tested. Vitamin D testing identifies Vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of numerous health problems. Further testing monitors Vitamin D levels during supplementation to ensure adequate levels are achieved and protects against possible overdosing and toxicity.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the “minimum Vitamin D blood levels needed to reduce disease risk is 30 ng/mL” and that it is rare for members of the US population to achieve this.

To account for the significant individual dose response variability, an optimal strategy is to achieve a serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level of around 60 ng/mL. Depending on your current vitamin D levels you may need to take up to 5,000 IU or more of Vitamin D to achieve this optimal disease prevention level.

The good news is that Vitamin D is inexpensive. That's why testing for Vitamin D will never be popularized by the media - because there is no expensive drug to push.

It is important to remember that it is the amount of Vitamin D in the blood that determines disease risk – not the amount of Vitamin D consumed. Excess fat in the body can lock up Vitamin D and prevent utilization.

Until recently, a test for Vitamin D levels meant a trip to the doctor and a blood draw. But now, a few drops of blood from a quick and nearly painless prick of the finger with a few spots of blood placed on special collection paper are all that is needed. This can be done at home. It’s convenient, quick and suitable for all populations from pediatric to the elderly.

Your blood spot sample is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. You’ll have accurate results in just a few days.

Blood spot testing ensures that you achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D and avoid the multiple risks associated with low Vitamin D levels.

Copyright (c) 2008 Mary Ann Copson

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