My personal view is that you should not be taking daily supplements of anything outside of a well balance diet, unless it’s been specifically prescribed by a medical practitioner to treat a specific problem in the body.
That all said, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that is synthesized by the body and is a vital participant in the chain of chemical reactions within the body that creates energy. Whilst it can be found in every cell in the human body, it found in the greatest concentration in those organs that require the greatest energy requirements, the Kidneys, liver and the heart and given these vital organ’s need to perform at their best on a daily basis, there is medical research to show that CoQ10 supplements will add to your health rather than hinder it.
Typically CoQ10 supplement are available in two forms: Ubiquinol (the active antioxidant) and Ubiquinone (the oxidized form), however both supplements have been designed to help with oxygen utilization and energy production specifically in the heart muscle cells.
Why is CoQ10 necessary For The Heart?
Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for the hearth in numerous ways however mainly its used too assist in maintaining the prescribed normal oxidative stat of LDL cholesterol, circulatory health and the optimal function of the heart muscle.
In addition the function of the heart, medical studies have show that CoQ10 also supports the health of the vessel walls thus allowing blood flow to run smoothly through the heart muscle.
CoQ10 may play a role in reducing the severity of migraine headaches, increasing sperm concentration and mobility in men and slow the progression of Parkinson disease, however the medical research and clinical trials have not been conclusive and thus is just theory at this stage.
Two Signs of A Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency?
Typically there are two keys signs that you have a CoQ10 deficiency. Firstly given that CoQ10 is heavily concentrated in the heart muscles, deficiency has been associated with cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and high blood pressure, however if you’re taking statins to lower your cholesterol then you could be at risk.
Statins are fantastic at reducing your cholesterol level, however the side effect is that they also block the bodies ability to synthesis CoQ10. If you’re taking statins to reduce your cholesterol, I would highly recommend that you consult your doctor to check you CoQ10 levels especially if your short on energy or your joints and muscles continually ache.
How Much CoQ10 Does The Average Human Body Need
This is where you really need to consult your doctor as it becomes a question of your shortfall from your diet and more importantly, how your body metabolizes CoQ10 through the day.
What we do know is that research has shown us that you can take up-too 1,200mg per day without any side effects. This research was conducted during test of CoQ10 in correlation with patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, however I would highly recommend that you first think about your diet and make sure that you include CoQ10 strong foods such as fish, meats, soybeans, sesame seeds and rapeseed, whilst at the same time supplementing your diet with between 90 – 120 mg of CoQ10.
One point, CoQ10 is a fat soluble supplement meaning that you need to make sure that you take your supplement with food and ideally with a meal containing fat.
Remember, these levels are for adults only. Given there is little research on children and the side effects that it can cause, I would highly recommend that don’t give to children under the age of 21.