Coenzyme Q-10 is a vitamin essential to our very lives, yet very few of us have ever heard about it until recently. Discovered in 1957 by Dr. Fred Crane at the University of Wisconsin, Coenzyme Q-10 is a nutrient necessary to the functioning of every cell in our bodies. Levels of Coenzyme Q-10 begin to decline around age 30 and steadily decrease with age, making supplementation increasingly important. Our bodies could not survive without Coenzyme Q-10. If body levels start dropping, so does our general health. Scientists have estimated that once body levels of Coenzyme Q-10 drop below the 25% deficiency levels, many health problems begin to flourish, including high blood pressure, heart attacks, angina, immune system depression, periodontal problems, lack of energy, weight gain, and even early death! A 75% drop in Coenzyme Q-10 levels is fatal.

The primary function of CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is as a catalyst for metabolism - the complex chain of chemical reactions during which food is broken down into packets of energy that the body can use. Acting in conjunction with enzymes, the compound speeds up the vital metabolic process, providing the energy that the cells need to digest food, heal wounds, maintain healthy muscles, and perform countless other bodily functions. Because of the nutrient's essential role in energy production, it's not surprising that it is found in every cell in the body. It is especially abundant in the energy-intensive cells of the heart, helping this organ beat more than 100,000 times each day. In addition, coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E, helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals.

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) may play a role in preventing cancer, heart attacks, and other diseases linked to free-radical damage. It's also used as a general energy enhancer and anti-aging supplement. Because levels of the compound diminish with age (and with certain diseases), some doctors recommend daily supplementation beginning about age 40.

CoQ10 has generated much excitement as a possible therapy for heart disease, especially congestive heart failure or a weakened heart. In some studies, patients with a poorly functioning heart have been found to improve greatly after adding the supplement to their conventional drugs and therapies. Other studies have shown that people with cardiovascular disease have low levels of this substance in their heart. Further research suggest that CoQ10 may protect against blood clots, lower high blood pressure, diminish irregular heartbeats, treat mistral valve prolapsed, lessen symptoms of Raynaud's disease (poor circulation in the extremities), and relieve chest plains (angina).

Common Uses for CoQ10:

• Improves the heart and circulation in those with congestive heart failure, a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), high blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, chest pain (angina), or Raynaud's disease.
  

• Treats gum disease and maintains health gums and teeth.
• Protects the nerves and may help slow Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
  
• May help prevent heart disease, and play a role in slowing down age-related degenerative changes.
  
• May improve the course of AIDS or cancer.
  
  DOSAGE
  The dosage of 50 mg twice a day is the minimum required to obtain an improvement.
  For protection against severe illness take 200-400 mg a day. It may require eight weeks or longer to notice results.
  
  
  
  The FDA has not evaluated the above statements.