Know Coenzyme Q 1O

Coenzyme Q 10 a vitamin-like substance is, by nature, present in all human cells and responsible for the production of the body’s own energy and is also a potent antioxidant. Trace amounts of CoQ10 exists in a variety of foods, such as organ meats, beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. The body also has the ability to make CoQ10 from the amino acid tyrosine but this is a complicated process that requires at least eight vitamins and several trace minerals to complete. A deficiency in any one of these nutrients can hinder the body’s natural production of CoQ10.

Why human body needs CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is found in mitochondria which are known as powerhouses of the cell. The process of creating cell energy is known as cellular respiration. Not only energy starts here, but the dangerous by-products, like free radicals are also created. As a strong antioxidant, CoQ10 is extremely uselful in helping neutralise free radicals, however, its most important function is to help create energy, which is created in ATP, which are energy coins for the human body. ATP transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism. ATP, occurring in every cell of our body, serves as a source of energy for many of our body’s biochemical processes and represents the energy reserve in your muscles. Coenzyme Q10 is the catalyst for the creation of ATP. This means that Coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in the inner workings of your body and, for obvious reasons, is found in the highest concentration in the heart.

Your heart for example, being a muscle, which is continually in motion, needs a constant supply of energy, which human body uses in ATP. This is where the importance of Coenzyme Q10 comes into play: ATP cannot be produced without Coenzyme Q10.

Fuel for a healthy heart

Deficient levels C0Q­ 10 have been most clearly established in the blood level of patients with congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. When the heart muscle is weakened, for whatever reason, it places an increased demand on the nutrients the heart cells need in order to create energy. Because of excessive utilization of these nutrients the heart muscle becomes depleted of CoQ10 which is the most important nutrient to create energy. Just correcting this deficiency makes a big difference. Even after a heart attack, CoQ10 can help repair heart tissue and help coach the heart into running properly again.

Falling short of CoQ10

• Our body peaks in CoQ10 production in twenties and it dwindles as we age. With age our body’s natural ability to synthesize CoQ10 dwindles.
• Oral contraceptive pills too negatively impact the production of Co Q10.
• People suffering from asthma, cardiac diseases, type2 diabetes and Parkinson’s have low levels of CoQ10 in their bodies. Clinical studies say CoQ10 improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
• Research studies say that cholesterol-lowering statin drugs also deplete CoQ10 by interfering with the body’s ability to make the compound. This may be one reason for the muscle weakness sometimes associated with statins. In case you are on statins you may talk to your cardiologist about starting a CoQ10 supplement.

Archana Darshan

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