If you’ve been doing any reading the health and wellness area, you’ve no doubt heard of CoQ10, sometimes called “Vitamin Q”. And you’re probably wondering “what is this CoQ10 stuff, anyway? And why do I need it?”
The short answer: CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring substance that helps cells produce energy. And you need it because you’re over 50.
The long answer: Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10, is a vitamin-like substance that occurs naturally in every cell of the human body. CoQ10 is crucial to good heart health and vascular function. It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, to help patients recover from heart surgery, and to manage adult-onset diabetes. Keeping CoQ10 levels high can help prevent heart attacks and high blood pressure, increase energy and stamina, and boost immunity.
CoQ10 is also believed to play an important role in the prevention of many age-related disorders, including macular degenration, high cholesterol, inflammatory vascular disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
How does it work?
CoQ10 is essential to the production of energy at the cellular level, and the organs that use the most energy – the heart and liver – have the highest concentrations of CoQ10. The actual “work” that CoQ10 does takes place in a part of every cell called the mitochondria, and its job is to help transform fats and sugars into energy. Adequate amounts of CoQ10 are necessary to healthy metabolism and organ function. (For more info, watch video below)
If it’s a natural part of every cell, why would I need a CoQ10 supplement?
The body’s production of CoQ10 decreases as we age. Normal aging can reduce the CoQ10 levels in the heart by as much as 72%. In addition, a group of frequently-prescribed drugs knows as statins (used to reduce LDL and cholesterol levels) also deplete CoQ10 levels.
But I’m healthy and I feel great. Do I still need supplemental CoQ10?
If you’re middle-aged or older, the answer is probably yes.
