If you browsed the shelves of your local health food store or searched the Internet for a dietary supplement that may help prevent or treat heart disease, you may have discovered "CoQ10." CoEnzymeQ10 or Ubiquinol is a substance that is naturally produced in your body and vital to the health of your cells. Before you use this supplement, consult your doctor and understand the dosage that is appropriate for you.
General Information on CoQ10
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Although CoQ10 is not a vitamin, it is a vitamin-like compound that falls under the classification of "ubiquinones," according to Dr. Jonny Bowden, a clinical nutrition specialist. CoQ10 is essential for your body's production of ATP or adenosine triphosphate, your body's energy molecule. As you get older, your body's production of CoQ10 decreases, which can cause your cardiac output to decrease as well. CoQ10 is like a vitamin for your heart.
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Dosage Recommendations
Dr. Jonny Bowden, in his book "The Most Natural Cures on Earth," says that anyone over 40, regardless of whether he has a history or a family history of heart disease, should take at least 60 to 100 mg of CoQ10 every day. If you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you should take 100 to 300 mg of CoQ10 daily, according to Dr. Bowden. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that If you are under 19 years old, you should not take CoQ10 without a doctor's supervision. Consult your doctor to see what dose is best for you.
Food Sources of CoQ10
When nutritional deficiencies are discovered, you are usually able to consume foods containing the vitamin or mineral you are missing. Unfortunately, CoQ10 is not likely to be in any of the foods that you eat, according to Dr. Bowden. Only organ meats such as liver and kidneys have moderate levels of CoQ10. According to UMMC, if you eat a balanced diet, chances are you are getting an adequate amount of CoQ10. UMMC concedes, however, supplementation will be required to reach doses useful to combat heart disease or other medical conditions.
CoQ10 and Statin Drugs
Many people with congestive heart failure or risk factors for heart disease are prescribed cholesterol-lowering statin drugs. While these drugs may be effective, statin drugs can deplete or hinder the amount of CoQ10 that your body can make or use, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplementing with CoQ10 can correct any deficiencies that statin medication causes without hindering the effectiveness of the drugs. CoQ10 can also reduce muscle pain that is caused by statin treatment, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.