|
|
by totalhealth editors
COQ10, noted as “the spark of life,”
plays an essential role in producing
energy in the cells. A powerful
antioxidant with antiviral, antibacterial and
antitumor properties, it is most noted for its
heart-protective effects and now researchers
have realized it is also a potent immune
nutrient. COQ10 is currently being studied
for its effectiveness in reducing the rate of
degenerative illnesses such as amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and
Huntington’s disease. Promising research has
also shown that doses of COQ10 over 300 mg
inhibit the growth of breast tumors.
COQ10 supplementation has also been
shown to be an effective adjunct treatment
to congestive heart failure, angina pectoris,
high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, mitral
valve prolapse and periodontal disease, as
well as helpful in the treatment of muscular
dystrophy, chronic fatigue, diabetes, allergies,
weight loss, AIDS, liver problems, as a
powerful antioxidant for the brain and in
potentiating the immune system.
COQ10 is depleted as we age. At the age of
50 we produce half the amount of COQ10 as
we did when we were 20. Although COQ10 is
available from foods such as peanuts, organ
meats and fatty fish, it is difficult to obtain
enough of it from diet alone. You would have
to eat pounds of those foods every day. But
COQ10 is available as a supplement; it should
be taken when you are eating healthy fats or
oils, to enhance absorption.
This powerful antioxidant in doses of 30
to 60 mg has an immune-enhancing effect by
increasing antibody production. It has also
been found to minimize the effects of
chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Research
shows that macrophage activity is increased
with COQ10 supplementation.
In a study published in Clinical
Investigator, Dr. K. Folkers found that the
antibody IgG was dramatically increased
with a daily dose of only 60 mg of COQ10. So
dramatic was the increase, Folkers felt that
age-associated decline in immune function
could be easily reversed with COQ10.
If you are one of the estimated 13 million
people using cholesterol-lowering drugs,
commonly referred to as statin drugs, or are
taking drugs for hypertension, tricyclics,
antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs, they
may inhibit the synthesis of COQ10 in your
body and cause serious deficiencies.
Prominent health care professionals recommend
that individuals using one of these
drugs should consult with his/her physician
regarding dietary supplementation to assure
optimal COQ10 levels and avoid potential
side effects associated with depletion.
COQ10 needs special attention for those
with impaired cellular and natural immunity
as seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
sufferers. The powerful antioxidant is especially
important during viral infections since
COQ10 levels in white blood cells fall rapidly
as the cell’s requirements for this superimmune
nutrient increase in order to fight
off invaders. COQ10 stimulates the immune
system to kill bacteria and increase antibody
response. It maximizes the eating and
digesting ability of macrophages, allowing
them to destroy bacteria, viruses and parasites
effectively. It is also known to enhance
natural killer cell activity and inhibit metastasis
of tumors.
Most important for CFS sufferers is
COQ10’s ability to increase adenosine triphosphate
(ATP) production. ATP is needed to provide
sufficient energy to the body. Without
adequate ATP we feel tired and experience
muscle weakness and impaired immunity.
Cells of the immune system, muscles and
heart have a high affinity for ATP and when
supplies are inadequate, disease states settle in.
A dosage of 320 mg per day of ATP should
be supplemented to ensure that appropriate
levels are available to immune cells during
infection. COQ10 is one of the safest nutrients
available but if you are currently taking
digitalis, beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors,
your prescription drug dose will need to be
lowered once you start it.
|
|
|
