What Is CoQ-10 Used For?

Ten years ago most people had never heard of it. Today CoQ-10 arguably ranks as the 1 doctor-recommended supplement for overall health. Originally CoQ-10 was targeted for people with cardiovascular concerns, but health officials now realize it helps rejuvenate the entire body.

Foremost Nutrient for Energy

First identified in 1957, Coenzyme Q-10 is a vitamin-like substance required by the body to produce energy. CoQ-10 is the catalyst that helps convert the oatmeal you ate for breakfast into enough energy to propel you through a manic Monday morning. Conversely, insufficient levels of CoQ-10 will leave you feeling tired and drained, if not flat on your back in bed.

Cardio Concerns

Heart cells require more CoQ-10 than the trillions of other cells in your body to function properly. In "Breakthrough: 8 Steps to Wellness," Dr. Michael Galitzer, medical director of the American Health Institute, boldly asserts that all cardiovascular disease---from cardiomyopathy to hardening of the arteries---is a result of insufficient energy production in the heart. Dr. Jonathan Wright relates in the same book that anyone taking a statin drug (Lipitor, Crestor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Baycol, Zocor) for high cholesterol may experience a dangerous reduction in blood levels of this important heart nutrient. With a CoQ-10 deficiency, you can suffer liver damage, muscle weakness, or nerve pain, all unfortunate and well-known side effects from taking the statin drugs.

Dental Health

Think false teeth are inevitable if you suffer from gingivitis? Recently, medical experts have discovered the power of CoQ-10, applied topically and as a supplement, for quelling the inflammation that characterizes gum disease.

Youthful Skin

Numerous anti-aging serums and creams contain CoQ-10 as a topical means to fight the free radical damage that leaves skin dry, wrinkled and spotted. Well-known dermatologist and author Dr. Nicholas Perricone also suggests CoQ-10 supplements to his patients seeking supple, glowing skin. In "The Perricone Promise," he describes how CoQ-10 interrupts the transformation of essential fatty acids into skin-spoiling free radicals, and he claims that it boosts blood levels of vitamins C and E, two more important antioxidants for beauty.

How Much to Take

Since the body's ability to manufacture CoQ-10 depends on a near-perfect diet, and it significantly diminishes with age, consider adding a CoQ-10 supplement to your daily health regimen. Start with a 30 mg softgel and increase to 100 mg or more per day. In "YOU: Staying Young," Drs. Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz recommend 200 mg per day for persons taking statin drugs or for anyone past the age of 60. Hate swallowing pills? CoQ-10 is also available in a flavor-friendly chewable tablet sweetened with xylitol, a sugar substitute that actually benefits teeth. Check with local vitamin retailers or try Chew-Q from swansonvitamins.com. Since CoQ-10 is fat-soluble, take it with food that contains some fat such as nuts or olive oil.