Monograph

What is ubiquitous in nature, critical for heart health, and an essential producer of energy? Coenzyme Q10, is found in every living organism, as each cell depends on it to create energy. Although the body naturally forms CoQ10, production starts to decrease around 30 years old. Restoring CoQ10 is crucial to energy production, as some cells depend on this nutrient for as much as 95% of their energy expenditure. CoQ10 answers the demands of high-energy organs, such as the heart, brain and liver. CoQ10 is a crucial antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and regenerates the production of vitamin E. NUTRAscriptives® CoQ10 is uniquely prepared in a liquid lipophilic base (CoQsol), which provides greater absorption than dry CoQ10 powder formulations.
 

Description

NUTRAscriptives® CoQ10, formulated by a superior Japanese extractor, is uniquely prepared in a lipophilic base. The liquid CoQ10 formulation has been proven to have 273% greater absorption than dry-tablet formulations, as well as superior bioavailability.

Research

Heart Health

The heart demands high levels of energy for optimum cardiovascular health, which is why CoQ10 is naturally found in the heart. CoQ10 is an aid in several aspects of heart health; such as preventing cholesterol oxidation, especially in balancing LDL cholesterol levels.

More than 50 million Americans have imbalanced blood pressure levels, which can lead to negative cardiac conditions. Though it may not be the underlying cause, low levels of CoQ10 are often found in people with high blood pressure. Prescription medications for the heart (statins, etc.) further deplete the body's natural CoQ10 levels.

Studies find CoQ10 benefits blood pressure by lowering systolic and diastolic levels without significant side effects.[1],[2],[3] A meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials (362 patients) showed systolic blood pressure could decrease up to 17 mm Hg, while diastolic blood pressure could decrease up to 10 mm Hg with CoQ10 supplementation.[4] Another study indicated 60 mg per day of CoQ10 safely lowered systolic blood pressure by 7.3 mm Hg in twelve-weeks.[5] CoQ10 is even viewed as a safe addition to standard heart treatments.[6]

One study indicated 90 mg per day of CoQ10, in conjunction with 5 gm per day of phospholipids (lecithin) decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with total and LDL cholesterol in four-weeks.[7]

Supplementing CoQ10 can relieve side effects associated with various heart treatments. A double-blind study found CoQ10 can reduce muscle pain associated with statin drug use. Patients were given CoQ10 (100 mg per day) or vitamin E (400 IU per day) for 30 days finding pain severity decreased by 40%, and pain interference with daily activities decreased by 38% in the CoQ10 group. In contrast, pain was not relieved in the vitamin E group.[8] Another study indicated CoQ10 supplementation improved diastolic function that is often worsened with statin therapy.[9]

Energy

Studies show that CoQ10 aids athletes' energy demands. One study supplemented 100 to 300 mg per day of CoQ10 one week prior to a workload trial. Subjects experienced less fatigue and improved athletic performance during the workload.[10] Another study found supplementing 300 mg/d of CoQ10 decreased exercise-induced muscle injuries among Japanese Kendo athletes training 5 to 6 hours each day.[11]

Supplementing with 200 mg of CoQ10 rapidly restores CoQ10 levels in the muscles and reduces oxidative stress. One study indicated subjects that received an acute dose (one time dose) of 200 mg had a higher CoQ10 muscle concentration and lower levels of oxidative stress in the muscle. The same study found subjects receiving a chronic dose (fourteen-days, 200 mg per day) improved their workout capacity, as they experienced less fatigue.[12]

Neurological Health

Similar to the heart, the brain has a high-energy demand relying on optimal mitochondrial function or cellular energy. Researchers are exploring the benefits CoQ10 on improving energy expenditure in the brain and hindering the effects of neurological ailments. After two months of CoQ10 supplementation (100 to 200 mg per day), energy expenditure in the brain can increase by 29%.[13] A study conducted by the University of California at San Diego randomly assigned 80 patients with early stages of neurological degeneration to receive 300, 600 or 1200 mg of CoQ10 each day, or a placebo. After 10 months of research, the study found that patients receiving the 1200 mg dose had a 44% slower rate of decline, when compared to the placebo group.[14]

Stabilize Blood Sugar

A CoQ10 deficiency can affect an individual's ability to tolerate glucose leading to unstable blood sugar levels. A twelve-week study found that patients with blood sugar imbalances could stabilize their blood levels by supplementing with 200 mg of CoQ10 per day.[15]

Another study found dangerous ketone levels that are associated with unstable blood sugar (excessive ketone levels can lead to blood acidity and unconsciousness) were lowered in more than half of patients that received 120 mg of CoQ10 for up to eighteen-weeks.[16]

Skin Health

CoQ10 is naturally found in the skin with vitamins A, C, and E; but its overall production diminishes with age leaving skin susceptible to oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Research suggests CoQ10 can repair and protect the skin from oxidative damage that accelerates skin aging. In combination with carotenoids, topical CoQ10 has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory that is easily absorbed through the skin to discourage premature aging.[17] Along with reducing oxidative stress, another study found topical CoQ10 improves the appearance of the skin by decreasing wrinkle depth.[18]

Additional Information - Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one soft gel daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 600 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Occasionally, mild gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, and epigastric distress have been reported in individuals taking CoQ10, particularly with higher doses (200 mg or more per day).

Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before supplementing with CoQ10 if you are taking the following medications.

Warfarin, Statins, Beta-blockers, Anti-diabetic medications

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Rosenfeldt, F. et al. Systematic review of effect of coenzyme Q10 in physical exercise, hypertension and heart failure. Biofactors. 2003; 18(1-4):91-100.

[2] Houston, M.C. The role of vascular biology, nutrition and NUTRAceuticals in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. JANA.2002; S1:5-71.

[3] Tran, MT, Mitchell, TM, et al. Role of coenzyme Q10 in chronic heart failure, angina, and hypertension. Pharmacotherapy. 2001 Jul; 21(7):797-806.

[4] Rosenfeldt, F., Haas, S., Krum, H., et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertension. 2007 Apr; 21(2):297-306.

[5] Burke, B., Neuenschwander, R., Olson, R. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension. South Med Journal. 2001; 94(11):1112-1117.

[6] Pepe, S, Marasco, S, Haas, S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrion. 2007; S154-167.

[7] Eshginia, S, Gapparov, M. The influence of phospholipids food and antioxidant at patients with hypertension. Vopr Pitan. 2006; 75(2):37-39.

[8] Caso, G, Kelly, P, et al. Effect of coenzyme q10 on myopathic symptoms in patients treated with statins. Am J Cardiol. 2007 May; 99(10):1409-1412.

[9] Silver, MA, Langsjoen, PH, et al. Effect of atorvastatin on left ventricular diastolic function and ability of coenzyme Q10 to reverse that dysfunction. Am J Cardiol. 2004 Nov; 94(10):1306-1310.

[10] Mizuno, K, et al. Antifatigue effects of coenzyme Q10 during physical fatigue. Nutrition. 2008 Apr;24(4):293-299.

[11] Kon, M et al. Reducing exercise-induced muscular injury in kendo athletes with supplementation of coenzyme Q10. British Jour Nutr. 2008 Feb; 20:1-7.

[12] Cooke, M, Iosia, M, Buford, T, et al. Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Mar;5:8.

[13] Matthews, R T, Yang, L, Browne, S, Baik, M, Beal, MF. Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective effects. Proceedings National Academy of Sciences. 1998 Jul; 95(15):8892-8897.

[14] Shults, CW, Oakes, D, Kieburtz, K, et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 in early Parkinson disease: evidence of slowing of the functional decline. Arch Neurol. 2002; 59(10):1541-1550.

[15] Hodgson, JM, Watts, GF, Playford, DA, Burke, V, Croft, KD. Coenzyme Q10 improves blood pressure and glycaemic control in a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov; 56(11):1137-1142.

[16] Gaby, AR. The role of coenzyme Q10 in clinical medicine: Part II. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and infertility. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Sept; 1(3):168-175.

[17] Fuller, B, Smith, D, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of CoQ10 and colorless carotenoids. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2006 Mar; 5(1):30-38.

[18] Hoppe, U, Bergemann, J, Diembeck, W, et al. Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Biofactors. 1999; 9(2-4):371-378.