Heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, remains the leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in America despite years of awareness and billions of prescriptions to treat various heart disease related conditions. Medications used to treat high blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels many deplete a vitamin necessary for energy production known as coenzyme Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is also known as CoQ10 and ubiquinone. CoQ10 is a critical part of cellular energy production. It is ubiquitous which means it is found in every cell of the body. Each cell contains mitochondria, which are the energy-producing units for the cell. CoQ10 is used by the mitochondria for energy production. When CoQ10 levels drop, cells cannot produce the energy they need to perform their functions.

Most CoQ10 is produced by the tissues of the body. The process by which CoQ10 is produced within the body is a complex 17-step process requiring at least 7 vitamins and several trace elements. Because of this complexity, the process is vulnerable to disruption and depletion. CoQ10 production decreases as we age. It is believed by some that decreased CoQ10 production is in part responsible for changes associated with aging, as cells cannot produce enough energy to maintain the body. CoQ10 is also found in small amounts in a variety of foods including organ meats such as heart, liver, and kidney, sardines, soy oil, mackerel, peanuts, and beef. It is difficult to supplement sufficient amounts of CoQ10 to treat deficiency by diet alone as one pound of sardines, two pounds of beef, or two and a half pounds of peanuts provide only 30mg of CoQ10. This is one vitamin that supplementation may be required to increase levels.

The tissues of the heart and brain use the most energy. They are more susceptible to problems from reduced energy production caused by low levels of CoQ10. Ironically, many of the medications used to treat heart disease have been shown to decrease CoQ10 production. The "statin" drugs interfere with an enzyme in the liver which blocks cholesterol biosynthesis (production by the body). These drugs also interfere with the production of CoQ10. Beta blockers and thiazide diuretics, both used to treat high blood pressure, have also been shown to reduce CoQ10 levels. Side effects of all three of these classes of drugs include low energy levels or tiredness. This could be because they reduce the production of CoQ10 which results in lower energy production.

Worldwide studies have shown improvement in congestive heart failure with CoQ10 supplementation. Studies have used 30 mg to 100 mg per day. Patients taking CoQ10 showed their hearts pumped more strongly and more efficiently. CoQ10 is also thought to improve blood pressure control and reduce heart disease in patients with diabetes. Although research hasn't been as extensive for other conditions, it is believed that CoQ10 supplementation may improve memory and brain function, reduce migraines, reduce pain in fibromyalgia, protect the eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration, reduce hearing loss, and improve fertility. There is substantial research that shows improvement in heart function and there are many other possible health benefits from CoQ10 supplementation with little or no risk of side effects or interactions. Anyone taking cholesterol-lowering or blood pressure medications should discuss CoQ10 supplementation with their doctor.

References: http://faculty.washington.edu/ely/coenzq10.html, http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/coq10supplements.html, http://www.natural-remedies-review.com/coenzyme-q10.html.

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