Mar 09 2008
THE BIG FIVE FOR BRAIN FUNCTION - #1
#1 IN THE SERIES: CoQ10
CoQ10 is short for “co-enzyme Q10.” It is the antioxidant ubiquinone, and has a different form called ubiquinol.
CONSISTENT RESEARCH RESULTS
CoQ10 has been studied for over 50 years and the results are consistently spectacular. Daily use of CoQ10 may be one of the most effective things a person can do to protect heart, brain, and all the body’s cells from the effects of aging and toxins in the diet and environment. In 1978, Peter D. Mitchell won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his discovery of the significance of CoQ10 in energy production. Lester Packer, Ph.D.,
WHEN WE’RE SHORT OF THIS ANTIOXIDANT
Shortages of CoQ10 are more of an issue as we age. Taking statins (such as Lipitor) further reduce the cell’s CoQ10. Muscle pain and weakness are some of the possible results of a lack of CoQ10, as every cell and system is distressed by this shortage. The brain is especially compromised by the deficit. Noticeable problems are memory decline and learning disabilities. The brain may also become more vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.
CoQ10 IS SAFE
CoQ10 is considered to be very safe. Reports of mild GI symptoms are reported in less than one percent of users. Pregnant and lactating women are advised not to take CoQ10, not because of any reported symptoms, but due to the lack of evidence of safety for the fetus or baby. Some research may have shown CoQ10 can lower anticoagulant effects of coumadin. Coumadin can be monitored and adjusted if this is an issue.
THE FORM OF CoQ10 MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Different forms of CoQ10 have very different levels of effectiveness. The more absorbable CoQ10 is also more expensive to buy, but it is much more efficient. Taking CoQ10 with meals or a little fat such as olive oil or peanut butter increases its absorption. Dosages range from 10 mg per day for preventative use to as much as 400 mg per day for people fighting cancer. An average person would benefit from 100 mg per day.
RECENT RESEARCH TO CONSIDER
A recent study shows another form of CoQ10 to possibly be more potent than the commonly found ubiquinone. This form, called ubiquinol, is actually converted from the more common ubiquinone. What is now suspected is that as our bodies age, our ability to convert ubiquinone to ubiquinol is significantly reduced. This conversion is necessary to utilize the CoQ10. Apparently the two forms of CoQ10 have different positive effects, so researchers are currently suggesting that a combination of the two may be the most effective for older people. Extensive research on human subjects to evaluate the effects of ubiquinol have not been completed. (See Claim Scrutiny)
BUYING SUPPLEMENTS ONLINE
Wellness Resources is a supplement company that I trust. They are one of the few independent companies that remain in the industry. I suggest you read more about them on their site at Wellness Resources. I have used their CoQ10 products and find them to be on par with the best supplements available. When you go to their site, search in the search field under CoQ10.
***Claim Scrutiny***
I like to point out the possible flaws in any scientific research that I put on my website. While I don’t mean to argue with myself, I think it’s important that you know I care about “who said what and why.” Companies that research their own products are certainly suspect, although they are not necessarily trying to get away with anything! The above article contained information about “ubiquinol.” There is a reference in my materials that points to a CoQ10 manufacturer, Kaneka, as “receiving” a case study about a 65-year-old man whose symptoms of low heart function were greatly reduced when he switched from ubiquinone to ubiquinol. My online research showed that Kaneka did perform a very small study in February of 2007. No one appeared to suffer from the use of ubiquinol. The research on CoQ10 in its ubiquinone form, however, has been going on for fifty years and is consistently positive. CoQ10 is also shown to restrict the growth of tumors.
LINKS TO THE BIG FIVE: CoQ10, Omega Fats, Lecithin, Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E
Be well,
Suzanna
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This is an original article by Suzanna Stinnett.
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