What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 is an essential nutrient that is found in every cell of your body. You produce CoQ10 up until around the age of 30 when production starts to decrease and deficiency signs can begin to show.

How does CoQ10 work?

CoQ10 is involved in every single degree of energy production in your body. Energy production cannot happen without CoQ10. It is found in highest concentrations in your heart muscle, where energy demand is very high. CoQ10, as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, helps reduce oxidative stress in your body. It has the unique ability to regenerate and prolong the antioxidant activity of Vitamin E by regenerating oxidised Vitamin E back to its original antioxidant form. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 reduces the oxidation of fats (which is what makes fats dangerous in your body) helping to maintain and stabilise healthy blood vessels. Because all cellular functions are dependent on energy production, CoQ10 is essential for the health of every cell in your body.

Who would benefit from taking CoQ10?

• Anyone over 30. Your body’s ability to produce CoQ10 decreases after the age of 27, which means that as you age your levels of CoQ10 decrease, thus increasing the risk of deficiency.
• Those who exercise regularly. Physical exercise markedly depletes muscle CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 supports stamina, endurance and assists during physical exercise and with post-exercise recovery.
• Those who take Statin medications as they adversely impact your body’s production of CoQ10. Other medications may also lead to a CoQ10 deficiency.
• Migraine sufferers. Dysfunctional cellular energy production is proposed as a cause of migraine headache. CoQ10 improves energy production helping to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and the number of migraine days.
• Chronic gum disease sufferers as they have been found to be deficient in CoQ10.
• Those with cardiovascular disease including heart failure, hypertension and angina.
• High altitude travellers.
• Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s sufferers. Dysfunctional cellular energy production is implicated in Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Heart patients before cardiovascular surgery, to help reduce complications and speed-up recovery.

What may cause a CoQ10 deficiency?

• Nutritional deficiencies in your diet may impair or reduce production of CoQ10
• The natural process of ageing sees a decrease in your body’s ability to produce CoQ10
• Various medications can reduce CoQ10;
• Excessive physical exertion or illness can deplete CoQ10

Typically, deficiency symptoms of CoQ10 may include cardiovascular disease, chronic gum disease, fatigue, lack of stamina, muscle soreness and cramping.

Can I get CoQ10 from my diet?

Dietary sources of CoQ10 are particularly poor sources of the nutrient with the highest only providing around 3mg per 100g of food consumed. Meat and fish are the main sources of CoQ10 although broccoli, cauliflower, nuts, soy, spinach, sesame seeds and rice bran also contain smaller quantities of CoQ10.

What are the different forms of CoQ10?

CoQ10 is available in two forms: synthetic or natural. Synthetic CoQ10 is chemically fermented from tobacco and is not considered a pure form of the nutrient. Synthetic forms of CoQ10 are difficult for your body to absorb. Natural CoQ10 is naturally fermented from bacteria or yeast and is the preferred form as it’s identical to the body’s own CoQ10 with better absorption. Kaneka from Japan manufacture what is considered the ‘gold standard’ of CoQ10 supplements around the world.

How much should I take?

150mg-300mg daily is typical for assisting cardiovascular disease, energy production and migraine prevention. CoQ10 in an oil base offers the best absorption otherwise it should be taken with food containing some form of fat. CoQ10 is non-toxic and extremely well tolerated.

Specific benefits of Herbs of Gold CoQ10 in Rice Bran Oil

Herbs of Gold Co Q10 150 MAX is in a Rice Bran Oil base that brings enhanced absorption and is soy free. Most Co Q10 products contain Vitamin E sourced from soy products, making it unsuitable for those with soy related allergies or oestrogen dependant health conditions. Rice bran oil is a great alternative for those wishing to avoid soy. Rice bran oil provides greater stability from oxidation due to its high content of tocotrienols, powerful antioxidants that belong to the Vitamin E family.

Recommended Dose:

Adults - Take 1 capsule daily, with food or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Children under 12 years - Only as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Ask a naturopath at Mr Vitamins for more advice on what is best for you. Find out more about Herbs of Gold Co Q10 150 MAX