Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like compound also called ubiquinone. It is an essential component of cells and is necessary for mitochondrial energy production. Years of research has shown that CoQ10 supports healthy cardiovascular and immune system functions in addition to its vital role in energy production. NOW CoQ10 is Pharmaceutical (USP) Grade. NOW uses only the 100% natural, all-trans form of CoQ10.
Coenzyme Q10 is beneficial for heart health in many ways. It assists in maintaining the normal oxidative state of LDL cholesterol, helps assure circulatory health, and supports optimal functioning of the heart muscle. CoQ10 may also help support the health of vessel walls. CoQ10 is a vital participant in the chain of metabolic chemical reactions that generate energy within cells. It is found in every cell of the body (the name ubiquinone stems from its ubiquity), but is present in higher concentrations in organs with higher energy requirements such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
The National Cancer Institute stated the body can use CoQ10 to protect cells from damage that might lead to cancer. Animal studies have shown it helps the immune system work better and helps the body resist infections and certain cancers, according to the institute, which also points out studies in breast cancer patients have resulted in patients improving with CoQ10 treatment.
Researchers at the University of Western Australia in Perth found that CoQ10 improved blood pressure when used by people with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the November 2002 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition" tested 74 subjects and showed it also helped control blood glucose levels.
Evidence suggests that there is often a CoQ10 deficiency in heart failures and CoQ10 plasma concentrations have also been used as a predictor of mortality in heart failure. Oxidation of the circulating LDL is thought to play a key role in causing heart attacks and strokes and ubiquinol (a form of Coenzyme Q10) in human LDL provides protection against the oxidation process, resulting in a healthy heart for you.
Studies have shown that CoQ10 benefits those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. Because chronic fatigue is a symptom of mitochondrial failure, CoQ10 provides your body, and the mitochondria cells, with the energy it needs. Higher doses of Coenzyme Q10 are required for this, with doses ranging from 200-600mg per day.
Recent clinical trials in 2007 found that the benefits of CoQ10 are the same as traditional pharmaceuticals when treating blood pressure. They also showed that they lower blood pressure without the damaging side effects that most pharmaceuticals bring. First reported in a 2004 and published in Lancet magazine, a study has shown that when combined with natural vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10 can significantly reduce inflammation and oxidative stress – two widely accepted components that are involved in the progression and development of vascular diseases.
In what could be a major medical breakthrough in the future, a 2002 study into Parkinson’s patients taking 1400mg of CoQ10 daily found that this slowed progression of the disease by 44%. Because CoQ10 is a natural ingredient which your body requires to function properly, there are no side effects.