Coenzyme Q10 (Co Enzyme Q-10) Side Effects, Benefits

Coenzyme (Co Q10 ubiquinone) is a vitamin-like, non-toxic compound that plays a critical role in generating energy within the power plants of our cells (the mitochondria), and is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts damaging free radical activity with no known side effects. There is a large (and rapidly growing) body of evidence that Co Q10 supplements can enhance cardiovascular issues while maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.  In addition, cognitive enhancement has been observed in studies along with slowing/reversing breast cell hyper-division.  Further, the Co Q10 phenomenon has been shown to extend lifespan in laboratory animals. New Breast Studies One of the pioneering scientists in the exploration of the clinical benefits of CoQ10 is Karl Folkers of the Institute for Biomedical Research at the University of Texas in Austin.  Dr. Folkers has been conducting Co enzyme Q10 research for about 35 years, and has edited several textbooks on the subject. Recently, Dr. Folkers has been collaborating with Knud Lockwood, Sven Moesgaard, and other scientists at a Private outpatient clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark to assess the benefits of Co Q10 in breast issues with some truly remarkable results.

In the first study, 32 patients with unhealthy breasts, aged 32-81, who were classified as "high-risk" were given an "Adjuvant Nutritional Protocol."

The daily nutrients added to their treatment were: 2,850 mg of vitamin C, 2,500 mg of vitamin E, 58 mg of beta-carotene, 387 micrograms of selenium (plus secondary vitamins and minerals), 1.2 gm of gamma linolenic acid, 3.5 gm of n-3 fatty acids, and 90 mg of Coenzyme Q10.

The Danish scientists found that: "Six of the 32 patients showed significant improvement, none of the patients died during the study period (the expected number was four), none of the patients showed signs of further abnormal cell division, and the quality of life was improved (no weight loss, reduced use of pain killers) in all the patients studied.  After 24 months, all the patients were still alive."

Raising The Dosage of Co-Q10
The positive results of this study led the scientists to increase the dose of Co Q10 to 390 mg per day in one of the patients, a 59-year-old woman with a family history.  This woman had been operated on in July 1991.

The woman was put on the nutritional regimen described above in October 1991.  In October 1993, her daily intake of Co Q10 was raised to 390 mg/day.  "In November 1993, the problem area was no longer palpable.  A Mammography in December 1993 confirmed normal conditions with no signs ..."

Encouraged by this complete regression, they began to give 390 mg per day of Coenzyme Q10 to a 74-year old woman.  Late in 1993, the patient was given daily doses of 390 mg of Co Q10 and: "On January 25, 1994, clinical examination revealed no evidence of breast issues.  Mammography revealed no problem areas.  As of February 1994, therapy continues with 300 mg Co Q10.  Clinical condition is excellent."

Additional Cases
Since then, the Danish scientists (and Folkers) have reported the results of treating three additional patients with 390 mg a day of Co enzyme Q10 in addition to a conventional protocol.  They reported:  "The numerous problem areas in the liver of a 44-year-old patient disappeared, with no negative signs or side effects found elsewhere.  A 49-year-old patient, on a dose of 390 mg of Co Q10, revealed no problems in the pleural cavity after six months and her condition was excellent.  A 75-year-old patient with one breast issue showed no aberrant cell division after receiving 390 mg per day of Coenzyme Q10."

Dr. Lockwood is an oncologist (in Denmark) who has been treating 200 cases a year for the past 35 years.  He says "I have never seen a spontaneous complete regression of a 1.5-2.0 cm area.  Dr. Lockwood is amazed at the phenomenon of Co-enzyme Q10 and is continuing (with his colleagues) to work with patients with 390 mg per day of Co Q1O.

Protection With Co-Q10
Dr. Folkers has found that patients have significantly lower blood levels of Co Q10 than normal people.  This finding, combined with the remarkable results of treating people with Co Q10 in Denmark, is persuasive evidence that taking supplemental Coenzyme Q10 can support women with breast issues.

To support preventive side effects, a dosage of 100 mg per day of Co Q10 is recommended.  Women who are at high risk for breast issues because of a family history, may want to consider 200-300 mg a day of Co enzyme Q10.

The Brain
Here are the highlights from a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (1998; 95):

• When coenzyme Q10 was administered to middle-age and old rats, the level of coQ10 increased by 10% to 40% in the cerebral cortex region of the brain.  This increase was sufficient to restore levels of coQ10 to those seen in young animals.

• After only two months of coQ10 supplementation, mitochondrial energy expenditure in the brain increased by 29% compared to the group not getting coQ10.  The human equivalent dose of coQ10 to achieve these results was 100+ mg a day.

• When a neurotoxin was administered, coQ10 helped protect against damage to the striatal region of the brain where dopamine is produced.

• When coQ10 was administered to rats genetically bred to develop ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), a significant increase in survival time was observed.

The conclusion by the scientists:  Co-Q10 may exert neuroprotective positive side effects that might be useful in the treatment of neuro-related issues.

This study showed that short-term supplementation with moderate amounts of coQ10 produced profound positive effects in the brain.  Previous studies have shown that coQ10 may protect the brain via several mechanisms including reduction in free radical generation and protection against glutamate-inducted excitotoxicity.  This study documented that orally supplemented co-Q10 specifically enhanced metabolic energy levels of brain cells.  While this effect in the brain has been previously postulated, the new study provides even more evidence.

Based on the types of brain cell injury that coQ10 protected against, the scientists suggested that it may support issues associated with Huntington's and Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).  It was noted that while vitamin E benefits mice, it does not increase survival time.  CoQ10 was suggested as a more effective treatment strategy than vitamin E because survival time was increased in mice treated with coQ10.

CoQ10 may be a supportive nutrient for those with Parkinson's disease. (Reference: Annals of Neurology (1997 August).  A study showed that the brain cells of Parkinson's patients have a specific impairment that causes the disruption of healthy mitochondrial function.  It is known that "mitochondrial disorder" causes cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain to malfunction and die, thus creating a shortage of dopamine.

An interesting finding was that coQ10 levels in Parkinson's patients were 35% lower than age-matched controls.  This deficit of coQ10 caused a significant reduction in the activity of enzyme complexes that are critical to the mitochondrial function of the brain cells affected by those with Parkinson's.

The ramifications of this study are significant.  Parkinson's disease is becoming more prevalent as human lifespan increases.  The new study confirms previous studies showing that Parkinson's disease possibly could be related to coQ10 deficiency.

The conclusion by the scientists:  The causes of Parkinson's disease are unknown.  Evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxygen free radicals may be involved in its pathogenesis.  The dual function of coQ10 as a constituent of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and a potent antioxidant suggest that it has potential.

Aging and the Mitochondria
CoQ10 levels decrease with aging.  Depletion is caused by reduced synthesis of coQ10 in the body along with increased oxidation of coQ10 in the mitochondria.  A coQ10 deficit results in the inactivation of enzymes needed for mitochondrial energy production, whereas supplementation with coQ10 preserves mitochondrial function.

Aged humans have only 50% of the coQ10 compared to young adults, thus making coQ10 one of the most important supplements for people to consider.

Co Q10 is one of the most important supplements on this list to take on a daily basis.  Thousands of published studies show that ginkgo biloba, acetyl-L-carnitine, and coQ10 play a critical role in brain cell energy metabolism, not only in healthy people, but also in those suffering from neurological issues.

Warnings Information:

• Keep out of reach of children,

• For the most benefits, do not exceed recommended dosage,

• If you have a bad reaction or side effects, discontinue use immediately,

• When using Coenzyme Co Q10 supplements, please inform your physician.