A Critical Nutrient for the Cardiovascular System

Coenzyme Q10, often referred to as Co-Q10, is a nutrient that is critically involved in cardiovascular metabolism. Since its discovery in 1948, there has been substantial information pointing to the need to classify Co-Q10 as a vitamin. Dr. Karl Folkers, a pioneer in vitaminology and one of the discoverers of Co-Q10, believed that it should be classified as a vitamin. Vitamins are essential nutrients that we cannot synthesize; vitamins must be consumed through our diet via food or dietary supplements.

Co-Q10 is a compound that we can synthesize in our tissues and also obtain in varying amounts from the diet. However, the amount synthesized is small in comparison to our daily requirement and aging reduces the ability to synthesize this compound. Poor intestinal absorption of Co-Q10 amplifies the problem. Aging, again, makes matters worse.

As Dr. Folkers showed towards the end of his career, the body begins to lose the ability to extract Co-Q10 from food as age advances. For individuals suffering from cardiac disorders, a significant portion of the Co-Q10 requirement must be met through the intake of Co-Q10 supplements. For these and other reasons, scientists are just now beginning to suggest that Co-Q10 should be classified as an essential or at least a conditionally essential vitamin.

Where is it Found? What Does it Do?

Coenzyme Q10 is also known as ubiquinone because it is so widely distributed in plan and animal cells. Its chemical structure is related to that of Vitamin E and K. There are Co-Qs with other numbers, such as Co-Q9, but only Co-Q10 is active in humans. It is necessary for energy production, immune response and protection against damage by free radicals. New discoveries are still being made with regard to its benefits and delivery.

Co-Q10 is part of the mitochondrial electron transport system and is synthesized in all cells. It is essential to the body's production of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This holds special importance for the heart, which is spectacularly endowed with mitochondria and generally has the body's highest concentration of Co-Q10, although this nutrient may be relatively even more abundant in the brain.

Within the mitochondria, Co-Q10 is utilized in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. More than 90% of the energy of our cells is produced from the aerobic respiration that takes place in the mitochondria (in the inner lipid cristae membrane portion). Co-Q10 facilitates electron transfer within this inner membrane for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the useable unit of energy.

Co-Q10 is not found just within the cell's organelles - Co-Q10 is also naturally present in the membranes of cells. Here one function of Co-Q10 is to make sure the membranes remain flexible. The fluidity of the membranes is crucial to proper physical performance inasmuch as membrane fluidity affects membrane receptors, carriers and enzymes.

Scientists have yet to unravel all of the mechanisms by which Co-Q10 acts in the body. For instance, recent research indicates that this nutrient plays a role in blood pressure regulation. Neither antioxidant nor mitochondrial actions by Co-Q10 appear to explain this role. Other areas in which Co-Q10 is important involve kidney function, periodontal (gum) health, blood sugar regulation and cognitive functioning into old age. It even has been suggested that Co-Q10 may be involved in regulating body weight.

Source: Jarrow Formulas

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Scientific References

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Appelkvist E.L., Kalen A, Dallner G. Biosynthesis and regulation of Co-Q. Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Co-Q. Amsterdam: Delsevier, 1991; 141-50.

Folkers K., Langsjoen P., Willis R., et. al. Lovastatin decreases Co-Q levels in humans. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1990; 87: 8931-34.

Folkers K. and Yamamura Y. (Eds.) (1977, 80, 81, 84) Biomedical and Clinical Aspects of Coenzyme Q Vols, I-IV, Delsevier, Amsterdam.

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Hodgson JM, Watts GF, Playford DA, Burke V, Croft KD. Coenzyme Q (10) improves blood pressure and glycaemic control: a controlled trial in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov; 56(11): 1137-42.

Mabuchi H, Higashikata T, Kawashiri M, Katsuda S, Mizuno M, Nohara A, Inazu A, Koizumi J, Kobayashi J. Reduction of serum ubiquinol-10 and ubiquinone-10 levels by atorvastatin in hypercholesterolemic patients. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2005; 12(2): 111-9.

Piava H, Thelen KM, Van Coster R, Smet J, De Paepe B, Mattila KM, Laakso J, Lehtimaki T, von Bergmann K, Lutjohann D, Laaksonen R. High-dose statins and skeletal muscle metabolism in humans: a randomized, controlled trial. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2005 Jul; 78(1): 60-8.

Silver MA, Langsjoen PH, Szabo S, Patil H, Zelinger A. Effect of atrovastatin on left ventricular diastolic function and ability of Coenzyme Q10 to reverse that dysfunction. Am J Cardiol. 2004 Nov 15; 94(10): 1306-10.