Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance.
CoQ10 supplements are used mostly to treat or prevent cardiovascular diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, coronary artery bypass surgery and angina. Many scientific studies have validated these uses. In addition, CoQ10 has been shown to be helpful in fighting diabetes, periodontal disease, immune deficiency, cancer, obesity and muscular dystrophy.
Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age.
CoQ10 is found in meat, fish and whole grains. The amount of CoQ10 found in these dietary sources, however, isn't enough to significantly increase CoQ10 levels in your body.
As a supplement CoQ10 help to treat certain heart conditions, as well as migraines and Parkinson's disease.
• Heart conditions: CoQ10 has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although findings are mixed, CoQ10 help to reduce blood pressure. CoQ10 aid recovery in people who've had bypass and heart valve surgeries.
• Parkinson's disease: high doses of CoQ10 can be beneficial for people in the early stages of this progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
• Statin-induced myopathy: CoQ10 can help ease muscle weakness.
• Migraines: CoQ10 can decrease the frequency of these headaches.
• Physical performance: Because CoQ10 is involved in energy production, it's believed that this supplement can improve your physical performance.
