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
Belardinelli R, et al. Coenzyme Q10
potentates the effect of exercise training on the endothelium-dependent
relaxation of the brachial artery in chronic heart failure. American Heart Association Supplement to Circulation. October 28, 2003. Vol. 108 (17), pg. 739.
Kalen A, Norling B, Appelkvist E.L, Dallner G. Ubiquinone biosynthesis by the microsomal fraction from rat liver. Biochem Biophys, Acta 1987; 926; 70-78.
Lenaz G, Esposito, M.D. Physical properties of ubiquinone in model systems and membranes. In: Lenaz, G. ed. Coenzyme Q. Chichester: Wiley, 1985.
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.
Booth R.F.F., Galanopoulou D.G. and Quinn P.J. (1982) Biochem. Int. 5: 151-56.
Greenberg S. and Frishman W. Coenzyme Q10: a new drug for myocardial ischemia? Medical Clinics of North America 1988; 72; 243-53.
Thomas SR, Neuzil J, Stocker R. Cosupplementation
with coenzyme Q prevents the prooxidant effect of alpha-tocopherol and
increases the resistance of LDL to transition metal-dependent oxidation
initiation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1996 May; 16(5): 687-96.
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.
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