For those who haven’t heard of it, CoQ10 supplements are fairly new, though the substance and its role in the body’s metabolic processes have been known to medical science for over fifty years. Like an electrical power cord or fuel line, CoQ10 transports energy from its point of generation in the cells to the muscles and internal organs – allowing them to function. (Think of a wire that runs from a battery to an appliance.)

In its purest form, known as ubiquinol, this substance also acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. As you probably know, anti-oxidants (found in many fruits and vegetables) from damage caused by exposure to oxygen.

At this point, you may be thinking “What? We breathe oxygen!” Actually, we breathe a mixed gas that is mostly nitrogen, with an admixture of oxygen. It is true that our bodies require oxygen in order to process and use the energy contained in the food we eat; however, oxygen is also a powerfully corrosive substance. In the same way that oxygen can eat away at ferrous metals (those containing iron) in he process known as rust, oxygen molecules can eat away at our cells. Over time, this cellular damage manifests itself as a range of degenerative diseases that medical science associates with the aging process.

While eating vegetables such as leafy greens, cabbages and fruits like berries is an excellent way to protect one’s cells from oxidation, taking CoQ10 supplements is a good idea – because while our bodies produce this in abundance in our younger years, that production begins to drop off significantly after age forty. This is why a growing number of health care specialists are recommending supplements.

These supplements are fairly new – and with any new supplement or medication, there is always concern about possible side effects. The good news here is that CoQ10 side effects are relatively mild and in most cases, disappear once someone has been taking it for a few weeks.

This said, those who suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes should not start taking CoQ10 supplements without discussing it with their primary care physician. Those with questions about CoQ10 side effects should visit http://www.Ubiquinol.org.

Coq10 research continues to reveal new potential applications for its use in human health. Coq10, also known as Coenzyme Q10, is a vitamin-like substance found in nearly every cell of the human body. It has an important function as the primary driver of ATP- the form of energy that 95% of the body runs on, as well as being an important antioxidant. We produce less of it as we age, and recent research is showing that deficiencies are correlated with a number of diseases and disease processes.

One potential application for Coq10 is for treating high blood pressure. Initial coq10 research indicates that it can help decrease blood pressure. Hypertension has been associated with low level of coq10, but it is not known whether the low levels are a cause of hypertension or a result. More research is needed in this area.

Initial studies suggest that coq10 supplementation may help those suffering from age-related macular degeneration. Low levels have been correlated with the condition. Research into coq10′s potential application for this condition is ongoing.

Coq10 is also proving to have benefits for gum health and periodontal disease. Gum tissue affected by gingivitis has been found to have low levels of coq10. Supplementation appears to reduce inflammation associated with periodontal disease, and decrease bleeding and depth of periodontal pockets.

It may also have applications for Parkinson’s patients. A study at the University of California at San Diego found that supplementation resulted in significant improvements in intellectual function, mood, and physical movement. Coq10 appears to slow the disease’s progression rather than halt it.

Supplementation with coq10 also appears to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study done at Duke University Medical Center. The study suggests that coq10 may help sufferers improve their quality of life and live longer.

Coq10 research is ongoing in regards to its role in heart health, the area that may prove to be the most promising. One study found that patients who supplemented following a heart attack were significantly less likely to have another heart attack or suffer chest pain.

A healthy body starts requires taking in the appropriate vitamins and minerals for the best functioning possible. Among the considerations many look into when trying to get healthy are the supplements that can help fill the vitamin gaps in the diet. Among the supplements many consider are coenzyme Q10 supplements. CoQ10 has many health benefits that might make it ideal for anti-aging, heart health, improved energy and better overall health. Before taking any supplement, it is important to determine a healthy dose for individual needs.

The average CoQ10 dosage for most adult individuals will vary based on the age group and the needs of the body. While the exact dosage often varies, some averages make it easy to avoid taking too much or too little.
Generally, adults who are 18 years old or older can take anywhere from 30 mg of CoQ10 to 200 mg of CoQ10.

Lower CoQ10 dosages are common among those who are younger because the body is able to naturally break down the enzyme into a useable form from the supplement and foods. This means less is needed because the body has already absorbed more than older adults.

Older adults often need to take between 100 mg and 200 mg due to the body’s less efficient system of breaking down the enzymes in the supplement and foods. The body needs more of the enzyme to perform the same fatigue fighting tasks as humans’ age.

Anyone who feels they might have a deficiency should discuss the concern with a doctor, regardless of age. Some individuals might need to take more of the supplement to balance out the needs of their body. Younger adults might sometimes need a dosage as high as 100 mg or more due to deficiencies or lower absorption rates.

Children should not take the supplement unless directed by a doctor. While it is non-toxic and safe, studies have not shown the effects on children.

The appropriate dosage of any supplement varies depending on individual needs. In some cases, individuals might need to take more CoQ10 for their personal health than an average suggests is normal. Doctors will often make suggestions for those who need higher dosages.