Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring substance and an essential component of the mitochondria - the energy-producing unit within all our cells.
It is found in every cell, tissue, and organ in the body, being more concentrated in organs that require the most energy like the heart, liver, muscles, and kidneys. It is a fat-soluble nutrient produced naturally in our bodies. Small amounts can be found in some foods like olive oil, nuts, fish, and meat, but the average daily intake of CoQ10 is only three to six milligrams per day.
As a fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 is associated with the protection of fats in the body. An example of these include the fatty tissues of the brain and nervous system, cell membranes, and cholesterol. CoQ10 has been shown to supress gum inflammation for those with periodontal disease. It also may be of benefit for male fertility, as in sperm cells the energy for movement and all other energy-dependent processes in the sperm cell depend on the availability of Coenzyme Q10.
Ubiquinone is immediately converted in the body into ubiquinol in the cells of a healthy young person, with at least 80 per cent of CoQ10 in the blood in the form of ubiquinol. However, CoQ10 levels in the body begin to decrease from about the age of 30 and our body’s ability to make the conversion from ubiquinone to ubiquinol becomes less efficient with age.
Statins which are frequently prescribed to lower cholesterol work by preventing the body from making cholesterol in the first place; however statins also prevent the body from making Coenzyme Q10, so for many statin users supplementing with CoQ10 can reduce side effects in people sensitive to statins. Coenzyme Q10 is available in both the ubiquinone and ubiquinol forms in doses up to 200mg.
Nutritionist Sarah Fergus will be in store on Thursday, September 15 from 2-4pm giving free advice so please call in with your queries. Sarah will be doing tastings on Nature’s Plus Children’s vitamins, Magnesium powder, and Ultra Green Juice.
For further information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Irishtown, Athlone on (090 ) 6487993.
